“Florida ranks fourth in the United States for the number of K-12 students eligible for Federal Food Assistance programs. In Lee County, more than 62% of K-12 students participate in those programs,” said Scott Fischer, BIB Lee County Board Chairman. “With the Fiddlesticks Foundation’s commitment to our cause, we were able to add a third school to our program. We cannot thank them enough and look forward to a rewarding relationship in the years to come.”

Blessings in a Backpack is designed to feed elementary school children whose families qualify for the federally funded Free/Reduce Price Meal program and have little or no food on the weekends. Better test scores, improved reading skills, positive behavior, improved health and increased attendance have all been attributed to the success of this program. It costs $80 to feed one American schoolchild in the program for an entire 38-week school year.

“We are proud to put our support behind this crucial program for the children in Lee County,” said Earl Holland, Foundation President, as he presented the check for $22,320 to Denise Luster, Principal of James Stephens International Academy.

In its nine years, the Nichols-Fiddlesticks Charity Foundation has raised $3,934,695 for children’s charities. This year’s Nichols Cup Celebrity Pro-Am tournament, tennis tournament and kids walk-a-thon, held in February at Fiddlesticks Country Club, were overwhelmingly successful. In April, the two main recipients–the Children’s Advocacy Center of SW FL and Abuse Counseling and Treatment Inc.—were each given $373,500. This latest donation to Blessings in a Backpack raises this year’s total giving to $792,320.

The Bobby Nichols Fiddlesticks Charity Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded in 2002, is a group of Fiddlesticks members known as Pipers who volunteer to organize and run charity events. The mission of the Pipers and the Foundation is to raise funds specifically for local children’s charities, while recognizing Bobby Nichols, a Fiddlesticks resident since its inception and winner of 14 PGA Tour tournaments. With this year’s events, the Foundation has now raised $3,934, 695 for local children’s charities such as ACT and the Children’s Advocacy Center.

Photo Caption: L-R Back Row: Anika Carter, Asst. Principal; Mark Macchia, Asst. Principal; Cia Sherman, BIB Board Administrator; Bobby Nichols; Robb Smith, Foundation Board. L-R Front Row: Dana Vidussi, BIB Board; Denise Luster, Principal; Earl Holland, Foundation President; Nancy Clair, Foundation Board.

FAST FACTS

HISTORY:
The Bobby Nichols Fiddlesticks Charity Foundation, founded in 2002, is a group of Fiddlesticks members, known as Pipers, who volunteer to organize and run an annual celebrity pro-am invitational golf tournament for the following purposes:

MISSION STATEMENT
1. Generate funds to return to the community via charitable contributions. These contributions have been earmarked for abused and underprivileged children.
2. Recognize the contributions and accomplishments of Bobby Nichols, winner of 14 PGA Tour tournaments including the 1964 PGA Championship and 1974 Canadian Open. (Bobby has been a resident of Fiddlesticks since its inception.)
3. Generate positive publicity and raise the visibility of our Fiddlesticks community.

Nine tournaments have raised $3,912,375 for local children’s charities. Funds are raised through golf, tennis and walkathon events with tournament sponsorships, raffles, live and silent auctions.

NON-PROFIT STATUS:
A 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization. All donations are tax deductible.

GOVERNANCE:
Board consists of 12 Fiddlesticks members. Board members serve without pay and each pays his/her own Piper dues and tournament fees. One Fiddlesticks staff member acts as tournament coordinator and an outside bookkeeper is employed.

HISTORY OF GIVING:
2003–$132,000
2004–$200,000
2005–$200,000
2006–$350,000
2007–$480,000
2008–$580,000
2009–$571,800
2010–$631,000
2011–$792,320

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Bobby Nichols-Fiddlesticks Charity Foundation
President: Earl Holland
c/o Fiddlesticks Country Club
239-850-1755
olms95@aol.com
15391 Canongate Drive
Ft. Myers, FL 33912
http://www.nicholscub.org

FOUNDATION BOARD:

• Bobby Nichols, Chairman Emeritus
• Earl Holland, President
• Jack Rogers, Exec. VP
• Nancy Clair, Secretary
• Mike Lancellot, Treasurer
• Suzanne Moss
• Mike Sherman
• Robb Smith
• Gerry Wolken
• Marc Lobdell
• Bob Martin

TWO EVENTS RAISE NEARLY $12,000 FOR HUNGRY KIDS

2^nd Annual Girls Night Out Event & Fall Fashion Show Raise Awareness & Funds

FORT MYERS, Fla. – October 19, 2010 – Blessings in a Backpack is excited to announce that both their 2^nd Annual “Girls’ Night Out” (GNO) Event and Harley-Davidson Fall Fashion Show hosted by the Edison Restaurant and Bar, raised nearly $12,000 for the hungry children in Lee County.

In excess of 200 women attended the ladies networking and fundraising GNO event at Harley-Davidson of Fort Myers last month, mingling with other guests and learning more about the mission of Blessings in a Backpack. One lucky gal won the “The Ultimate GNO” involving a yacht and a pub crawl for her and a few friends.

“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who attended, sponsored and volunteered for both these events,” commented Peri Bluemer, Blessings in a Backpack Lee County board member and event chair. “As a result, 150 children will be fed for an entire school year!”

2^nd ANNUAL “GIRLS NIGHT OUT” EVENT TO BENEFIT BLESSINGS IN A BACKPACK

September 30^th at Harley-Davidson of Fort Myers

FORT MYERS, Fla. – June 7, 2010 – Blessings in a Backpack is excited to announce they will be hosting the 2^nd Annual Girls’ Night Out (GNO) event on Thursday, September 30^th at Harley-Davidson of Fort Myers.

In excess of 300 women are expected to attend this fun-filled, ladies networking evening from 5:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Complete with delectable food and wine, raffle items, motorcycle photo ops, swag bags filled with goodies and more. The organization hopes to raise more than $10,000, which was raised at least year’s event. Guests will have a chance to mingle, learn more about Blessings in a Backpack, and get to hear about the impact this organization has had directly from children in Lee County.

The best prize up for grabs is “The Ultimate GNO.” Anyone who sponsors a child will be entered in the drawing for an Ultimate GNO evening involving a limo bus, yacht and a pub crawl for the winner and three friends. Anyone who sponsors ten children will also get four tickets to the Ultimate Girls Night Out.

Tickets, priced at only $20, are going fast and participants are encouraged to register in advance on the website at www.blessingsinleeco.org.

Peri Bluemer, Blessings in a Backpack Lee County board member and event chair. “Our hope is that we will pack the house and open these ladies’ eyes to this incredible organization, in turn helping many more kids at Tice Elementary and Edgewood Elementary and ultimately throughout Southwest Florida.”

LEE COUNTY ASSOCIATION FOR WOMEN LAWYERS RAISE OVER $600 FOR LOCAL BLESSINGS IN A BACKPACK PROGRAM

FORT MYERS, Fla. – May 18, 2009 – The Lee County Association for Women Lawyers is happy to announce they have raised over $600 during their fundraiser to benefit the local Blessings in a Backpack program.

On the evening of May 11^th, over 40 female, legal professionals enjoyed complimentary mini-massages and mini-manicures from the wonderful staff of Vincent Salon and Spa as well as a fashion show featuring wardrobe ensembles from Janet Marie Studios.  The models, all Lee County lawyers, showed that there is “Life Beyond the Ann Taylor Suit.”  Members of the Lee County Association for Women Lawyers enjoyed the evening of wine and fellowship to benefit the local chapter of Blessings in a Backpack.

“The evening provided a great opportunity to network in a relaxed atmosphere” remarked Noelle Melanson, President of the Lee County Association for Women Lawyers.  “It is important to us to support our local community and we are excited to be able to benefit the Blessings in a Backpack organization.”

In addition to the funds already donated, Vincent Salon and Spa, as well as Janet Marie Studios, have agreed to contribute 5% of their proceeds for services booked through the event to the local Blessings in a Backpack program.

“We are so grateful for this organization and their members’ support of Blessings in a Backpack,” commented Scott Fischer, Chairman of the local Blessings board. “With their support and that of the community’s we will really be able to make an impact in local needy children’s lives.”

Lee County Association for Women Lawyers is the local chapter of the Florida Association for Women Lawyers, a voluntary bar association that was formed in 1951 to promote women’s rights and the common interests of women lawyers. For more information please visit www.fawl.org.

CALLING ALL BASEBALL & SOFTBALL FANS & PLAYERS!

2010 CO-ED SLOW-PITCH SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT BENEFITTING BLESSINGS IN A BACKPACK NEEDS PLAYERS

FORT MYERS, Fla. – May 7, 2010 – If you’re a baseball or softball fan or player and like to support the community, we have the event of the year for you! Come join in the 2010 Co-Ed Slow-Pitch Softball Tournament on Saturday, June 26^th at the Twins Baseball Stadium Softball Complex. First place gets $500, second $300 and third $150!

Benefitting the nonprofit organization, Blessings in a Backpack, we’re raising money to feed the area’s hungry children at Tice Elementary and Edgewood Academy. Team registration is $200 with a 20 team limit. The form is available online here. Each team must have 10 players with 5 men and 5 women on the field at all times. Players must be 16 years or older and final rosters are due by June 17^th. Players cannot play on multiple teams. Team sponsors are allowed, or individuals can pay $20 each.

To cover the expenses of the games and raise more money for Blessings in a Backpack a secure PayPal account has been set up by the Gateway Gazette at http://ed-ryan.blogspot.com/. Volunteers are needed for the cookout as are people to help promote the event and distribute flyers. We’re also in need of umpires and will pay $10 per game. For details, please email edryan@fortmyersfitness.com.

For more information about Blessings in a Backpack and the services they offer or how you can help, please contact Ursula Brantley at (239) 690-4641 or ursulab@harleyflorida.com.

ONE CHILD ONE HOUSE

Blessings in a Backpack Calls on Area Neighborhoods to Support Local Hungry Children

FORT MYERS, Fla. – May 10, 2010 – What if your family could ensure one child had food for the weekend during the school year? What if with your neighbors you could take care of entire class? You can! Blessings in a Backpack is launching “One Child One House,” a campaign to help residents do just that.

Thousands of children in Lee County are going hungry and their futures are suffering as a result. Without proper nutrition over the weekend, students have difficulty paying attention, learning and attending school. Blessings in a Backpack is working to help decrease this number by providing food to children on Federal Free or Reduced Lunch programs over the weekend. The success of the program is proven by higher attendance, increased health and accelerated reading skills and positive behavior.

“Blessings in a Backpack is the most positive community supported program I’ve had the privilege of being involved with in my thirty-four years in education,” commented Tice Elementary Principal Jim Jackson. “We’ve seen marked improvement in attendance and academic achievement in the year and half that Tice has been a Blessings in a Backpack school.”

One Child One House is calling neighbors to band together and support the cause, one family at a time. It’s as easy as gathering the provided supplies from Blessings in a Backpack and talking to your neighbors. Participants get stickers denoting they are sponsoring a child, neighbor letters, donation cards & envelopes and more.

If each house in every neighborhood sponsors one child in need, we could eliminate child hunger in this community.

“We are so excited to launch this program. It’s an excellent way for every household in Southwest Florida to get involved,” commented Scott Fischer, Chairman of the local Blessings initiative. “It’s as easy as one family sponsoring one child. With continued community support we look forward to continuing to expand into other area schools.”

BLESSINGS IN A BACKPACK EXPANDS TO EDGEWOOD ACADEMY

Nonprofit Provides Food for Children on Free or Reduced Lunch over the Weekend

FORT MYERS, Fla. – March 15, 2010 – In November 2008 five local business men started collaborating with Blessings in a Backpack to provide food for kids at Tice Elementary over the weekend. A year and a half later, this same group has formed a board and now is proud to announce their expansion into Edgewood Academy in East Fort Myers.

Led by Principal Lorie Trombetti, Edgewood Academy strives to help students gain knowledge of traditional academics, develop a sense of self -pride and learn to respect their peers, school, community and country. It was founded in 1924 and currently has 96% students on the Free or Reduced Lunch Program, qualifying to participate in the Blessings in a Backpack program.

“We are so excited to be involved with another school, especially Edgewood with its incredible need,” commented Scott Fischer, Chairman of the local Blessings initiative. “We’re here to help the kids succeed. With continued community support we look forward to continuing to expand into other schools.”

Always in need of donations, all funds donated to Blessings in a Backpack are tax deductible. Only $80 can feed one child for an entire year. To donate, please visit www.blessingsinleeco.org or mail a check made out to “Blessings in a Backpack” to 5781 Lee Boulevard, Suite 208-209, Lehigh Acres, FL 33971.

Blessings in a Backpack is a program designed to feed elementary school children who qualify for the federal free and reduced meal program and may not have any or enough food on the weekends. Eighty dollars feeds a child for an entire school year. All donations go directly to the local, Tice Elementary or Edgewood Academy students. For more information please call 239-690-4649 or visit www.blessingsinleeco.org or contact the local effort via mail at 5781 Lee Boulevard, Suite 208-239 Lehigh Acres, Florida 33971.

GOLF TOURNEY GATHERS BUSINESSMEN TO BENEFIT HUNGRY KIDS

Annual Slaw Dog Golf Tournament by Paul Sands & Scott Fischer Raised Over $8,000 for Blessings in a Backpack!

FORT MYERS, Fla. – December 22, 2009 – On Thursday, December 17^th 112 players gathered the 13^th Annual Slaw Dog Tournament, for one cause – helping children in Lee County get fed. They accomplished their goal, raising over $8,000 for Blessings in a Backpack, a local nonprofit organization providing weekend food for children on the Federal Free or Reduced Lunch program.

The Slaw Dog Tournament, an event born of locals’, Paul Sands and Scott Fischer, wish to celebrate the season and give back to local charities has benefited numerous charities in past years, but choice Blessings because of the increased need for food in the area.

The tourney was held at Cypress Lake Country Club, where it’s been every year since inception. The 28 – 4 man teams showed incredible support for the community even though many were facing hard times themselves.

“These men gave generously of themselves, their time and their funds. We are so thankful and excited by the results and what it means for the children of this area,” commented Scott Fischer, Chairman of the local Blessings board. “With the support of these community leaders, we will be able to make a greater impact in local needy children’s lives.”

The collected funds will go directly to the local Blessings in a Backpack efforts, helping more than 100 children for an entire school year, at the $80 per student, per year rate. For more information about the organization and how to donate, please visit www.blessingsinleeco.org.

Blessings in a Backpack is a program designed to feed elementary school children who qualify for the federal free and reduced meal program and may not have any or enough food on the weekends. Eighty dollars feeds a child for an entire school year. All donations go directly to the local, Tice Elementary students. For more information please visit www.blessingsinleeco.org or contact the local effort via mail at 5781 Lee Boulevard suite 208-239 Lehigh Acres, Florida 33971.

LOCAL BLESSINGS IN A BACKPACK AND BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF LEE COUNTY TEAM UP WITH PUBLIX, PROVIDE SCHOOL SUPPLIES AS STUDENTS RETURN TO SCHOOL

FORT MYERS, Fla. – August 24, 2009 – Last Tuesday trucks left the Publix on College Parkway and U.S. 41 full, but not with food. They were filled with school supplies collected from approximately 30 various Publix locations in the area, designated for underprivileged children. The original recipients, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County, were generous enough to share the overflow of materials with Blessings in a Backpack to help the children at Tice Elementary.

One of the area’s leading low income schools, 96% of the students at Tice are enlisted in the federal free and reduced meal program, the highest percentage in the county. Blessings in a Backpack currently offers these children backpacks filled with food for the weekend in an effort to feed their bodies, and their mind, helping them succeed in school. In just one year of operation the school’s FCAT score has increased from a “C” to a “B”, the first increase in four years.

“While not our primary initiative, we are ecstatic to provide the children of Tice with these supplies for the new school year,” commented Scott Fischer, Chairman of the local Blessings effort. “We’re so thankful for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County and Publix for sharing with us, on behalf of the children at this school.”

Blessings in a Backpack is a program designed to feed elementary school children who qualify for the federal free and reduced meal program and may not have any or enough food on the weekends. Eighty dollars feeds a child for an entire school year. All donations go directly to the local, Tice Elementary students. For more information please call 239-690-4649 or visit www.blessingsinleeco.org or contact the local effort via mail at 5781 Lee Boulevard suite 208-239 Lehigh Acres, Florida 33971.

FORT MYERS, Fla. – July 6, 2009 – In November 2008 five local business men started collaborating with Blessings in a Backpack to provide food for kids at Tice Elementary over the weekend. With the release of the 2009 FCAT scores it seems their work, and community donations, is paying off. Tice Elementary students raised their score 53 points making them a “B” ranked school according to 2009 FCAT scores.

As the first move in four years, the new ranking will grant more funding for Tice Elementary and its faculty and staff. The Blessings in a Backpack program was, in part, an initiator of this progress.

“We are so excited to have been a part of this improvement,” commented Scott Fischer, Chairman of the local Blessings initiative. “We’re here to help the kids succeed. With continued community support we look forward to continuing to help this and other schools.”

Blessings in a Backpack is a program designed to feed elementary school children who qualify for the federal free and reduced meal program and may not have any or enough food on the weekends. Eighty dollars feeds a child for an entire school year. All donations go directly to the local, Tice Elementary students. For more information please call 239-690-4649 or visit www.blessingsinleeco.org or contact the local effort via mail at 5781 Lee Boulevard suite 208-239 Lehigh Acres, Florida 33971.