Naples, Florida (March 2011) Friends of Foster Children of Southwest Florida announced that the first Sip and Sample fundraising event held on February 23 at the Village on Venetian Bay was a vintage success. Nearly 200 patrons in attendance purchased $25 passports to sample wines and appetizers at the participating Village merchants.
The event raised $4,800 to benefit children in foster care in Southwest Florida according to Jennifer Weidenbruch, the Executive Director Friends of Foster Children SWFL. “We are very pleased with the response from the community to participate in this fund-raising effort,” said Ms Weidenbruch. “It was a great time for a great cause and The Village Merchants and The Lutgert Companies were wonderful. Children placed into Foster Care are primarily due to tragic circumstances such as losing their parents, abuse or neglect. Often, they have no other family members to care for them. Taken from your home is a traumatic experience for anyone, and especially for kids.”
The funds raised at the Sip and Sample event will provide clothing, tutoring, summer camp and after-school activities for local children in foster care.
Statistics from the Children’s Defense Fund and Department of Children and Families Data from district 8 Foster Care System (Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Hendry & Glades Counties) are distressing with a child being abused or neglected every 4 minutes. 134,567 children are victims of abuse of neglect each year and 29,229 children are in foster care.
Licensed foster parents receive between $443 and $546 per month, depending on age, to help with room and board. Less than half of the children removed from their homes are in licensed care. Non-related unlicensed foster parents are eligible for only Medicaid for support.
FFC recognizes that these children deserve to have their childhood kept intact and provides them with opportunities to become successful and strong adults. FFC, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, focuses on filling in the gaps in the state system. FFC’s support ranges from tutoring or after-school programs to enrichment activities that nurture the child’s talents and passions.
The Friends of Foster Children (FCC) of Southwest Florida are teaming with M Waterfront Grille at the Village on Venetian Bay to benefit foster care children. On Saturdays, January 8, 15, 22 and 29, proceeds from delicious flatbreads that are sold will benefit the Friends of Foster Children.
The kids are joining in to show their culinary skills and will be preparing flatbreads outside on the veranda. Chefs will also be preparing the breads inside. Jackie Sereno, wife of Chris Sereno, co-owner of M Waterfront Grille, is a board member for The Friends of Foster Children and the inspiration behind this fund-raiser.
“I was so inspired when I met the foster children and learned that there are 500 children in the foster care system in Collier County,” said Mrs. Sereno. “We hope to have a fun event, which will raise awareness of this great need in our community and some much needed revenues.”
The state only provides the very basic of necessities, such as room and board for children. Friends of Foster Children provide what the state does not, including enrichment activities (football, gymnastics and music lesson fees), clothing, birthday gifts and tutoring.
The average length of stay in foster care is 33 months and 18% of the children are in care for five years or longer. The FCC believes education is the key to breaking the cycle of abuse and poverty in families and has implemented The Education Train tutoring program to address the individual academic needs of children in the foster care system. Many of these children are falling behind in school. These academic delays are often a result of the trauma of abuse and/or neglect, frequent placement changes, and switching schools often causing turmoil and stress. Highly trained tutors work one-on-one with the student. Tutoring is conducted at the student’s home, with a caregiver present, or in another public facility where adults are present.
The Foster Care Council is in need of volunteers that are interested in the Children’s Needs Committee, fundraising, grant writing and/or serving on the Board of Directors.
Please, call the Foster Care Council with any questions at (239) 262-1808 and
visit www.fostercarecouncil.org.
Experience the spirit of the holidays at the Village on Venetian Bay for the annual holiday event, Grand Illuminations, on Thursday, December 2 from 6-9pm.
Join us for a joyous evening with tree lighting, Victorian carolers, holiday music, caricaturists, face painting and complimentary photos taken with jolly Santa.
Live musical entertainment for the event includes, Greg and Claudia, a pop and dance duo, and multifaceted Stacey Knights.
With over a decade of performances, Greg and Claudia are one of the most popular ensembles in Southwest Florida. The group’s collection of songs including top hits from musical genres of jazz, pop, country, rock, salsa and swing will get the crowd on its feet.
Stacey Knights has delighted audiences around Southwest Florida as a vocalist, songwriter, saxophonist and flutist. Ms. Knights has produced three CDs, mostly comprised of original music, and was named the 2006 best emerging artist by American Idol Magazine. The pop/jazz musician says her musical influences include Sheryl Crow, Bonnie Raitt, David Sanborn, Don Henley, Carole King and James Taylor.
As it is the season of giving, please help the less fortunate children of Immokalee by bringing a new, unwrapped toy to benefit The Guadalupe Center of Immokalee Holiday Gift Shop.
The Holiday Gift Shop strives to give families a happy Christmas for children, complete with gifts, as many of the families in Immokalee do not have the financial means to purchase items for their children or family members. To help put a smile on those little faces during the Christmas holiday, toys will be collected and delivered to the gift shop. Volunteers at the shop will assist parents select gifts for their children. Volunteers wrap and tag gifts for parents to present to children.
The beautiful waterfront setting, colorful Mediterranean architecture, art sculptures, boutique shops and established restaurants, make the Village on Venetian Bay one of the most notable landmarks and attractions in Naples for more than twenty years. Discover apparel for the whole family from name brand merchandise to sophisticated private label collections. There are art galleries, gifts for the home, exquisite timepieces, and dazzling jewelry to define your style. Need a bite to eat? The Village has a range of restaurants with indoor and outdoor waterfront settings that range from fine dining to casual Pub-grub—the perfect way to satisfy your appetite and take in the sights over Venetian Bay.
Follow us on Facebook; find us on Twitter. Call 239.403.2204 or visit venetianvillage.com for additional information and a complete listing of shops and restaurants. Created by The Lutgert Companies, The Village is located at 4200 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., just off Park Shore Drive. Parking is free, or take the Naples Trolley, which makes stops at the Village. For a trolley schedule: naplestrolleytours.com.
Around Southwest Florida, she’s known as Kristin Cartwright. But in the late 1990s, she was recognized throughout the world as “Buster Lutgert,” one of the first women professional wakeboarders.
“I had a lot of fun with wakeboarding,” Ms. Cartwright, age 35, recalls. “I traveled all over the world, sponsored by all sorts of companies.”
After five years in the sport, she and husband Dayle settled down and began a family that includes daughter Ella, 6, who attends Community School of Naples, and son Noah, 5. But the water is never far away. The Cartwrights, along with partner Nick Demasi, own Revolution Cable Park in North Fort Myers, where riders can wakeboard, kneeboard, waterski or wakeskate.
Ms. Cartwright also uses her degree — a bachelor of arts in business administration from the University of Florida — as director of shopping center marketing for the Lutgert Companies, the family business. She also oversees marketing for three of the company’s real estate projects: The Highrises at Bonita Bay, Estuary at Grey Oaks and The Strada at Mercato).
“I like that it’s always changing, with many events going on” she shares of her work promoting the Village on Venetian Bay, Promenade at Bonita Bay, and Mercato.
If work and family aren’t enough, Ms. Cartwright carries on the family legacy of volunteerism and philanthropy. Grandfather Ray Lutgert was a major supporter of various community projects, including Naples Community Hospital, and father Scott Lutgert is a founder of the Naples Winter Wine Festival. The Lutgert family also gave Florida Gulf Coast University $5 million for its business school.
Having young children helps Ms. Cartwright focus her volunteer activities on providing opportunities for the youth in Collier County. She is active with the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples, two years a ago co-chairing the Yabba Island Pirate Ball that raised more than $ 4 400,000. She also helped run the Great Venetian Duck Race at The Village to benefit C’MON, has served on the board of the Education Found Foundation of Collier County and is involved with the foundation’s “If the Shoe Fits” fundraiser. She helps out at Community School as well.
She grew up in Naples, moving to Ocala in fifth grade but returning to graduate from Barron Collier High School in 1993. She considers the Lutgert family name and legacy an opportunity more than a pressure.
“I’m very proud of what my family established here in this community,” she says. “I see a lot of people giving back so generously to this community, and I hope that my generation will continue to do that and see the value it brings.”
Click here for more on 2010 Power Women in Collier
Willkommen! It’s Oktoberfest at The Village on Venetian Bay. Join us Thursday, October 21 from 5-9pm and celebrate all the festivities with rousing German music, dancing, pumpkin painting, and authentic German fare for purchase.
Artichoke & Company will feature beer sampling and hot-off-the-grill bratwurst, smoked sausage, sausage and peppers, muffalettas, potato pancakes, stuffed peppers, and stuffed cabbage. Wine and beer will also be available for purchase. Village Villagio will have German Pulled Pork Reubens for sale.
Everybody likes a little Polka! Based out of Orlando, The Europa Band has been entertaining audiences in Florida and around the country for over 17 years specializing in German music for Oktoberfest and German Mardi Gras and International Night Events.
Europa Band’s mantra is “Polka Lives”. Their eclectic collection of over 250 songs will entertain fans of all ages. Band members include John Kolbrich, lead vocals, digital acoustic accordion and trumpet; Milan Dvorecky, lead vocals, guitar, violin and fiddle; Philip Kolbrich, drums, keyboard, vocals and Schuhplattler Dancing (a traditional folk dance from Bavaria and Austria); and Adam Dvorecky, drums, keyboard, vocals, Schuhplattler Dancing.
Brigitte Ciccarello puts a new spin on theatrical dance. Brigitte is a professional entertainer whose experience includes flamenco and belly dancing.
Located In the heart of Park Shore, The Village on Venetian Bay has attracted locals and visitors from around the world to shop and dine for over twenty years The beautiful waterfront setting, colorful Mediterranean architecture, art sculptures, boutique shops and established restaurants, make it one of the most notable landmarks and attractions in Naples.
Visit venetianvillage.com for additional information and a complete listing of shops and restaurants. Created by The Lutgert Companies, The Village is located at 4200 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., just off Park Shore Drive. Parking is free, or ride the Naples Trolley, which makes stops at the Village. For a trolley schedule: naplestrolleytours.com.
The Shy Wolf Sanctuary (SWS) is on the track to educate us about cast off exotic pets and their plight to exist.
On Saturday, October 16 from 11am-3 pm, at Venetian Village, meet wolf pups and find out about adorable wolf dogs for adoption. Have your photo taken with a wolf, make a donation, sign up for raffles, listen to live music, get your face painted, and be amazed by the strolling magician. Put in your bid for the silent auction with items including a wine dinner for two from Artichoke & Company, gift cards from M Waterfront Grille, Blue Willi’s, Horse of a Different Color gift card, and H.T Chittum and more! All proceeds raised benefit The Shy Wolf Sanctuary. Artichoke & Company will be having a cookout with delicious food for purchase.
From 11:30am to 2:30pm, enjoy Mercy Duo, who will perform popular tunes and Michael Simons World Music, a fusion of jazz, salsa, island and South American influences.
“While we show off these beautiful exotic animals, we are really enlightening the public about the ills of having exotic animals as pets,” said Mark Scarola, Director of Shy Wolf Sanctuary. “Once the animal becomes too big, or the owner doesn’t want it any longer, the animals are released into the wild where they cannot survive.”
That’s when The Shy Wolf Sanctuary goes to work. The Sanctuary rescues and provides shelter to exotic animals bred in captivity. Their mission is to care for these animals in the best way possible while in captivity, educate the community about these animals and how we need to protect and preserve them in the wild.
Animals come from “licensed and inspected” facilities, government seizures, shelters, pet stores, and private individuals. SWS cares for those animals it can and attempts to find a home, for those they cannot take in, through networking with other rescuers and sanctuaries across the country. Many animals are adoptable and are available through the wolf dog rescue network. Applications, vet references, home visits and follow-up are mandatory. All animals adopted are spayed or neutered prior to placement.
SWS is licensed by both state and federal entities and is inspected on a regular basis. Exciting varieties of animals coexist at the Shy Wolf Sanctuary, Education and Experience Center, Inc. Phone: 239-455-1698 Email: shywolfsanctuary@aol.com
Visit venetianvillage.com for additional information and a complete listing of shops and restaurants. Created by The Lutgert Companies, The Village is located at 4200 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., just off Park Shore Drive. Parking is free, or take the Naples Trolley, which makes stops at the Village. For a trolley schedule: naplestrolleytours.com.
Mark your calendar for September 2 through September 4 for summer savings, live music, and as always, great shopping and dining at The Village on Venetian Bay.
With summer soon transitioning to fall, save on seasonal merchandise, and get a sneak peek on autumn fashion. At Jami’s & JCC, enjoy summer savings and see the latest fall collections from Nic and Zoë. All About April will feature Kate Mack girl’s swimsuits and cover-ups at 30-50 % savings for sizes 3m to 16 years. For the guys, Mondo Uomo, has great savings on designer clothing by Robert Graham and Southern Tide. At Patchington, check out the clearance items; sample complimentary, delicious cupcakes by Sassy Cakes; and complimentary mini facials by Merle Norman cosmetics each day from 1-5pm.
Village Nights from 6-9 pm on Thursday goes Motown on the North side with Angie and the Perfect Gentlemen on stage, adjacent to the fountain. Artichoke and Company along with Villagio Café will have tasty cookout food for purchase as you enjoy jazz by David Cole. The pop duo, Made in Brooklyn provide the groovy sounds on the South side next to Mondo Uomo.
The fun continues Friday with Bill Jollie performing hits from the 60s to today, next to the fountain on the North side. Talented, Wendy Renee sings jazz standards, rhythm and blues, Motown and disco on the South side of The Village. On Saturday, Cathy O will play her guitar and perform rock, pop and classic songs on the South side.
The Village has an array of boutique shops with apparel for the whole family from name brand merchandise to sophisticated private label collections. There are art galleries, gifts for the home, exquisite timepieces, and dazzling jewelry to suit your style.
While you are here, The Village has a range of eateries to satisfy a shopper’s appetite ranging from fine cuisine to casual Pub-grub, so you can relax and rejuvenate.
Located In the heart of Park Shore, The Village on Venetian Bay has attracted locals and visitors from around the world to shop and dine for over twenty years The beautiful waterfront setting, colorful Mediterranean architecture, art sculptures, boutique shops and established restaurants, make it one of the most notable landmarks and attractions in Naples.
The Sidewalk Sale only happens twice a year, so don’t miss out on some great buys! Shopping hours are 10am – 9 pm, Thursday; 10 am – 5 pm, Friday and Saturday.
Visit venetianvillage.com for additional information and a complete listing of shops and restaurants. Created by The Lutgert Companies, The Village is located at 4200 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., just off Park Shore Drive. Parking is free, or ride the Naples Trolley, which makes stops at the Village. For a trolley schedule: naplestrolleytours.com.
It’s Thursday night—what’s to do? Find Fun, food, and live musical entertainment at the Village on Venetian Bay, July 1 from 6-9pm. Join us as Jim Tucke Duo takes the stage adjacent to The Village fountain on the north side playing classic rock and pop. Tim McGeary performs rock and pop hits along with original material on the south side next to Mondo Uomo, and Eric Ringsmuth brings tropical and easy listening favorites next to Artichoke & Company.
Also, on tap for the evening, Artichoke & Company and Villagio Café will be grilling out delicious food for purchase. Save the date and make it a Village Night with good times for the whole family.
Located in the heart of Park Shore, The Village on Venetian Bay has attracted locals and visitors from around the world to shop and dine for over twenty years. With its bay front setting, colorful Mediterranean architecture, art sculptures, boutique shops and established restaurants, it is one of Naples’ most notable landmarks that provides a shopping experience like nowhere else in Naples.
Visit www.venetianvillage.com for additional information and a complete listing of shops and restaurants. The Village hours are Monday through Wednesday, 10am to 5pm; Thursday, 10am to 9pm; Friday and Saturday, 10am to 5 pm. The Village is located at 4200 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., just off Park Shore Drive. Parking is free, or ride the Naples Trolley, which makes stops at the Village. For a trolley schedule: Http://www.naplestrolleytours.com/tour-times.htm.
The Lutgert Companies is acknowledged as Southwest Florida’s pre-eminent real estate development company. The Lutgert Companies is privately held, and has additional holdings in Lutgert Insurance, Premier Properties of Southwest Florida Inc., REALTORS®, Lutgert Title LLC, and Premier E-Commerce. The company is currently developing properties at Park Shore Beach, Bonita Bay, Estuary at Grey Oaks, and Linville Ridge, North Carolina.
The company also owns shopping centers and office buildings throughout Southwest Florida. The Lutgert Companies has been a member of the Southwest Florida business community for forty years, and has over 300 employees and 215 sales associates. The Lutgert Companies has set the standard for the creative and environmentally responsible development of coastal and mountain properties.
Make it a Village night on May 6! The Village on Venetian Bay will host Village Nights with live musical entertainment, waterfront dining, cookouts and of course, fabulous shopping.
From 6-9pm, enjoy D.C. Soundz Duo next to the dancing waters fountain on the north side. The dynamic duo will perform selections of jazz, disco, and contemporary hits. Also performing on the north side, next to Artichoke & Company, is Kim Mastro duo playing all your favorites and on the south side, next to Mondo Uomo, will be Cathy O on guitar and singing rock, pop and golden oldies.
Artichoke and Company and Villagio will be grilling outside with delicious food for purchase.
Located in the heart of Park Shore, The Village on Venetian Bay has attracted locals and visitors from around the world to shop and dine for over twenty years With its bay front setting, colorful Mediterranean architecture, art sculptures, boutique shops and established restaurants, it is one of Naples’ most notable landmarks and a shopping experience like nowhere else in Naples.
For the traveler, the business person, or just someone who appreciates genuine fine leather goods, Picasso Leather will suit your individual case.
Located on the north side of the Village on Venetian Bay, adjacent to the “dancing waters” fountain, Picasso has a full line of distinctive leather goods from soft side luggage to portfolios to wallets and handbags. There are also money belts, eye shades, and locks for luggage to aid the traveler.
Proprietor, Sofie Lemech, said the Village at Venetian Bay is the right fit for their boutique shop. “I love The Village. Our shop doesn’t fit in with the large malls. It is a small shop with focus on personal service and meshes well with the other boutique-style shops here,” said Mrs. Lemech. “It’s a niche market for us with no other luggage shops here at The Village. We specialize in leather goods primarily from Italy and Columbia,” said Mrs. Lemech.
The shop also carries a line of hard case luggage from International Leather that features distinctive, brightly colored fun patterns to make identifying your luggage a simple task.
For more information on Picasso Leather, call 239.304.2247.
Click here for more on Picasso Leather at the Village
