Danika J Hopper Is Immokalee Bulletin's New Reporter
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BULLETIN Serving Immokalee, Ave Maria and Eastern Collier County Vol. 51 No. 52 Thursday, December 27, 2018 TIF raises $2.5 million at annual events to help youth of Immokalee The Immokalee Foundation unveiled its “Our programming involves the parents, as new career model during the Charity Clas- well, forming a partnership that helps en- sic Celebration gala and Pro-Am this month, sure each student achieves his or her goals. garnering strong support from philanthro- We remain committed to Take Stock in Chil- pists and community business leaders who dren college scholarships, while recognizing donated $2.5 million to support the founda- that not all students need a college degree to tion’s groundbreaking programs that serve succeed in their chosen profession.” the youth of Immokalee. “We are incredibly grateful for the com- The Charity Classic Celebration provided munity’s generosity,” said Noemi Perez, The attendees with the opportunity to support Immokalee Foundation executive director. specific programs that help students choose “Every dollar raised is an investment in the and achieve a profession; Charity Classic future of our students, and we are dedicated Pro-Am participants enjoyed a day of golf to helping each one achieve his or her pro- with nearly two dozen of the top men and fessional goal.” women players in the nation. Paul Azinger, lead golf analyst for NBC The foundation’s new career model, Sports and 12-time PGA winner, this year known as “Rewarding Careers in the New played in his first Charity Classic Pro-Am. Economy,” is based on extensive research of “The more I read and understand what Submitted photo Joyce Hagen, The Immokalee Foundation Board of Directors Chair, with stu- in-demand professions in Southwest Florida The Immokalee Foundation is all about, the dents at the Charity Classic Celebration and a comprehensive, all-new curriculum more I want to get behind it,” Azinger said. that helps students follow the pathway to “I’ve always been motivated to help young Kenneth Thomas earned closest-to-the-pin and Mercedes-Benz of Naples, In-Kind Do- their chosen career. The model recognizes people.” honors. nors. that many well-paying jobs are available LPGA champion Annika Sorenstam ex- to students who earn industry-recognized pressed her delight at “being around people Barbara and Dale Morrison co-chaired The Immokalee Foundation provides a certifications and credentials, in addition to who are very caring, and very generous.” the Charity Classic Celebration, while Bay range of education programs that focus on professions that require two- and four-year First place honors in the scramble tour- Colony member Sunny Sapiente chaired the building pathways to professional careers college degrees. nament were Azinger, along with LPGA pro Pro-Am tournament. through support, mentoring and tutoring, Joyce Hagen, board chair for The Im- Kristy McPherson and local amateur players Corporate sponsors of this year’s events and life skills development leading to eco- mokalee Foundation, has led the effort to Paul Belfore, David Gordley, Steve Thomp- were Kelly Tractor, Presenting Sponsor; nomic independence. To learn more about expand the organization’s career-based pro- son and Patrick Trittler. Pros Richard John- BCB Homes, Pairings Party Sponsor; Florida The Immokalee Foundation, its signature gramming to help students achieve financial son and Michelle McGann with amateurs Community Bank and Huntington Private events, volunteering as a career panel speak- independence with or without a college edu- Janet Belle, Terrilynne Boling, Patti Krupp Bank, Success Circle Sponsors; BMO Private er or host, becoming a mentor, making a cation. “We are starting to educate the youth and Kathy Linsin won the women’s division. Bank and IBERIABANK, Pathways Circle donation, including the foundation in your of Immokalee in sixth grade about the ca- Pros Will Wilcox and Emma Talley with am- Sponsors; eBella Magazine, Media Sponsor; estate plans, or for additional information, reer pathways that lead to well-paying jobs ateurs Will Bobb, Hal Cohen, Ken Rittman and The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Bigham Jewel- call 239-430-9122 or visit https://immoka- right here in Southwest Florida,” Hagen said. and Phil Warren were the men’s winners. ers, Gene’s 5th Ave. Florist, Hamilton Harbor leefoundation.org. Danika J Hopper is Immokalee Bulletin’s new reporter A Self Introduction alligator wrestler, firefighter, CrossFit coach, zookeeper, and even as an assistant to The Pet Psychic, on Animal Planet. By Danika J. Hopper While it’s been an unusually varied and adventurous life- Immokalee Bulletin style, these experiences have provided me with a deep As the newest addition to the Immokalee Bulletin, I breadth of both understanding and appreciation for many wanted to introduce myself. I was born on MacDill Air Force ways of life and culture. Base, in Tampa, as the daughter of a Thai-American couple. Nowadays, I am the proud wife of an Army veteran, who As an “Air Force brat”, I traveled extensively with my family. was deployed in Afghanistan, as well as the mother of an From childhood, well into my adult years, you could find me opinionated toddler. I’ve settled into a tiny goat farm and art anywhere from catching some waves on the sandy beach- studio, right in LaBelle. When I’m not writing, I spend my es of Hawaii, mushing dog teams through ice and snow in time milking my goats and making cheese, painting wildly Alaska, studying rattlesnakes in the Oklahoma red dirt, to colored, abstract landscapes, and also serving as a Board rehabilitating Bald eagles and other wildlife, here in my be- Member at the local Barron Park House Gallery. loved home state, Florida. I have always possessed a passion for storytelling, and I have grown to love LaBelle, and I am so excited and as my own modus operandi, what better way is there to do humbled to have been given this opportunity to report on that, than to try my hand at anything that comes across my community events, as well as cast a spotlight on the lives path? Thus, I have worked as a tattoo artist, marine biology and stories of some of our country’s most important heroes, Submitted photo research assistant, veterinary technician, dental hygienist, our local veterans. Danika J. Hopper joins the Immokalee Bulletin staff. 2 Immokalee Bulletin December 27, 2018 Guest Opinion All children in Southwest Florida deserve to be kids Not every child in Southwest Florida has come close with children and their caregiv- the luxury of living at home with their par- By Roxanne Dyer ers, may request funds on behalf of the child ents. Executive director of through the Guardian ad Litem Foundation. According to Children’s Network of Guardian ad Litem A one-day ticket to Disney World, for in- Southwest Florida, as of Dec. 10 there were Foundation, 20th Judicial stance, costs about $130. Bowling runs as 1,502 children in our five-county area receiv- Circuit, Inc much as $50 an hour to rent a lane. Birthday ing out-of-home care, which includes foster party packages can cost $15 to $25 per child homes, group homes, treatment centers in attendance, depending on the venue. Tu- and temporary or permanent placements toring costs add up quickly and a new twin with relatives and family friends. theme park tickets and much more. Families that welcome these children The goal is to help these kids feel better bed with bedding runs around $225. Again, into their homes do so with a big heart. during a very uncertain and stressful time in costs add up quickly and temporary caregiv- They want to provide stability, compassion, their lives. These children have been through ers are often willing to open their heart and guidance and hope to youth who have been enough already, so if anyone deserves a little home, but lack resources for the “extras.” abused, neglected or abandoned by their bi- special treatment, it’s them. The children served by our GAL volunteer ological parents. It’s a truly selfless act. Funds raised through the Children’s advocates should be able to celebrate their Many of these caring individuals have Needs Program also cover other expenses childhood like everyone else. Through your their own children, too, so agreeing to bring for children assigned to Guardian ad Litem support of our Children’s Needs Program, another child into their home can present a such as tutoring, academic clubs, school either with a one-time or recurring dona- strain on the family budget. Although foster field trips, additional clothing, scout partic- tion, Guardian ad Litem Foundation, 20th parents and certified caregivers may receive ipation, infant items and even a warm, cozy Judicial Circuit, Inc. can make that happen. nominal compensation to pay for food, bed. The program is simply about building For more information about donor op- clothing, transportation and some expens- a sense of normalcy so children can “fit in” portunities, please visit VoicesForKids.org or es, it’s nowhere near enough to cover every with their friends and classmates. Because call 239-533-1435. cost, let alone the extras that make child- what every kid truly wants is to to fit in with hood fun. their peers and feel accepted. About the Author Through its Children’s Needs Program, Guardian ad Litem strives to provide chil- the Guardian ad Litem Foundation, 20th Ju- dren in the court system with a court-certi- Roxanne Dyer is executive director of Guardian ad Litem Foundation, 20th Judicial Circuit, Inc., dicial Circuit, Inc., raises money to help pay fied volunteer advocate (GAL) who helps a local nonprofit organization that raises funds expenses for children assigned to Guardian them navigate the judicial, education and to meet the advocacy, health, educational and ad Litem for experiences such as Happier child welfare system while seeking what is social needs of abused, neglected or abandoned Birthdays, summer camps, sports participa- in the child’s best interests and a permanent youth in Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry and tion or a fun outing like a night at the arcade, solution.