Non Profit Corner
Reading Buddy Lunch — You’re Invited! United Way Charlotte County invites you to a special event highlighting the Reading Buddy program—where students and volunteers connect through books and build lifelong skills through the power of reading. Learn more about this impactful program, hear inspiring stories, and see how literacy is changing lives right here in Charlotte County. The event will take place on Monday, August 25 from 11:30 AM–1:00 PM at Life Celebration Center of Punta Gorda. Enjoy lunch, connection, and community spirit. Everyone is welcome! Click here to get your tickets today.
Quitting smoking is a journey towards a healthier, longer life and we are here to help! Gulfcoast South AHEC offers FREE tobacco cessation counseling and FREE nicotine replacement therapy in the form of patches, gum, and/or lozenges at no cost to qualifying participants. As part of Tobacco Free Florida’s in-person/virtual Group Quit sessions. Call 866-534-7909 or visit gsahec.org to register today
SCAM ALERT: FRAUDULENT EMAILS IMPERSONATING CITY STAFF Punta Gorda – The City of Punta Gorda has been made aware of a fraudulent email scheme targeting customers applying for permits with the Building, Planning, and Zoning Divisions. The scam involves the mailing or emailing of fake invoices with the names of Punta Gorda City staff instructing recipients to wire money to a fraudulent account. Applicants are urged to be cautious and not respond to these emails or send any payments. Please be vigilant – official emails from the City will always come from an address ending in: • @cityofpuntagordafl.com • @ci.punta-gorda.fl.us • @pgorda.us
CALL TO ARTISTS - The Visual Arts Center invites submissions for two exciting exhibitions: “Melody of Art” (juried, $875 in prizes + 5 Merits) and “Make Some Noise” (non-juried, $400 in prizes + 5 Merits). Open to 2D & 3D artists, these shows celebrate rhythm, flow, and harmony. Entry deadline is August 26, 2025, at 12:00 PM. Exhibits run September 11 – October 14 in the Main & Goff Gallery. Awards reception: Thursday, September 18, 5–7 PM. Visit our website for details. Let your art make some noise! CALL TO ARTISTS – Visual Arts Center
FORE! It’s time to tee up for a good cause. The annual Golfers Who C.A.R.E. Golf Scramble is happening on Saturday, October 4, at the beautiful Riverwood Golf Club in Port Charlotte. Check-in begins at 7:30 AM, and participation is just $125 per player. All skill levels welcome. Proceeds go directly to supporting survivors through C.A.R.E.’s critical services. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Don’t miss your chance to enjoy a fun-filled day on the links while giving back to a worthy cause. Call 941-639-5499 to register today!
STEM Exhibitors Wanted! Join the Innovator’s STEM Pavilion at the Florida International Air Show on November 1–2, 2025. This hands-on event connects businesses, educators, and students to showcase careers in science, technology, engineering, and math. Vendors receive booth space, free tickets, and the chance to inspire the next generation. Deadline to apply: September 30. Click here to view the flyer and apply
Roger D. Eaton, your Charlotte County Clerk of the Circuit Court & County Comptroller, is offering Sunset Beach Weddings at the Clerk’s Office marriage ceremony room in the Charlotte County Justice Center from July 21 - August 1 Picture this: golden sunsets, ocean breezes, palm trees, and YOU saying “I do.” WHAT TO EXPECT: Sunset glows. Summer attire encouraged. Golden palms, sunset skies and warm memories painted in every moment. HOW TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT:. Visit Marriage.CharlotteClerk.com Choose your date between July 21st - August 1st Fill in details. Confirm your reservation. Have questions? Call us (941) 637-2335.
The Gilstad Literacy Foundation and the Charlotte County Imagination Library are asking YOU to be one of just five new monthly donors needed urgently. Hundreds of local preschoolers receive a free book every month thanks to Dolly Parton’s powerful program, but we need your help to keep it going strong. Our Goal: 5 New $50/Month Donors each month. We’re challenging our friends, supporters, and community members to step up — and invite others to do the same. Donate here: https://www.charlottecountyimaginationlibrary.org/donate/ Questions? Message or email gilstadlfccil@gmail.com
The 2nd Annual Overdose Awareness Day Run/Walk for Charlotte County is on August 30th. In addition to calling awareness for this issue touching so many lives, proceeds will benefit Cathy's Place of Charlotte County and Drug Free Charlotte County. If you would like to participate - walk or run - you can register: https://bit.ly/OADAY5k2025
THE CHARLOTTE COUNTY-PUNTA GORDA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION (MPO) is conducting round three of workshops to solicit input on the 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP). The LRTP includes cost feasible projects which are prioritized based on community input, safety, mobility, and economic impact. A draft of the Plan will be approved by the MPO Board on August 4, 2025, and open for a minimum 30-day public comment period. The Plan will be formally presented at the October 2, 2025, MPO Board meeting for adoption. Your input is essential on the draft LRTP with a horizon year of 2050. Your participation will directly impact the future of transportation planning in your City and County. 941-883-3535
Pregnancy Solutions is excited about this year’s Pastor & Church Leader Luncheon on September 10th and the opportunity to come together around the table with local church leaders for fellowship, food and to grow together as leaders. We hope you’ll join us to learn more about our mission! Our hope is that you would leave feeling better educated about some of the needs in our community and empowered with a fresh perspective. Registration is Free: https://pregnancysolutions.org/events/
Work and Play in Charlotte County Calendar Contest: The 2026 calendar theme is “Live, Work and Play in Charlotte County.” Photos should reflect our county vision: “To preserve and enrich our community’s quality of life for those who live, work and play in our paradise.” Photos must be taken in Charlotte County. Submit photos online: www.CharlotteCountyFL.gov/contest by Aug. 15. Winners will be notified by phone or email and calendars will be available late November at county facilities.
The Military Heritage Museum has been nominated as one of the top museums in the entire state — and we need YOUR vote to help us win! If you've ever walked through our halls with pride, honored a veteran, or enjoyed an unforgettable show at the Gulf Theater, we hope you'll take a moment to support us. Voting is open now through July 31 — and you can vote once a day! (You'll receive a quick email to confirm your vote. Be sure to click it for your vote to count!) 
VOTE FOR US NOW
Shhh…it’s a Speakeasy Soiree’ We’re putting on the Ritz! We are beyond excited to invite you to an unforgettable evening of philanthropy, fun, and vintage vibes as we step back in time to the fabulous 1920s! Get ready for a speakeasy-themed fundraiser for VBA that promises to be a night to remember. Dust off your flapper dresses and fedoras because we’ll be embracing the glitz and glamour of the Roaring Twenties. Enjoy delightful cocktails, live music, and a chance to connect with amazing people—all while supporting a fantastic cause. Mark your calendars for Thursday, July 31 and join us for this incredible event where every ticket sold helps us continue our mission at VBA. Let’s make a difference together while having an absolute blast! Tickets $45 pp and sponsorships (beginning at $500) are on sale now. Visit us at https://onecau.se/vbaspeakeasy or contact Barb at 941-368-8863.
Dice, Dreams, and Dignity: A Roaring ’20s Casino Night August 1st-Roll the dice. Fuel a dream. Empower every life. Step into the sparkle of the 1920s for Dice, Dreams, and Dignity, a glamorous casino night to benefit the Port Charlotte Loveland Center. Don your finest flapper dress or dapper suit and join us for an evening of vintage charm, community spirit, and meaningful impact. Your evening of entertainment directly supports programs that empower adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through meaningful activities, skill-building, and community connection in Charlotte County. Purchase tickets here: https://onecau.se/_aykeu1