Non Profit Corner for Business Online
Non Profit Corner
You're not giving up anything when you quit smoking, you're gaining everything! 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.
Participate in “Dress up for Dolly Day.” In response to Dolly Parton’s passing and to celebrate her life, legacy, philanthropy and contributions to early childhood literacy on September 25 inspired by Dolly’s iconic song “9 to 5.” Businesses and organizations can register and invite employees to make a voluntary $9.25 donation to the Charlotte County Imagination Library and wear workplace-appropriate Dolly-inspired attire, pink, denim, rhinestones, butterflies, boots or sparkle on Sept. 25. To donate visit www.gilstadliteracyfoundation.org. For program information or child enrollment, visit www.charlottecountyimaginationlibrary.org. Businesses and organizations can register at: https://forms.gle/8Kak8u43oUxNPbdy5
Good Schools Are Good for Business. For Charlotte County businesses, strong schools matter. On November 3, voters will decide whether to renew the current Charlotte School District millage. Renewal helps continue support for students, educators and the resources that strengthen our schools. Strong schools help develop a skilled future workforce, attract families and contribute to a stronger local economy. Keep the progress moving forward. Vote YES to renew the current millage. Learn more at VoteYes4Success.org.
Elsewhere Exploring & Instructors on Display Open Now! Experience the feeling of travel, whimsy, and where the mind can wander at our newest exhibits! Artists invite viewers to explore diverse places and perspectives in “Elsewhere, Exploring” in the Main Gallery, while esteemed instructors showcase exceptional crafts and classes throughout Rebecca Hall and Goff Galleries. Join us to celebrate creativity and community. Reception September 10, 5–7pm. Explore, create, connect, and make this season unforgettable! Visual Arts Center
Light Up the Night is returning to Downtown Punta Gorda on Friday, December 4, and this year’s celebration will once again recognize an exceptional Charlotte County resident through the Hometown Hero Recognition. Attached is the press release with event details, along with information on how the community can nominate this year’s Hometown Hero. Nominations are open now through October 15, with the honoree to be recognized during Light Up the Night. We would greatly appreciate your consideration for coverage and for helping us spread the word about both the event and the Hometown Hero nomination opportunity. Read the full press release here.
Sales Tax Facts The 1% local option sales tax is estimated to raise $20 million per year to fund capital projects throughout Charlotte County and the City of Punta Gorda. It offers advantages over other revenue sources for funding projects — it is a funding source paid by everyone — whereas increases to ad valorem taxes fall solely on property owners. Visit www.CharlotteCountyFL.gov/salestax to learn more. Call 941.743.1200 to schedule a presentation for your organization.
Classes & workshops are back! Discover what’s new this season at the Center! From September through March, explore hundreds of classes and workshops designed to inspire creativity, learning, and connection. With new offerings such as Salsa Dance Nights, Bonsai Basics, Jewelry, Tai-Chi, Glass Art, Pottery, and More. There’s something for everyone!
Explore, create, connect, and make this season unforgettable! Visual Arts Center
You are cordially invited to attend the 2026 Southwest Florida Resiliency Summit, taking place on September 22nd at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center, located at 75 Taylor Street, Punta Gorda, FL 33950. This free public event will bring together leading experts from academia, government, and industry to share the latest science, research, and innovative approaches for strengthening environmental and community resiliency throughout Central and Southwest Florida. Experts from a range of organizations will share their knowledge and insights, including Dr. Carolina Maran of the South Florida Water Management District, Andrea Galinski of the University of Florida, and Thomas Ries of the Ecosphere Restoration Institute. Please visit https://www.chnep.org/swfl-resiliency-summit. Should you have any questions or need additional information, please feel free to contact our office at (941) 833-6580.
Get ready to ROCK the Fred Lang Front Nine! November 14. Four-person teams putt their way through nine Punta Gorda restaurants, competing for prizes, bragging rights, and a $500 Grand Prize! Theme: Rock & Roll! Dress as your favorite rock stars, bands, or musical era for a chance to win Most Outstanding Team Costume! Registration is $120 per team. Proceeds benefit CBHC & vital mental health programs throughout Charlotte County. Grab your putter. Grab your bandmates. Let’s ROCK! For tickets and more info, visit https://onecau.se/_mxptn1.
Charlotte Technical College will recognize National Medical Assistant Recognition Week, October 19–23, 2026, celebrating the important role medical assistants play in patient care and the healthcare community. This year’s theme, “The Power Behind Patient Care,” highlights their dedication and commitment to the profession. Throughout the week, Charlotte Technical College has several activities planned, including an opportunity for Medical Assistant students to put their skills into action by providing health screenings to students at Kingsway Elementary. Read the full press release here.
In response to the widespread damage caused by Hurricanes Ian, Idalia, Helene, and Milton, Charlotte County's Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) announced that its Disaster Assistance Program continues to have resources available to support Charlotte County residents in their recovery efforts. Through this program, COAD will offer home repair support, financial aid, and disaster case management to qualifying residents specifically for households meeting low-income guidelines as defined by HUD standards (for example, $54,050 annually for a single-person household and $61,800 for a two-person household). For more information or to apply, please visit www.coadfl.org or contact Deb Houck, Long-Term Recovery Director at: 941-769-5162 or by email at LTR@gulfcoastpartnership.org. Read the full Press Release Here.
Bring a lawn chair and join us as we honor lives, celebrate recovery, and remind our community that hope lights the way. Friday, September 18, 2026, 7:00-8:30PM in Laishley Park. No registration necessary. Together we’ll raise awareness of mental health and substance use disorders, celebrate the courage of those in recovery and their loved ones, and connect our community with resources that support lasting recovery. The evening includes inspiring stories of hope and resilience and a moving candlelight vigil and more – view the flyer here.