‘Back on the Road Again’
Islander helps organize fundraiser for SWFL Mobile Military Museum
Islander Kat Schwarzhoff and Denise Wood of Cape Coral are organizing a fundraising event or the SWFL Mobile Military Museum, which is a part of the SWFL Military Museum and Library.
The fundraiser, which will be held at the Lake Kennedy Center in Cape Coral on Thursday, July 29, from 3-6 p.m., is sponsored by the city of Cape Coral; the Lake Kennedy Center; Beth A Prather, P.A.; and Caregiver Haven.
The event promises a day of fun and entertainment, as there will be a presentation from the Color Guard, a performance by the Kennedy Center Choir, as well as a DJ and several vendors, each one holding a raffle prize. The raffle tickets are on sale with proceeds going to the SWFL Mobile Military Museum.
Donations for the raffle prizes are still welcomed and appreciated.
“This is a great opportunity for islanders to showcase their business and support our veterans and the island,” said Schwarzhoff. “Our prize will be a weekend stay in Pine Island, and will feature all the various things to do, see and eat on our lovely island. Folks can donate anything they’d like and their business card, brochure or any other information will be attached to their donation — it can be a service, certificate, gift card or an item.”
The museum, which was located in Cape Coral, has been moved to the Edison Mall at 4125 Cleveland Ave., unit 1520. The traveling museum, which has been out of commission for six years, is now back on the road again, Schwarzhoff said. This entire organization is run by donation and fundraisers, making it possible to offer veteran services and the museum free of charge.
“We do have some corporate members that support us throughout the year,” said Wood, explaining that the bus they use for the traveling museum had been donated by the Collier Fairground. The bus wrap was donated by Humana and done by a company called This Creative in Fort Myers.
“This is so wonderful for people who can’t get out,” said Schwarzhoff. “We don’t have many World War II vets around anymore but they may be living in a nice senior community and this bus comes around and they can have a special day.”
Wood went on to explain venue partners of the museum, such as Hector A. Cafferata Elementary School, where the museum has a Medal of Honor display and the Shell Factory, where the museum has a display of President John F. Kennedy and a chair from when President Lincoln was still in the White House.
“We have these remote displays around because we didn’t have the room to put them in our new location at the Edison Mall,” said Wood. “We have showcases in the American Legion, the VFW — they all have part of the museum. The museum is still out there, it’s just remote all over southwest Florida.”
If you have questions about becoming a vendor or would simply like to contribute or provide a giveaway, call, or text, Schwarzhoff at 239-284-9461. You can email her at marketing@bpratherelderlaw.com