About the SWFL Chapter

The Southwest Florida Chapter

The Blessings in a Backpack program steps-up by feeding children on the weekend. Every Friday afternoon, children receive backpacks filled with kid-friendly, ready-to-eat items. Students return every Monday morning with an empty backpack, a full stomach, and an eager mind. In the schools we work with in Lee and Collier County, test scores, reading skills, positive behavior, general health, and attendance have improved dramatically as a result of children getting the nourishment they need.

Photo of kids holding their bags of food

Board of Directors

Karina Borgia-LaCroix

Karina Borgia-LaCroix
Member
Borgia Consulting & American Real Title

Guy Clarke
Member
Sizzle Dining

LaRae Davenport

LaRae Davenport
Member
American Subcontractors Association – SWFL

Scott Fischer

Scott Fischer
Emeritus Board Chair
Scott Fischer Enterprises

Rudi Hamer
Member
Sanibel Captiva Community Bank

Lynne Kimmich
Member
Alliance Financial Group

Chris Lopez

Christopher Lopez
Member
Regional Director of Southwest Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association

Travis Merrick
Member
GFA International

Jim Parker

Jim Parker
Member
Retired – Secret Service

Mike Price
Member
LandQwest

Chris Rakos
Member
Colonial Roofing

Marilyn Santiago

Marilyn Santiago
Member
Creative Architectural Resin Products

Nathan Shaw
Member
Premiere Plus Realty

Heather Tice

Heather Tice
Member
First Foundation Bank

Cecilia St. Arnold
Managing Director
SWFL Chapter of Blessings in a Backpack