provided to The Santiva Chronicle
Bank of the Islands has enjoyed a long and valued partnership with the Heights Foundation in presenting educational programming for Lee County residents. Though the topics are generally in the realm of financial literacy and best banking practices, the bank’s July 16 presentation brought an exceptional motivational speaker to the Heights Foundation audience.
“We were delighted to present Gavin DiMaria to a very welcoming audience yesterday,” said Bank of the Islands V.P. David Lowden. “Through his ‘Beyond Driven” program, Gavin teaches that each of us can bring leadership with purpose to our lives, remain driven by values, and be committed to making an impact. Those powerful life lessons really resonated during his presentation at the Heights Foundation.
DiMaria’s messaging has earned him a strong following among residents of Lee County and Southwest Florida. An award-winning volunteer and youth leader, he is the son of Sanibel Fire & Rescue District Deputy Chief John DiMaria, who sometimes introduces his son during speaking engagements.
“If I can inspire just one person, then I have done my job,” DiMaria remarked during his presentation at the Heights Center.
Born with cerebral palsy, DiMaria turned what some would consider a significant disability into an even more significant commitment to rise above whatever challenges life presents. His program teaches that adversity can reveal character, and that anyone can find the strength to turn pain into purpose. To learn more about Gavin DiMaria and his “Beyond Driven” program, please visit his Facebook page.
Committed to helping build strong, self-sufficient families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood of Fort Myers, the Heights Foundation and its Heights Center promote education and wellness, nurture family and community development, and provide residents with enrichment opportunities and lifelong learning. To learn more, please visit www.heightsfoundation.org.
As the oldest locally owned and managed community bank in Lee County, Bank of the Islands is proud to be the winner of more than 50 “Best of the Islands” awards. We’re especially honored to be voted Best Bank, Best Financial Services, and Best Mortgage Broker for 2025-2026. The Bank has retained a 5-Star Superior Rating from BauerFinancial for more than a decade. The Sanibel office of Bank of the Islands is located at 1699 Periwinkle Way, at the corner of Casa Ybel Road. The Captiva office is at 14812 Captiva Drive, next to the Captiva Post Office. To learn more, visit http://www.bankoftheislands.com.
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