provided to The Santiva Chronicle

Zonta volunteers at a Women Build work site in April

The collaborative relationship between the Zonta Club of Sanibel-Captiva and Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties goes back at least ten years, when Zonta awarded its first grant in support of Habitat’s then-new Women Build program.

Women Build was created to raise funds for the construction or rehabilitation of homes for single mothers and their families.

This spring, several events have continued to strengthen Zonta’s connection with this successful program, beginning with Habitat’s annual Women Build Kickoff party in March, which launched the 2025 program and honored a number of major contributors, including Zonta.

Zontian Karen Pati (L) with 2025 Future Homeowner Lissy at Habitat’s annual Women Build Kickoff celebration

Zonta president Taryn Manning (R) with new homeowner Laura and her son Alejandro, after presenting a symbolic key to the family

The club also brings its own volunteer crew of Zontians each spring to one or more designated Women Build sites, where members engage in painting, flooring, or whatever is the greatest need, as a home is readied for a new owner.

In early June, Zonta president Taryn Manning attended the dedication of just such a new home in Cape Coral and had the honor of presenting a symbolic key to a new homeowner.

Manning said, “We have seen through our partnership with Habitat and the Women Build program what can be accomplished with hard work and determination. It is such a pleasure to celebrate and welcome Laura and her family into their new home!”

For more information, visit www.zontasancap.com.

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