$5 Million Gift for New Naples Center
Tom Golisano, a Naples citizen and philanthropist, has donated $5 million to the STARability Foundation for its future location in North Naples, which will enable the group expand its services.
STARability provides a variety of programs to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities feel empowered and active in their communities, according to a recent article by Liz Freeman of Naples Daily News.
The contribution from Paychex founder Golisano will go toward STARability’s future offices at 2655 Northbrooke Drive, which will be housed in a 42,000-square-foot building previously occupied by Hodges University.
“This generous gift from Tom Golisano is a monumental step forward for STARability and our community,” Karen Govern, STARability’s CEO, stated in a news release.
“It brings us one step closer to breaking down barriers and providing greater inclusive opportunities for growth, learning and social connections in a supportive environment where every individual can thrive,” she said in a statement.
The donation will allow STARability to handle the expanding community and more than increase client capacity.
How will the gift be used?
Golisano established the Golisano Foundation to coordinate his extensive philanthropic contributions for hospitals and other organizations in the United States and around the world.
The Golisano Foundation, with over $60 million in gross assets, is one of the largest private foundations in the United States dedicated to supporting programs for people with intellectual and developmental impairments.
“We are extremely grateful to Mr. Golisano for believing in our mission and future plans and coming alongside us to help open the doors to many more in need,” he said. “We believe our new campus will become a model center, not just locally, but regionally and nationally.”
STARability revealed last month that it had purchased the land at 2655 Northbooke Drive, which covers five acres for its new campus.
Southwest Florida Music Education Center purchased the property from Hodges in 2022 for slightly more than $10 million; a merger between STARability and the music school went into effect on March 28.
What are the next steps?
The Northbrooke property will serve as STARability’s future permanent headquarters, and work to rebuild the facility have commenced. More information will be released at a later date.
Golisano stated in a news release that he is thrilled to assist STARability in establishing a new and much-needed center where people with intellectual and developmental disabilities may connect, study, and receive services and support in an inclusive setting.
“This center, and STARability’s expansion of programs will transform the lives of countless individuals for years to come,” Golisano said in a statement.
STARabilility has been operating out of rented space for several years, and its clientele has grown to over 360 people, with a staff of 41 and 200 volunteers.
In 2023, the NGO supplied over 30,000 program services to clients.
Programs emphasize personal development, learning, and social activities to help clients break down barriers and become more inclusive members of the community.
STARability had previously planned to develop its future home on three acres of land in the Lakewood suburb of East Naples, near the closed clubhouse. Lakewood neighbors opposed, claiming the proposal was commercial in nature and not appropriate for the location.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News
