On March 26, Naples Lodge donated $10,000 from multiple fundraising events to support the Venture Cares Mobile Market. This is a food distribution program through Venture Church of Naples, which provides essential food services to local residents of Collier County. The first portion of the donation, $4,000, helped fund the purchase of a new trailer emblazoned with the lodge logo. This utility trailer assists the mobile market’s main 45’ fifth wheel trailer, facilitating the efficient distribution of food at various locations across the region. The second part of the donation, $6,000, helped offset food and transportation costs. Venture Cares Mobile Market serves designated locations each month, such as Southwest Florida State College, the Pregnancy Resource Center, and Warrior Homes of Collier County. Unlike traditional food pantries, at Venture Cares Mobile Market, participants have the opportunity to walk through the trailer and select their own food, providing a grocery shopping experience with the freedom of choice. The market offers a wide range of items, including fresh, frozen, refrigerated and dry food products.
Pictured at the second donation presentation are Brian Kamp, Lodge Grants Coordinator; Brian Fischer, market manager; and Fred Koch, lodge trustee. Also pictured are the lodge sign on the support trailer, an outside view of the mobile market, and a view inside the mobile market (with Brian Fischer, market manager, and a representative of Warrior Homes of Collier County).