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. Grants are awarded each year in January, from funds raised during the previous year, mostly from the annual home tour, A Peek at the Unique.
Women Build was created specifically to raise funds for construction or rehabbing 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.
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 her new home!”
The Zonta Club of Sanibel-Captiva is a service organization of professionals working together to make life better for women and girls through hands-on assistance, advocacy and funds on the islands, in Lee County and around the world through Zonta International. For more information, visit www.zontasancap.com.
Captions:
- Zontian Karen Pati (L) with 2025 Future Homeowner Lissy at Habitat’s annual Women Build Kickoff celebration
- Zonta volunteers at a Women Build work site in April
- Zonta president Taryn Manning (R) with new homeowner Laura and her son Alejandro, after presenting a symbolic key to the family
