Team members from Arthrex recently volunteered their time – and green thumbs – to help beautify the outdoor space at The Immokalee Foundation’s Program Offices in Immokalee. The much-needed improvement project came about after the Naples-based medical device company, which has hundreds of employees at its nearby Ave Maria facilities, inquired about volunteer opportunities with the foundation.
Led by Kip Kimmel, Arthrex’s territory operations manager – mountain west region, a team of eight Arthrex employees showed up at the foundation with their own shovels and other gardening tools in hand. The goal? To transform the outdoor space at the Program Offices to create an aesthetically pleasing environment with a tranquil, relaxing feeling for the foundation’s students – as well as the entire community – to enjoy.
Kimmel had even sourced donated materials for the project from Driftwood Garden Center, a longtime locally owned and family-operated business with locations in Naples and Estero. “Driftwood Garden Center is proud to support the efforts and mission of The Immokalee Foundation,” said Kristine O’Neill, who handles public relations and marketing for the company. “Driftwood has a strong commitment to giving back to the communities in which we live. We hope that our support in partnering with the team at Arthrex keeps the gardens at the foundation green and blooming.”
Julian Morgan, director of community philanthropy for The Immokalee Foundation, and Barbara Hawkes, the foundation’s career advancement manager, organized the project. “Communities are built through partnerships, and this is a prime example of ‘If there’s a will, there’s a way,’” said Morgan.
“The volunteer team from Arthrex was engaging, and the energy they brought to the landscape beautification project was truly remarkable,” said Hawkes. “We are grateful for this bright and colorful addition to the grounds of The Immokalee Foundation’s Program Offices that our students and staff will enjoy. Arthrex is a true community partner, and we look forward to uniting with the company on future educational opportunities in the upcoming months.”
“Our team had such a great experience working on this project,” said Kimmel. “It was truly a group effort, with Driftwood Garden Center jumping in to provide all of the flowers and mulch. The cleanup of the area, plus the added color from the plantings, make such a big impact! We are so fortunate that Arthrex encourages its employees to get involved in projects that make our communities better.”
Arthrex is a global leader in orthopedic surgical device design, research, manufacturing and medical education. The company develops and releases more than 2,000 new products and procedures every year to advance minimally invasive orthopedics worldwide.
The Immokalee Foundation provides a range of education programs that focus on building pathways to professional careers through support, mentoring and tutoring, and life skills development leading to economic independence. To learn more about The Immokalee Foundation, becoming a mentor, its signature events, volunteering as a career panel speaker or host, making a donation, including the foundation in your estate plans, or for additional information, call 239-430-9122 or visit https://immokaleefoundation.org.
Laura Brooke, Arthrex – The Immokalee Foundation landscaping project
Kip Kimmel, Arthrex – The Immokalee Foundation landscaping project – checking on materials donated by Driftwood Garden Centers
Craig Leist, Arthrex – The Immokalee Foundation landscaping project
Chris Pomponi, Arthrex – The Immokalee Foundation landscaping project
Arthrex – Chris Pomponi, Joe Mazzola, Maria Ramirez, Mike Ross – The Immokalee Foundation landscaping project
