Make a Difference 2015

Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner went MAD this week—but not in the creepy Norman Bates way. No, we forwent the wig and butcher knife and instead donned more stylish duds for our annual Make a Difference (MAD) Award Luncheon, held on June 9^th at The Forest Country Club in Fort Myers!

A tradition more than 15 years in the making, the Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner Make a Difference Award celebrates the spirit of volunteerism and community service in area youth by recognizing select students who demonstrate outstanding commitments to helping others. The winning students—who are chosen based on their volunteer activity as detailed in essay submissions—are presented a monetary award, commended at their school’s year-end ceremony, and invited to attend the BLS MAD Award Luncheon, where they can mingle with fellow winners and rub elbows with attorneys from the Firm.

This year saw winners from L.A. Ainger, Punta Gorda, Murdock, Alva, Gulf, Trafalgar, and Challenger Middle Schools. The students were treated to a delicious lunch and an impressive array of guest speakers: Hon. Archie B. Hayward, County Judge for the 20^th Judicial Circuit of Florida; Linda Doggett, Lee County Clerk and Comptroller; and PJ Scheiner. The speakers offered words of wisdom and encouragement for their audience of selfless students with bright futures. Bruce and Cheryl Scheiner were also present to congratulate the winners and thank them for devoting so much of their time and energy to helping others.

In a world where values like philanthropy, charity, and community involvement are becoming harder and harder to find—especially among the youth—the Make a Difference Award stands as a much-needed reminder that there is more than a little hope left for the world, especially with motivated, conscientious kids like these soon to take the helm. Thanks and congratulations also go out to the winners’ parents, for passing along such important values to the next generation.

Until next time, be sure to check our Community page regularly to find out what we’ve been up to in your neck of the woods, and to learn about worthwhile causes and events throughout Southwest Florida.