eekend at the Cape Coral Yacht Club. The Friends of the Cape Coal Environment, Inc., will host community bingo on May 21 where all proceeds will benefit its Adopt-A-Median program.

A fundraising event in support of a beautification endeavor takes place next weekend at the Cape Coral Yacht Club.

The Friends of the Cape Coal Environment, Inc., will host community bingo on May 21 where all proceeds will benefit its Adopt-A-Median program.

In partnership with the city of Cape Coral, the Northwest Neighborhood Association, the Southwest Cape Coral Action Committee, businesses, and residents, FOTCCE has raised funds for four median projects: Sands Boulevard, Agualinda Boulevard, Ceitus Parkway, and Savona Parkway.

The city is funding the curbing and irrigation boxes for these projects, with businesses and individuals funding the irrigation piping, plantings, and mulch.

All donations are 100% tax deductible under the Internal Revenue Code. Thus far, Ceitus Parkway has been completed, Sands Boulevard is under way, and the organization is working to remedy the other locations, as well as additional spots throughout the city.

“It’s really going to help enhance the area,” said FOTCCE President Don Apking. “What we’re trying to do is build community.”

Under the city’s budget, it would take decades to accomplish median improvement on the scale FOTCEE envisions. A few creative minds decided it was time to act and create the Adopt-A-Median program, where residents and local businesses design and establish median beautification, and the city maintains the improvements. FOTCCE was established as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization for charitable, research, and educational purposes, and its mission is to protect and enhance the quality of life in Cape Coral by funding research, education, and improvement projects focused on the city’s natural environment.

“We can do it for a lot less than the city can do it, because they have to go out and get bids,” Apking said. “We can do it for about a third or less. We want to get this going and catch up to where we should be. We’ve got 400 miles of canals, so you’re putting the crown on top of the gem with this endeavor.”

Apking said Councilmember Dan Sheppard and Public Works Director Mike Ilczyszyn have been very helpful in their efforts, and that Sheppard took steps even before the organization came to fruition by planting trees in the city years ago.

“The more they support it, the faster it goes,” Apking said. “This has to be a team effort. We need the support of the public as well.”

FOTCCE has a fundraising goal of $100,000 to finish medians currently under way and to start new median projects. This has been a labor of love for the residents involved, made up of volunteers wanting to see their city flourish.

“You meet people that you might not have ever met living here, and once they find out what our mission is, they want to hop on board,” Apking said.

Local businesses such as Gator Mikes, Arnold Roberts Signature Homes, and Overtime Pizza, have already stepped up to the plate to help make these projects a reality. Businesses and individuals that donate $10,000 or more will have a permanent recognition sign on their selected median.

Apking said additional interest for median beautification has come in from Surfside Boulevard and Beach Parkway. He said he’d also love to see improvements along Cape Coral Parkway.

Once funding is secured, Apking said projects take around 90 to 120 days to complete.

“It makes you a part of the community and gives you pride in what you’ve accomplished,” Apking said. “Once you get it done — we’ve had a lot of positive comments already on Ceitus, and I think once we get Sands and Agualinda done, it’s really going to start to take off. Everybody benefits.”

Tickets for community bingo are $25 each or $200 for a VIP table of eight. Doors open at 6 p.m. and games begin at 7. The night includes major raffle prizes, such as kayaks, an iPad, a weekend stay at the Westin, and much more. There will also be a 50/50 and basket raffles as well.

“It’s a great time out to have some fun,” Apking said.

Those wishing to attend the Community Bingo can make checks out to Friends of the Cape Coral Environment Inc., or FOTCCE, and mail them to 4425 Sands Blvd., Cape Coral, FL 33914. (Please note Community Bingo on the bottom left of the check).

For additional information about the FOTCC or the Community Bingo fundraiser, call 239-220-0656.

The Cape Coral Yacht Club, is at 5819 Driftwood Parkway.

— Connect with this reporter on Twitter: @haddad_cj