By MerriBeth Farnham, HD PR Marketing & PR Group                                                   

What began as a hopeful dream in the eyes of Cape Coral Community Foundation (CCCF) founders is blossoming into larger than life reality as the foundation enters a new phase of growth with generosity ‘expert’ Michael Chatman as the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Chatman has been busy interviewing city founders, philanthropists and advocates over the past few weeks since he arrived in August.  He chose the welcome reception in his honor as a perfect time to share some early observations and his philosophy on giving.

“Cape Coral is the essence of generosity,” Chatman told the crowd at the Cape Coral Yacht Club.  “I’m here to tell you that philanthropy and generosity are two different things.  Philanthropy is about writing a check; generosity is showing that you care and that you have time to show that.”

Chatman had words of praise for CCCF’s founders, sharing four key takeaways from his initial conversations with Cape Coral pioneers:

• The founders had a vision to move Cape Coral from a culture of consumption to contribution.

“They taught us think about what we give.”

• Since its beginnings in 1973, CCCF and the city as a whole have been moving from a community based on transaction to one based solidly on trust.

“They taught us that you cannot be generous with a clenched fist.”

• The founders began the vital process to move us from isolation to a strong sense of community.

“The benefit of this shift is that it cultivates a network of giving ties. It is not enough that we connect, but rather, how we connect.  You can create ties on Facebook or go to a movie with a group, but ‘gift ties’ are the strongest ties.  We grow closer together as we serve together.”

• Our founders have moved Cape Coral from a philosophy of scarcity to one of abundance.

“Abundance has nothing to do with your net worth.”

“Generosity is a lifestyle and a mindset,” Chatman explained.  “It cultivates inner transformation–the realization that we have enough.  It is when someone is healed enough to help.  I believe in abundance, added Chatman.  I believe that this community has enormous potential to lead in Lee County.”

The Cape Coral Community Foundation was founded in 1973 to create a funding source to benefit the Cape Coral community.  Visit: www.capecoralcf.org.