PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATIONS
Let's Celebrate!
Achieving Blue Zones Project Approved™ status is a wonderful accomplishment. Congratulations to the following organizations who are helping to make the healthy choice, the easier choice in SWFL.
Organizations
Bayfront Condominium Association already had some social activities which help foster a community spirit. Becoming a Blue Zones Project community is helping them to encourage an even greater participation by offering new activities, with a healthy focus, which helps residents to connect with each other one neighbor at a time. "Joining Blue Zones Project makes it easier for our residents to seek out activities that that encourage and promote healthy options, and in social activities, which can lead to healthier, happier and longer lives," said Maria Mair, President of Bayfront Condominium Association.
Treviso Bay's member driven initiative to become involved with Blue Zones Project centered around a common commitment to wellness and an exceptional drive to add value to the lifestyle their members enjoy. "Treviso Bay strives to be a vibrant, forward-looking premier community, offering an exceptional lifestyle in an unrivaled setting," said Scott Bertrand, General Manager of Treviso Bay. "Participating in Blue Zones was the natural next step in promoting a culture of wellness that adds value for our members."
Dennis and Concetta Di Sarro, Owners of Buff City Soap in Naples pride themselves in providing plant-based detergent and chemical free soap and bath products that not only work great but are also beneficial to overall health. "Blue Zone Project inspired our organization to look for health benefits we could incorporate in our business and everyday life," said Dennis. "We love teaching people about the health benefits of plant-based, detergent and preservative free bath products and this helped us take it beyond SKIN deep!"
Worksite
"The Naples Players mission is to enrich, educate and entertain our community through a superior theatre experience," said Craig Price, Director of Community Education and Wellness at The Naples Players. "Being involved with the Blue Zones Project has helped us make positive changes towards continuing to provide a healthy, enriching and educational experience throughout our organization and in our community." A special shout out to The Spice and Tea Exchange (a Blue Zones Project Recognized Organization) who was also in attendance at the Ribbon Cutting. In true Blue Zones spirit, they served up their amazing blue raspberry crush herbal tea along with some other yummy tastings.
The Ave Maria School of Law celebrated their ribbon cutting along with the grand opening of the new Cancro Family Wellness Center. "With the emphasis on physical and mental health, as well as overall well-being on the rise, Ave Maria Law’s involvement with the Blue Zones project aligns with the school’s mission and holistic approach of bringing reason, faith, and wellness into the legal education of its students," said Kevin Cieply, President and Dean, Ave Maria School of Law. "This is testament to Ave Maria’s Law commitment to and investment in every student’s total wellness."
Naples Coastal Animal Hospital is the first veterinary office to join Blue Zones Project SWFL. They help our pets that help combat loneliness, provide companionship and increase happiness. Also, dogs encourage people to walk often and regularly to help increase physical well-being. 
Healthcare Network of Southwest Florida is a non-profit organization that has been providing quality primary medical and dental care to the under served in our community since 1977. They believe that if more people have access to care, we all benefit from a healthier community. We look forward to this important partnership and thank Dr. Emily Ptaszek for her leadership and being a part of our Steering Committee.
Schools
Bonita Springs Elementary School received dual recognition in becoming a Blue Zones Project Approved worksite and school. In fact, they are the first school in Southwest Florida to accomplish this! The celebration was accompanied by a delicious Blue Zones breakfast for the well-deserved faculty and staff.
