Fort Myers Business Coach Betsy Allen joined volunteers from the 2009 Class of Leadership Lee County and LeeSar, a leading Southwest Florida medical services employer, to landscape and construct a playground area on the Fort Myers Edison Campus.  Arriving in waves, the volunteers organized, assembled, landscaped, mulched and turned an empty corner into a fun filled and safe escape for young children being sheltered at the Salvation Army facilities.

Nearly 40 volunteers were on hand doing everything from site preparation and landscaping to light assembly and construction of a 40 foot by 50 foot playground area on the established Salvation Army campus property in Fort Myers. Despite the numbers, the project required quite a commitment of organized effort and volunteer time.

Leadership Lee County Class Members raised funds for the playground equipment. LeeSar provided matching contributions with landscaping materials, fencing and volunteers.

"The finished structure is a testament to hard work and the ability to follow instructions and plan ahead." according to Steve Tirey, Leadership Program Founder and President/CEO of The Chamber of Southwest Florida. "Many thanks to LeeSar and the Leadership Lee County Class of 2009 and a special thanks to the volunteers and all of those who supported the class as they raised funds for their class projects."

The Chamber of Southwest Florida is a regional business membership organization with members in Lee Collier, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades Counties. Chamber members are regional employers and many provide products and services across the region. The Leadership Lee County Program has over 1,000 graduates and is fostered by The Chamber.