(Fort Myers, Fla. – June 5, 2013) – A stay at home mom, a house painter, a student, a gentleman who survived medical issues, and an entrepreneur — Five contestants from southwest Florida region, each with their own love story, are competing to be the last one standing with their hand on the pedestal of the custom-designed Mark Loren Designs diamond engagement ring ($10,000 value) on Friday, June 7, starting at 5 p.m., and through the weekend, at Mark Loren Designs store and gallery, in The Mercato, 9118 Strada Place, # 8120, Naples.

The contestants are Stephanie Mastro, 43, and Michael Knox, 30, of Fort Myers, Rick McPeek, of North Fort Myers, Ashley Bruce, 19, of Punta Gorda, and Nathan Gates, 30, of Bonita Spring, will vie for the ring.

Some of the contestants plan to become engaged, others are currently married or celebrating an anniversary, and one is competing to win the ring for her parents. Their stories are of lost love, hardship, destiny, respect and all things that make the wedding season romantic. The “Ring Within Reach” contest will run through the weekend June 7-8 or longer with no breaks, until the last person is left with his or her hand on the pedestal. The ring will be displayed by the gallery window on the pedestal, each contestant’s hand will be marked and numbered, judges will be present and a video camera will be on hand to back up the judging. The public is welcome to watch through the window during the contest.

And, everyone is a winner because those who stop by Mark Loren Designs’ Mercato store during the contest will receive a loose gem (valued at $50 to $150), while supplies last.

The contestants were chosen from a field of 29 entries in the “Ring Within Reach” contest, a promotion in honor of June, the most popular month for brides and wedding planning. And with the mounting costs for weddings, it is a welcome opportunity for the 5 contenders.

“It is so rewarding and powerful to be part of the romantic experience of an engagement by designing and creating that special and unique ring that will last often for generations,” said Mark Loren. “But to make it happen for someone deserving in our community makes it even more thrilling.”

About Mark Loren Designs
Mark Loren Designs has offered custom designed jewelry, repairs and recreations of sentimental heirlooms for nearly 30 years in Southwest Florida. His efforts have earned high praise by leaders in the jewelry industry and trade publications. Loren was named one of 39 of the world’s top jewelry artists in, Gemstones Masters: Major Works by Leading Artists. The artists in this juried collection were selected by jewelry curator, designer and president of the American Jewelry Design Council, Alan Revere.

His other recognitions include the International Spectrum Design awards, bestowed by the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA), are considered the “Oscars” of the jewelry-design industry—and Loren and his design team have won several over the years for “outstanding jewelry design incorporated colored gemstones.” They’ve earned two AGTA Manufacturing Honors, awarded for combining elegant use of natural colored gemstones with techniques that can be used by mainstream manufacturers. They’ve also taken home two Platinum Honors prizes and won the International Pearl Design contest. Mark Loren Designs has two southwest Florida locations, Fort Myers and in The Mercato in Naples. Displays of his work can be found online at www.marklorendesigns.com, or on Facebook, (239) 482-4664.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (June 4, 2013) — Canterbury School’s annual fundraiser, “Extravaganza,” featured a vintage Pan Am theme Dream Big: The Sky’s the Limit and the planning committee did just that. The school surpassed its financial goal and raised $164,105 at the gala held last month to support need-based Financial Aid and Scholarships. The event was attended by more than 300 people, and was presented by FineMark Bank and held at the ACI Hangar at Page Field.

More than 25 percent of Canterbury students receive some form of need-based merit scholarship and/or financial aid support. This year, Canterbury is providing nearly $1.5 million in financial assistance to local students. The school adheres to the National Association of Independent School’s Principles of Good Practice for Financial Aid in its granting processes.

In addition, students of promise can apply for need-based Merit Scholarship opportunities for students entering 6th and 9th grades. The students must apply and meet certain academic requirements, demonstrate leadership qualities and take a qualifying test at Canterbury School.

Canterbury School, a private, independent PreK3 – 12th grade college preparatory school in Fort Myers, was founded in 1964 and has an enrollment of 615. The school is dedicated to academic excellence within a caring and supportive community emphasizing character, leadership and service.

Local Boutique to Collect Canned Goods and Food and Offer Shopping Discount to Donors

(Fort Myers, FL – June 4, 2013) –Jennifer’s Boutique is celebrating its 30th anniversary in Southwest Florida by giving back to the community. To cap off a year of giving, Jennifer’s is offering a month-long program for CCMI in an effort to support summertime hunger fighting efforts for families and children.

Shoppers who bring canned goods and non-perishable food items to the store will receive a 20% discount on all purchases in the boutique through the month of June.

“Having been part of this community for more than 30 years, I have become very aware of the need to help our neighbors especially in the summertime when the local food pantry shelves are not as full.”

In November of 1983, Jennifer Williams opened Jennifer’s on McGregor Boulevard, in the same location it stands today. Jennifer’s unique and timeless sense of style has created a loyal following. Williams attributes her success to staying current and true to her fashion sense. “Some trends are all over the fashion magazines, but don’t work for our clients,” says Williams. “Our theme has always been subtle, simple and sophisticated. “ Jennifer’s has always actively given back to the community.

Jennifer’s is located at 13451 McGregor Boulevard at Cypress Lake Drive (Cypress Square) and is open from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Call (239) 481-8582 or visit Jennifer’s online at jennifersfortmyers.com

About Jennifer’s

The Fort Myers women’s boutique was founded by Jennifer Williams in 1983. Jennifer’s offers subtle and timeless pieces that can be worn every day. Jennifer’s is located at 13451 McGregor Boulevard at Cypress Lake Drive in the Cypress Square Shopping Center. For more information call 239-481-8582 or visit Jennifer’s online at jennifersfortmyers.com or on Facebook as Jennifer’s Boutique.

(Fort Myers – May 30, 2013) – Volunteers from Riverside Church built a wheelchair ramp for an elderly Harlem Heights homeowner who sought assistance through the Heights Center’s Family Advocacy program. The Center’s programs had previously helped the woman, who is disabled and uses a wheelchair, to alleviate flooding in the front of her home.

Supplies for the wheelchair ramp were provided with financial support from Riverside Church and in-kind donations from The Home Depot. With technical assistance from Builder’s Care, Riverside Church submitted a building permit and planned multiple work days. Volunteers from the church worked 140 hours on the project that included removing overgrown trees and shrubs and providing yard maintenance the homeowner was unable to complete.

“The existing ramp had been decaying for many years and the homeowner had to go backwards down the ramp,” said Julie Workman, Chief Advocacy Officer of The Heights Center. “Because of the volunteers and financial contribution of Riverside Church and the support of Home Depot and Builders Care, she is now able to safely leave her home.”

The Heights Foundation works to build strong, self-sufficient families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood. The Foundation’s mission is to promote family and community development, support education, health and wellness, and provide the benefits of enrichment, expressive and cultural arts. The 14,000 square-foot Harlem Heights Cultural Arts and Community Center opened in February 2013. For more information call (239) 482-7706 or visit www.heightsfoundation.org

About the Heights Foundation and the Heights Center
The Heights Center, supported by the Heights Foundation, is a place for Education, Opportunity, and Enrichment. The Heights Foundation works to build strong, self-sufficient families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood. As a 501(c)3 grassroots organization, the Center’s mission is to promote family and community development, support education, health and wellness, and provide the benefits of enrichment, expressive and cultural arts. The 14,000 square-foot Harlem Heights Cultural Arts and Community Center opened in February 2013.

Harlem Heights was originally settled as a rural agricultural community. Approximately 1,200 children live in a mixture of single-family homes and multi-family apartments. Demographically, the population is approximately 55% Hispanic, 36% African-American, and 9% Caucasian. The poverty rate for children in Harlem Heights is more than twice the county average, with family income 40% below the county average. Families are not able to easily access family support services located in downtown Fort Myers, and benefit greatly from programs located within the neighborhood.

Artwork created by children from Easter Seals Lily Academy Fort Myers

Artwork created by children to be displayed and sold at boutique

(Fort Myers, FL – May 14, 2013) –Jennifer’s boutique will host “Art of a Child” to benefit local charities from May 20 – June 15. Artwork created by children from Easter Seals Lily Academy Fort Myers, Gulfshore Ballet, The Heights Center afterschool program, CCMI Montessori School and PACE Center for Girls of Lee County will be on display and available for purchase. All sales will be donated to the charities.

An opening reception that includes complimentary refreshments will be held on Wednesday, May 22 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

“The visual arts play an important role in a child’s development and are a great way to tap into their creative energy and boost their self-confidence,” said owner Jennifer Williams. “The Art of a Child exhibit allows us to showcase the talent of local children and teens and give back to the organizations that support them.”

Williams opened her Fort Myers boutique in November of 1983 on McGregor Boulevard at Cypress Square; the same location where it stands today. Her style is subtle, simple and sophisticated. Jennifer’s has always actively given back to the community.

Jennifer’s is located at 13451 McGregor Boulevard at Cypress Lake Drive (Cypress Square) and is open from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Call (239) 481-8582 or visit Jennifer’s online at jennifersfortmyers.com

About Jennifer’s

The Fort Myers women’s boutique was founded by Jennifer Williams in 1983. Jennifer’s offers subtle and timeless pieces that can be worn every day. Jennifer’s is located at 13451 McGregor Boulevard at Cypress Lake Drive in the Cypress Square Shopping Center. For more information call 239-481-8582 or visit Jennifer’s online at jennifersfortmyers.com.

When: Wednesday, May 15, 2013, 9:30 to 10 a.m.

Where: Canterbury School Lower and Intermediate Courtyard, 8141 College Pkwy., Fort Myers

Who: Sixth grade students will display and erupt their science project volcanoes. In the past, “lava” has spewed up to 10’ in the air!

How: After studying plate tectonics and how landforms are shaped in earth science class, each student chooses a volcano, does a research paper and builds a model of the volcano – complete with its ability to erupt.

Note: Most students use soda as a medium for lava, some use the old standard of vinegar and baking soda, and others get very creative using things like Mentos. With a gallery of students from Pre-K through grade five, it’s an entertaining and educational annual event at Canterbury School.

Contact: Deborah Johnson, Director of Development
239-333-3294, cell 239-810-3568

Last One Standing Will Win a Custom-designed Diamond Engagement Ring

(Fort Myers, Fla. – May 3, 2013) –Mark Loren Designs is calling for entries of soon-to-be betrothed couples with compelling love stories and exceptional endurance. It will be a romantic competition of those who think they can outlast others by keeping their hand, without moving it, on the pedestal of a custom-designed, diamond engagement ring in Loren’s gallery. “A Ring Within Reach” Contest judges will choose 6 contestants for the chance to compete for the diamond ring which will be awarded to the last one standing. Entries are due by midnight on May 24, the contest of the “final 6” will be held on June 7 until one person is remaining. Last year’s winner, Neal Tuley, 24, of Lynchburg, Va., stood 28 ½ hours.

June is a popular month for brides and wedding planning. Mark Loren, award-winning jewelry designer, is honoring the engagement season with the “Ring Within Reach Contest.” Whoever can keep their hand on the ring the longest without moving, wins hands down. A panel of Loren’s loyal customers will single out the most eligible Romeos (or Juliets) by selecting from the compelling stories submitted to determine the “final 6” competitors who will reach for the ring. Contestants can enter online at http://www.marklorendesigns.com/ringwithinreach.html and fill out the online form, download and email back, or fax the entry form. Contestants can also stop by Mark Loren Designs at 13351 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, or the new Mark Loren Designs store located in the Mercato Shops, 9118 Strada Place, Ste. 8120, next to the Silverspot Movie Theater, in Naples to pick up and drop off entry. Prior contestants will not be eligible. This year’s contest will be held at the Naples Mark Loren Designs location.

Maybe the lovebirds have been reunited since they were childhood sweethearts, perhaps they have been caring for elderly parents and haven’t had the money to make the engagement official, or maybe that someone special has been serving in the military to protect our country. The love story could be the golden ticket.

“Clients come to see us at very special times in their lives and we feel the most special and romantic is when we are asked to design a unique engagement ring,” says Loren. “ This symbol of a couples love and commitment transforms our work into a lifetime expression of that precious love.”

“Ring Within Reach” Timeline:
Contest publicity begins seeking applicants – May 1
Deadline for entries – May 24
Judging for final 6 contestants – May 30
Mandatory Contestants orientation – June 6 (evening)
Contest – June 7, 4 p.m. (contestants arrive by 3:45 p.m.) contest kick-off to find out who will be the last one standing

For more information, visit www.MarkLorenDesigns.com or call 239-482-4664.

About Mark Loren Designs
Mark Loren Designs has offered custom designed jewelry, repairs and recreations of sentimental heirlooms for more than 25 years in Southwest Florida. His efforts have earned high praise by leaders in the jewelry industry and trade publications. Loren was named one of 39 of the world’s top jewelry artists in, Gemstones Masters: Major Works by Leading Artists. The artists in this juried collection were selected by jewelry curator, designer and president of the American Jewelry Design Council, Alan Revere.

His other recognitions include the International Spectrum Design awards, bestowed by the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA), are considered the “Oscars” of the jewelry-design industry—and Loren and his design team have won several over the years for “outstanding jewelry design incorporated colored gemstones.” They’ve earned two AGTA Manufacturing Honors, awarded for combining elegant use of natural colored gemstones with techniques that can be used by mainstream manufacturers. They’ve also taken home two Platinum Honors prizes and won the International Pearl Design contest. Examples of his work can be found online at www.marklorendesigns.com.

(Fort Myers – May 3, 2013) – Gulf Harbour Memorial Foundation donated $15,000 to the Heights Foundation to complete the foundation’s medical clinic. The clinic will provide access to quality health care for low-income, uninsured residents of Harlem Heights and surrounding communities. The clinic will be located at the Heights Center, 15570 Hagie Drive in Fort Myers, and will be run by Lee County Volunteers in Medicine.

“Gulf Harbour Memorial Foundation has been a long-time supporter of the Heights Foundation,” said Kathryn Kelly, President and CEO of the Heights Foundation. “Their investment in our community will allow us, in partnership with Lee County Volunteers in Medicine, to provide no-cost medical services and health advocacy to our community. We will help people take responsibility for keeping themselves healthy by promoting health and well-being and preventing illness. “

The Heights Center, supported by the Heights Foundation, is a place for education, opportunity, and enrichment. The Heights Foundation works to build strong, self-sufficient families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood. As a 501(c)3 grassroots organization, the Center’s mission is to promote family and community development, support education, health and wellness, and provide the benefits of enrichment, expressive and cultural arts. The 14,000 square-foot Harlem Heights Cultural Arts and Community Center opened in February 2013. For more information call (239) 482-7706 or visit www.heightsfoundation.org

About the Heights Foundation and the Heights Center
The Heights Center, supported by the Heights Foundation, is a place for Education, Opportunity, and Enrichment. The Heights Foundation works to build strong, self-sufficient families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood. As a 501(c)3 grassroots organization, the Center’s mission is to promote family and community development, support education, health and wellness, and provide the benefits of enrichment, expressive and cultural arts. The 14,000 square-foot Harlem Heights Cultural Arts and Community Center opened in February 2013.

Harlem Heights was originally settled as a rural agricultural community. Approximately 1,200 children live in a mixture of single-family homes and multi-family apartments. Demographically, the population is approximately 55% Hispanic, 36% African-American, and 9% Caucasian. The poverty rate for children in Harlem Heights is more than twice the county average, with family income 40% below the county average. Families are not able to easily access family support services located in downtown Fort Myers, and benefit greatly from programs located within the neighborhood.

GET-NSA will provide an array of support activities, including cyber security operations, network operations, information engineering and systems development, and end-user support and help-desk services. The project, now under way, involves about 30 incumbent employees who became GET-NSA employees on March 1. The contract will be administered by GET-NSA, an 8(a) small disadvantaged business joint venture between Charlotte, N.C.-based Nuclear Safety Associates and Miami’s Global Engineering & Technology.

NSA partnered with GET in a mentor-protégé relationship approved by the U.S. Small Business Administration and designed to help the Florida firm become more competitive in pursuing government IT and security procurements set aside for small and small disadvantaged businesses. GET has primarily supported the Department of Defense Southern Command, providing support in personnel security, IT and administrative functions. GET-NSA was established in early 2012 and approved by the SBA in September 2012.

“This is an important contract for our firm and we are eager to work with and learn from NSA,” said GET President Anthony Maruri, who founded the Miami management and organizational consulting firm in 1999 to work with federal, state and local governments and private sector companies.

The GET-NSA contract also provides access to two other small businesses: Innovative Technical Solutions, a Native American-owned information technology firm in Paducah, Ky., and Turnkey Technical Services, an Oak Ridge-based regulatory compliance and logistics consulting service.

“Creating strategic partnerships is becoming increasingly important in this highly competitive industry,” said Chris Dean, vice president of operations for NSA’s Federal Division. “Establishing this mentor-protégé relationship gives GET an advantage in bidding on government procurements set aside for small businesses.”

“We are pleased with the selection of GET-NSA as the next information technology support contractor for the Oak Ridge Office,” Larry Kelly, the manager of the DOE’s Oak Ridge Office, said in a press release. “The services provided under this contract are vital to our success, and we look forward to building a productive, professional relationship with GET-NSA.”

About NSA
Nuclear Safety Associates specializes in nuclear safety and licensing, criticality safety, training, specialized design engineering, seismic and structural engineering, safeguards and security, cyber security and information technology services for the federal government and commercial nuclear industry. The Charlotte, N.C., company, founded in 2001, has field offices in Oak Ridge, Tenn.; Idaho Falls, Idaho; Hudson, Wis.; Columbus, Ohio; and Albuquerque, N.M. NSA has earned a strong reputation for quality and technical excellence and has the experience, infrastructure and financial stability to successfully manage complex projects requiring highly skilled technical resources.

Throughout its 12-year history, the company has experienced consistent and managed growth. NSA is recognized by Inc. Magazine as one of America’s top 5,000 fastest growing small businesses and top engineering companies for four consecutive years, from 2007 to 2010. NSA’s exceptional record of accomplishment is the result of its focus on performance, exceeding customer expectations and viewing every customer relationship as a true partnership.

For more information about NSA, visit www.nuclearassociates.com.

About GET
Global Engineering & Technology was founded in 1999 to provide local and private companies advice and assistance in several areas. Its expertise includes streamlining and improving management and organizational processes and analyzing independent and/or integrated policy and procedure. GET also provides safeguards and security support services; computer and cyber security support services; administrative support services; website development for secured information; training and implementing recommended management and organizational improvements and/or programs; and best management practices in addressing management challenges. GET was certified as an

GET was founded in 1999 and certified in 2006 by the Small Business Administration as an
8(a) (Case Number 301281) minority-owned small disadvantaged business. GET is certified under the North American Industry Classification System Code 561990 with a small business size standard of $7M.

For more information about GET, visit www.getinc.org.

(Fort Myers – April 23, 2013) – The Pierce Family Fund donated $25,000 to the Heights Foundation to purchase a commercial hood, fire suppression and exhaust system for the Heights Culinary Center. The Culinary Center will be a commercial teaching kitchen, located within The Heights Center—a 14,000 square- foot facility for education, opportunity and enrichment in the Harlem Heights community. The Heights Culinary Center will provide family self-sufficiency and development through workforce training, entrepreneurship, and community feeding programs.

“Our intent is to help under-employed adults gain the skills and experience needed to meet their life goals. We are excited to partner with area resorts, life-care establishments, restaurants and hotels to provide job-ready, qualified and motivated staff to meet their needs.” said Kathryn Kelly, President and CEO of the Heights Foundation. “The donation by the Pierce family allows us to purchase the most important piece of equipment in our kitchen.”

Additional commercial equipment is needed to complete the teaching kitchen.

The Heights Center, supported by the Heights Foundation, is a place for education, opportunity, and enrichment. The Heights Foundation works to build strong, self-sufficient families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood. The Center’s mission is to promote family and community development, support education, health and wellness, and provide the benefits of enrichment, expressive and cultural arts. The Harlem Heights Cultural Arts and Community Center is located at 15570 Hagie Drive in Fort Myers. For more information about the Heights Center and the Heights Culinary Center call (239) 482-7706 or visit www.heightsfoundation.org

About the Heights Foundation and the Heights Center
The Heights Center, supported by the Heights Foundation, is a place for Education, Opportunity, and Enrichment. The Heights Foundation works to build strong, self-sufficient families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood. As a 501(c)3 grassroots organization, the Center’s mission is to promote family and community development, support education, health and wellness, and provide the benefits of enrichment, expressive and cultural arts. The 14,000 square-foot Harlem Heights Cultural Arts and Community Center opened in February 2013.

Harlem Heights was originally settled as a rural agricultural community. Approximately 1,200 children live in a mixture of single-family homes and multi-family apartments. Demographically, the population is approximately 55% Hispanic, 36% African-American, and 9% Caucasian. The poverty rate for children in Harlem Heights is more than twice the county average, with family income 40% below the county average. Families are not able to easily access family support services located in downtown Fort Myers, and benefit greatly from programs located within the neighborhood.