Board of Directors member, Joe Gandolfo.
Protected Harbor is excited to announce the addition of Joe Gandolfo to our Board of Directors!
Born in Rome, Italy, Joe describes himself as a “preacher’s kid,” growing up with his father as a pastor and missionary. He moved to the United States with his family as a young boy, eventually earning a BA at City College of New York and subsequently, a Masters of Education. He then went on to teach in the New York City Board of Education for 32 years.
During his time teaching, he began to feel a burden for disadvantaged youth and their families. However, as a teacher, he felt quite helpless with the limitations imposed by the rules of distancing between students and their teachers.
While teaching, he began to work in the travel business taking student groups to Europe, and eventually becoming an independent contractor as a travel planner for American Express, a role he currently holds.
Joe now writes a travel blog to share his knowledge and experience of his travels.
In 2003, he began attending First Baptist of Naples where he met the “Band of Brothers,” a bible study group for men. Among the group, was Jeff Buchholz, Protected Harbor’s Board President, who introduced him to Protected Harbor.
“It was only after I personally visited the homes that I was able to visualize and understand how precious the residents are and how lovingly they are cared for,” said Joe. “I was hooked, and now I am honored to serve and hopefully, with God’s help, add my small contribution to Protected Harbor.”
Contributing, he is. Recently, Joe created a successful fundraiser for Protected Harbor and its residents. In addition to monetary donations, community members and organizations provided much-needed household items such as cookware, bedding, a mattress set, and games.
We are so thankful to have Joe as a part of the Protected Harbor family. His efforts to grow support for our residents among community members is very much appreciated.
February 8th and 9th Protected Harbor Board members and staff participated in First Baptist Church of Naples annual Kingdom Missions Conference. It was an all-weekend affair focusing the community’s hearts and minds on opportunities to share the gospel of Jesus.
Protected Harbor Board members, Friends of the Board, and staff shared the mission and work that Protected Harbor has accomplished with Mission Conference attendees. There was an outpouring of interest and support as parishioners stopped at the booth offering to lend their services, volunteer, and even provide supplies to help move the mission forward. Jeff was featured during Sunday’s 9:30 service where he spoke about Protected Harbor’s history and the exciting future ahead.
February 7, 2020 was a very special evening for the residents of Protected Harbor who attended the local Night to Shine event, a celebration in which each guest was crowned Prom King or Prom Queen.
“We have decided to go out of our way to make the biggest, most special night of the year for people with special needs because they’re worth it and they’re special,” said Founder Tim Tebow. Sanibel Church reported that 124 guests registered for the event. In addition, more than 100 family members and caregivers, plus an estimated 200 volunteers, were also in attendance.
Protected Harbor would like to honor Board of Directors member, Patricia Ellis. Previous to joining Protected Harbor in 2012, Pat was a teacher and librarian who led special education classes at her local church.
Pat spends most of her time developing two annual fundraisers for Protected Harbor, the annual Prayer Breakfast and Homes with Hearts Luncheon. When Pat was asked why she feels a close connection to Protected Harbor, she responded that, “Parents seek God’s guidance to look for a Christian home where your loved one can grow and prosper, and to become the person God intended him or her to be. It brings my husband and I comfort in knowing that our son will be cared for in the best possible way and we want all families to experience that same level of comfort.”
Originally from Toledo, Ohio, Jeff and his family moved to Naples as full-time residents in 1997. Jeff began selling real estate in 2006. Prior to that, he was in the consulting business working with auto dealers and manufacturers throughout the United States and Canada. Tired of commuting and wanting a fun, relaxed atmosphere, and most importantly, missing the community and climate of Naples, Jeff embarked on a new career in real estate in Florida. He has been licensed since 2006 and joined the John. R. Wood organization in 2009.
Typically, when not at work, be it at real estate or assisting local organizations, you may see Jeff at a car racing event or a football game. He is a big sports fan and has remained true to the Cleveland Browns. He loves to travel and visit friends and family throughout the country. He also enjoys the lovely beaches of Southwest Florida with those close to him.
Ashley is a resident of Protected Harbor and lives in the women’s home. Her interest in cooking is no secret. While Ashley has many things that occupy her day, she always sets aside time for what she enjoys most – cooking. She works with support staff preparing an array of dishes, chopping and cutting the ingredients, and testing the final product. Those who know Ashley well, describe her passion for cooking as captivating. She loves to experiment, but most importantly, have fun in the process.
