THE NAPLES PLAYERS
Only a few days before Hurricane Ian became a threat to Southwest Florida , Naples City Council unanimously approved The Naples Players $ 15 million renovation of its iconic home on 5th Avenue South in downtown Naples . David and Jerri Hoffmann committed $ 500,000 toward the project .
“ We feel so fortunate that theater survived Hurricane Ian ,” said Peggy Monson , board president of The Naples Players . “ We hope the news of our upcoming renovation brings joy and inspires confidence that the city of Naples is not only resilient , but will build back stronger and better than ever before .”
The Naples Players ’ current home on 5th Avenue South opened more than 20 years ago . Since that time , the programs and impact to the community have experienced significant growth , but the building has remained the same . Invited to build their facility downtown in a partnership with The City of Naples in 1994 , The Naples Players was charged with serving the local community in the arts while building downtown into a destination . More : naplesplayers . org
HERTZ ARENA
As Hurricane Ian devastated Naples , the Hoffmann family immediately responded to community needs , like opening Hertz Arena , a building they own , as a shelter . More than 500 people grew to call it home soon after the hurricane came through .
“ You do feel powerless , but you are just thinking about the people and what it means to the people in the community and in the state of Florida , and it is just heartbreaking ,” said David Hoffmann . The family is in the planning stages of events that are intended to raise money for those impacted by the storm .
22 PORTFOLIO MAGAZINE