Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral Events Newswire

Florida Child in Need of Extremely Rare Blood- OneBlood Leading Worldwide Search to Locate Donors 12/3/2018 8:00 AM - 12/3/2119

Wed, 05 Dec 2018 14:19:23 GMT

(Orlando, Florida December 3, 2018) OneBlood, the local not-for-profit blood center serving Florida and other parts of the southeast, is leading a worldwide search to find some of the rarest blood in the world. It’s needed to help save two-year-old Zainab, a South Florida girl who is battling neuroblastoma, a very aggressive form of cancer. Zainab’s blood is extremely rare because she is missing a common antigen that most people carry on their red blood cells. The antigen is called “Indian B” (Inb). For a person to be a possible match for Zainab, they must also be missing the Indian B antigen, or the little girl's body will reject the blood. Locating people who are missing the Indian B antigen comes down to genetics. • Statistically, the only people who are likely to be a match for Zainab are people of Pakistani, Indian or Iranian descent. Of these populations, less than 4% of the people are actually missing the Indian B antigen. To be a match for Zainab a donor must meet the following criteria: • Must be exclusively Pakistani, Indian or Iranian descent – meaning the donor’s birth parents are both 100% Pakistani, Indian or Iranian • Must be blood type “O” or “A” • All donations for Zainab must be coordinated with OneBlood in advance to ensure the additional compatibility testing is performed. Visit https://www.oneblood.org/zainab/ for donation information. OneBlood is working closely with other blood centers and the American Rare Donor Program (ARDP), an organization that searches the world for rare blood donors. So far, three matching donors have been located, including a donor that ARDP located in the United Kingdom, near London. It’s the first time OneBlood has ever received an international donor for a local patient. The other two matching donors are from the United States. While it’s promising the three donors have been located, additional donors are needed. Zainab will need blood transfusions for the foreseeable future. To support her long-term blood needs, the search is on to find at least seven to ten compatible donors. OneBlood is sharing Zainab’s story in the hopes more people who meet the specific donor criteria will come forward to donate for the little girl. OneBlood is conducting all compatibility testing of potential donors. So far, more than 1,000 local donations, as well as donations from other parts of the country have been tested and no additional matches have been identified. Media Tool Kit Available • To view OneBlood’s online show about the search for Zainab’s donors, and for details on how to donate and/or host a blood drive for Zainab, please visit https://www.oneblood.org/zainab/. • A media tool kit with video and interviews is available by visiting https://www.dropbox.com/sh/4yrbbtu13mdglv6/AADToakWh9ixj9e4rBKiXYjca?dl=0. ## OneBlood is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) community asset responsible for providing safe, available and affordable blood to more than 200 hospital partners and their patients throughout most of Florida, parts of Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina. Generally healthy people age 16 or older who weigh at least 110 pounds can donate blood. To learn more about OneBlood visit www.oneblood.org.

Education Committee Meeting 10/8/2026 7:30 AM - 10/8/2026 8:30 AM

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 15:16:27 GMT

The goal of the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral Education Committee is to assist our local students, teachers and schools as they prepare for the future. This is done in a number of ways that include but are not limited to; raising funds, providing needed supplies, recognizing achievements and connecting local businesses with local schools. The goal is to help provide a well-rounded, prepared work force for our local businesses in the near future.

The Education Committee consists of local business leaders committed to achieving the committee goals. Annual events include a fund-raiser for scholarship monies and the prestigious Excellence in Education Awards Banquet. This annual event honors one educator and one student from each of our local schools with a special evening where they are presented a plaque and gifts provided by local businesses. Family members are invited to accompany the recipients as local business leaders, school district officials and our government officials honor then for their achievements.

The Education Committee meetings are held on a monthly basis, the second Thursday of every month at 7:30am. This group is always in need of enthusiastic chamber members to serve on this committee.

For more information about the Education Committee, please contact the Donna Germain at (239) 549-6900 x107 or donna@capecoralchamber.com

Membership Development Committee Meeting 10/13/2026 7:45 AM - 10/13/2026 8:45 AM

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 17:08:07 GMT

The Membership Development Committee has the opportunity to be the first to know about new members with the chamber. Ambassadors attend Ribbon Cuttings and also take part in being a mentor to new members. This is a great way to meet new prospects and welcome them to the chamber.

Every month the Ambassadors should attend one of the many Chamber events. They network with new members and expose their own business during the process. There is an average of ten ribbon cuttings per month. We encourage all Ambassadors to attend as many ribbon cuttings as their time allows. The time investment for this committee can be as high as 10 hours per month depending on your level of involvement.

For more information about the Membership Development Committee, please contact Lisa Barrella, Membership Sales Director at (239) 549-6900 x103 or lisa@capecoralchamber.com

Business After Hours hosted by Cape Cleaners 10/15/2026 5:30 PM - 10/15/2026 7:30 PM

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 15:21:52 GMT

Join your fellow Chamber members the third Thursday of each month from 5:30pm - 7:30pm at the Business After Hours Networking Event. Enjoy the opportunity to network with 60+ members. We always have networking activities, great giveaways and sponsorship opportunities to expose your business.

Join us for this after work networking event and bring plenty of business cards and be ready to network!

A RESERVATION IS REQUIRED! This is a FREE networking event for Chamber Members and a $35 fee for Non-Chamber Member.

Board of Directors Meeting 10/27/2026 7:30 AM - 10/27/2026 8:30 AM

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 16:51:15 GMT

The Board of Directors is made up of 24 chamber members who have been elected to serve 3-year terms and up to 15 trustees serving a 1-year term. The Board of Directors are the member representative who have the fiduciary responsibility and are the policy makers that direct the organization. Duties include making sure the organization has the financial resources to operation. They are also responsible for creation of the annual business plan to meet the current and future needs of the business community.

This committee creates the policies, positions, and direction for the organization often with advisement of other committees and task forces. Board members are encouraged to participate in one or more chamber committees so that they can report committee activities to the Board of Directors monthly. Board members are also encouraged to attend membership functions and further the communication of chamber issues. Time investment for Board of Directors is usually 4 - 5 hours monthly.

This monthly meeting is for the Board of Directors and Trustees. If you would like more information about being a part of the Board of Directors or attending a monthly meeting, please contact Donna Germain, President/CEO at (239) 549-6900 x107.

Chamber Business Expo at the Cape Coral Farmers' Market - Club Square 10/31/2026 8:00 AM - 10/31/2026 1:00 PM

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 18:18:21 GMT

Showcase your business at the Cape Coral Farmers' Market!

Join us for the business expo last Saturday of each month at the Cape Coral Farmers' Market. Space is limited, so contact us ASAP to reserve your spot.
Chamber Member Price - $100
Non Chamber Member Price - $150

Call Claudia St Onge at (239) 549-6900 x101 or email cso@capecoralchamber.com

The Cape Coral Farmers Market has been a favorite Saturday morning destination for 26 years. Over the years, we have grown to over 125 vendors. We are confident that we have all the delicious foods and local crafts that you love to shop for.

Fresh, local & healthy fruits and veggies, including Certified Organic produce, are the core of the market along with homemade and handmade foods and crafts. Fresh baked breads & pastries, homemade pickles, jams & jellies, Gulf fresh seafood, fresh meats, homemade pet treats, handcrafted soaps, essential oils, local honey, made-on-site guacamole, fresh, cut flowers, native plants & trees are just some of the fantastic products available.

Since shopping and eating seem to go so well together, the market has endless options. A food truck court and tent vendors offer BBQ, Crepes, Empanadas, Mexican food, German street food and healthy options like Kombucha, health smoothies, Acai bowls and salads.

Each season we do our best to give back to the community by offering spaces for non-profits, schools and community groups. Another way we give back is by offering the ability for our EBT/SNAP customers to shop for healthy and affordable food options. We are proud to say that 7 years ago, we were the first market in Lee County to offer ease of shopping for our neighbors.

We are also proud that we were the first market in Lee County to offer Fresh Access Bucks to our EBT/SNAP customers. This program gives $40.00 extra to purchase Florida grown fruits & veggies at the market. A healthy community is a great outcome.

The market can also be very entertaining with great musicians perform during the season.

We hope that you choose to make the Cape Coral Farmers Market your Saturday Morning Destination!

For more information, call Claudia St Onge at (239) 549-6900 x101, cso@capecoralchamber.com (or) visit the Farmers' Market site at www.capecoralfarmersmarket.com