2026 Recipient: Ft. Myers | Changing Lives, Not Just Spaces

In 2025, the Southwest Florida (SWFL) / Fort Myers team demonstrated extraordinary commitment to community impact through their Closets for a Cause initiative and an inspiring Day of Impact. Their yearlong efforts centered on strengthening local nonprofits, elevating the experiences of vulnerable families, and deepening team connection through hands‑on service.

Transforming Community Spaces Through a Day of Impact

One of the team’s major achievements was the coordinated Day of Impact, which brought together designers, installers, and leadership in support of two nonprofit partners:

Beverly’s Angels (Naples)

The team designed and installed a state-of-the-art organizational system for the nonprofit’s new “Tinsel Team Headquarters,” creating a warm, functional space to sort, store, and showcase donations such as books, crafts, toys, socks, pajamas, and more. The enhanced environment now elevates the experience for the families served through the organization’s Dear Santa program, while improving daily workflow for staff and volunteers.

Heather Woods, Partner | Vice President of Sales and Marketing, is featured as one of our People of Purpose for her ongoing commitment to Beverly’s Angels. READ MORE

Valerie’s House (Fort Myers)

 As a continuation of their 2024 support, the team returned to Valerie’s House’s Forever Home to add custom storage in stairwells, build workspaces for employees, and enhance organization in the Children’s Support Room—spaces that help grieving children and families find comfort and healing.

These installations did more than solve storage challenges, they created environments filled with dignity, belonging, and “practical magic,” of course, the unique part of the California Closets brand experience.

Valerie’s House is a cause close to the heart of Taylor Woods, Partner, Director of Operations, who is featured as one of our People of Purpose. READ MORE.

Ongoing Community Leadership and Philanthropy

Beyond the Day of Impact, the SWFL team stayed deeply engaged throughout the year:

• Leadership served as co‑chairs for SWFL Children’s Charities Wine & Women Summer Series and Valerie’s House’s Sunset Soirée, and supported events for the American Cancer Society.
• The company proudly sponsored multiple fundraisers for local partners, including Ronald McDonald House Charities, who honored the team as the 2025 Storybook Ball Honoree.
• A large-scale holiday donation drive mobilized team members, clients, and community members to collect hundreds of gifts for Valerie’s House and Pace Center for Girls in Lee County.

Impact on Nonprofits and Families

The Ft Myers team reported these lasting improvements:

• Beverly’s Angels now operates with improved efficiency, expanded capacity, and an inviting environment for families. Founder Faith Schwalback called the partnership “really special,” underscoring how the team’s work elevated both the organization and the families served.
• Valerie’s House gained improved operational space and enhanced environments that support healing, connection, and care for grieving children

Impact on the SWFL Team

The Day of Impact resonated with Team Members, serving as a powerful reminder that what they do changes lives, not just spaces. Team Members described the experience as grounding, purpose-filled, and unifying. The projects exposed the full team to critical community resources and helped them better understand how local nonprofits support families facing hardship.

In a particularly meaningful connection, several team members shared that they had personally received support from Beverly’s Angels, reinforcing the value of strengthening relationships with local organizations that, in turn, uplift the California Closets family.

The outreach throughout the year highlighted the Brand of Belonging by designing environments that uplift people, bring joy, and support dignity. The projects selected this year were defined by teamwork, compassion, and a shared belief that when we use our talents in service of others, our impact extends far beyond the home.

The Ft Myers team has a strong consistent history of community outreach; Tampa and Boston were also recognized for their local engagement. 

Other nominees included:

• Nashville (TN182)
• North Carolina (NC165)
• Gulf Coast (FL020)
• Greater Bay Area CA379
• OKC (OK201)
• Orange County (CA002)
• Lexington (IN025)
• Albany (NY144)

Congratulations to all of the nominees and to the Southwest Florida team for their honor.