Lee Health Foundation’s ‘Caring for the Cape’ Event Raised $105,000 to Expand Cape Coral Healthcare Access
Originally published on February 18, 2026
Lee Health Foundation’s inaugural ‘Caring for the Cape’ event raised over $105,000 through sponsorships, ticket sales, and live and silent auctions to help provide access to a variety of health care services for residents and visitors of Cape Coral and surrounding areas. The fundraising event held on January 25, 2024, at the Westin Cape Coral provided insight into the future of Lee Health’s planned projects in Cape Coral.
Major Healthcare Expansions Target Cape Coral Growth
Cape Coral is one of the fastest-growing cities in Southwest Florida, and the opening of this new location will help ensure access to essential medical services to support the city’s expanding population. The fundraising efforts support multiple significant expansions already underway:
A ribbon cutting in January 2024 for expansion of the Cape Coral Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) with 34 patient beds and six units for dialysis. The Surfside Medical Facility was completed in late 2024 with orthopedics, endocrinology, rheumatology and rehabilitation specialists.
Lee Health at Bimini Square at the corner of Palm Tree Boulevard and Cape Coral Parkway began treating patients in late 2025, offering primary care, specialty, pediatric and mental health services for Cape Coral’s growing population. Most recently, Lee Health announced the opening of a new convenient care center in South Cape Coral on January 6, 2026.
Comprehensive Services Address Community Healthcare Needs
The new convenient care center will be in the former Family Medicine office at 507 Cape Coral Parkway E. and open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. It will be able to treat minor injuries, sprains, strains, cuts, rashes, cold and flu, automotive and work-related injuries, and do school, work, or sports physicals.
Primary and pediatric care, cardiology, imaging, breast health, lab and behavioral health are available at the new Bimini Square building in 2025. Additional hospital based services include surgery, complex care clinic, pharmacy services, imaging procedures, cardiology services and women’s care.
Medical Education Partnerships Strengthen Local Workforce
The Florida State University College of Medicine Internal Medicine Residency Program is based out of Cape Coral Hospital and an Obstetrics and Gynecological (OBGYN) Residency Program, also in partnership with the FSU College of Medicine, opened at the hospital in Summer 2025, with the first cohort of OB/GYN residents scheduled to arrive in 2026.
These educational partnerships represent a significant investment in developing the next generation of healthcare professionals directly within the Cape Coral community, addressing both immediate workforce needs and long-term sustainability.
Financial Impact and Community Investment
Over the last year, the Foundation has distributed more than $27 million to support Lee Health’s mission. Preliminary numbers show that Lee Health provided about $168 million in charity care in 2025. This substantial community investment demonstrates the health system’s commitment to serving all residents regardless of their ability to pay.
Major sponsors of the event included Lake Michigan Credit Union, Windward Construction, Quality Carpet Outlet and VITAS Healthcare. Registration is now open for Lee Health’s second annual “Caring for the Cape” event which will be held Friday, January 31, 2025, from 6 to 9 p.m.
For healthcare organizations in Florida’s rapidly growing markets, Lee Health’s expansion model offers insights into strategic facility planning, community engagement, and sustainable growth financing. The combination of private fundraising, strategic partnerships, and measured expansion demonstrates how healthcare systems can effectively respond to demographic pressures while maintaining financial stability.
Healthcare organizations navigating rapid community growth and expansion planning can benefit from specialized guidance. Contact James Moore’s healthcare practice team to discuss how these developments may impact your organization.
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