As a supporter of the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women Campaign for many years, Arthrex “went red” Friday, Feb. 3, with hundreds of employees taking part in National Wear Red Day. Employees made it their mission to celebrate the cause and spread awareness that heart disease is still the No. 1 killer of women, taking the lives of nearly 500,000 women each year.

Arthrex has also signed on to sponsor the Annual Go Red For Women Luncheon set for May 23, 2012 at the Hyatt Coconut Point Resort in Bonita Springs.

For more information about this important awareness campaign, visit www.goredforwomen.org.

On Friday, January 13, Arthrex hosted 14 high school students from the Guadalupe Center in Immokalee as part of Junior Achievement’s Job Shadow Program. The program is designed to introduce students to the workplace and the various career opportunities available. It also exposes students to the requirements of various professions and industries, and the skills that will make them valuable assets to future employers.

As part of our community involvement and commitment to education, Arthrex was pleased to participate in the program. During their visit, the students were introduced to five different departments within the company: Marketing Communications, Research and Development, Product Management, Manufacturing and Customer Service. Each department provided the students with job-specific information, career advice, hands-on interactions and tours, and question and answer sessions.

Arthrex partnered with three local organizations, Grace Place, Youth Haven and Toys for Tots, to help make the 2011 holiday season special for about 200 less fortunate Collier County children. The Toy Drive was a success again this year thanks to the generosity of many Arthrex, Inc. and Manufacturing employees.

About Grace Place
Grace Place is a faith-based, nonprofit neighborhood educational center teaching literacy, language and life skills to at-risk children and impoverished families in Golden Gate city, Naples.

About Youth Haven
Youth Haven is Collier County’s only 24-hour residential Emergency Shelter for children removed from their homes due to an allegation of abuse, neglect and/or abandonment. The organization is the sole provider of numerous Family Support Programs offering in-home and community-based parenting education, abuse and homelessness prevention, temporary financial assistance, and crisis intervention services for families with children living in crisis situations.

About Toys for Tots
The mission of the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted.

Arthrex, Inc. is pleased to support the Neighborhood Health Clinic’s 9th Annual Block Party on Feb. 18, 2012 as the event’s Platinum Sponsor. This will be the third consecutive year Arthrex has sponsored the Block Party, and the first year at the platinum level.

“Neighborhood Health Clinic’s tremendous team of medically-trained professional volunteers carry out the services that make a considerable impact on improving the overall health and well being of our county,” said Arthrex Founder and President Reinhold Schmieding. “As a community healthcare partner, Arthrex is proud to support the clinic’s efforts to provide quality medical and dental care to low income, uninsured working residents of Collier County.”

The goal of the Block Party is to generate approximately 25 percent of the clinic’s annual operating budget, ensuring its ability to continue delivering quality medical care using a volunteer professional staff.

Since 2000, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), through the help of generous contributions and volunteers, has gathered volunteers to build multigenerational-use parks throughout the United States for underserved families. These parks offer a safe, accessible playground where children, with and without disabilities, their parents and grandparents can play and exercise together. Arthrex pledged $5,000 towards the February 7, 2012 build in San Francisco, CA.

For more information

visit:http://www6.aaos.org/about/pemr/playground/playground.cfm

This year's Annual Arthrex Charitable Championship, held Saturday, Aug. 28 at Grey Oaks Country Club, drew 167 players and dozens of volunteers who all contributed their time and energy to help raise more than $10,000 for the Arthritis Foundation. 

About the Arthritis Foundation

The Arthritis Foundation is the only national not-for-proft organization that supports more than 100 types of Arthritis and related conditions and is the largest private, nonprofit contributor to arthritis research in the world, funding more than $380 million in research grants since 1948. The foundation helps people take control of arthritis by providing public health education; pursuing public policy and legislation; and conducting evidence-based programs to improve the quality of life for those living with arthritis. For more information visit www.arthritis.org.

The 24th Annual Ronald McDonald House Fall Classic Golf Tournament and related events took place October 21-22, 2011, at Quail West in Naples. Arthrex proudly sponsored once again this year, helping to raise funds for this important cause. Over the last 23 years, the Annual Fall Classic Golf Tournament has raised more than $1 million for RMHC of Southwest Florida. The organizers’ goal was to raise $35,000 more this year.

Since 1996, more than 2,000 families from Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Glades and Hendry Counties, as well as other states and countries, have found a “home away from home” at The Ronald McDonald House® in Ft. Myers while their children undergo medical treatment. Additionally, thousands are served by The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile® and by grants and scholarships awarded to deserving individuals and organizations in the five-county region.

Arthrex was honored to sponsor the Keep the Spirit of '45 Alive Breakfast and Celebration Program at the Naples Hilton August 13. Keep the Spirit of '45 Alive is a national effort to remind America of the values and accomplishments of the generation who endured the hard times of the Great Depression, fought to defeat the greatest tyranny in history and then launched an unprecedented effort to assure a better future for both friends and former foes alike.

Arthrex proudly supported the 1st Annual American Cancer Society Bucket List Bash on Saturday, March 12, 2011, at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort in Naples, FL.

Highlights of the evening included many once-in-a-lifetime auction experiences to satisfy everyone’s bucket list, as well as a special tribute to the late co-chairwoman Katie Doerr, who lost her battle with cancer in November 2010.

Net income from auction proceeds, ticket sales for 275 guests, and numerous sponsorships exceeded $330,000. Proceeds from this event benefit the many services provided by the American Cancer Society.

The Naples Asian Professionals Association (NAPA), along with Mercato and AZN Restaurant, hosted the 7th annual Asia Fest Feb. 11, 2011, to celebrate the Lunar New Year. As the largest corporate sponsor, Arthrex was pleased to see 5,000 in attendance – the largest turn out yet in the event’s history.

The family-friendly day, steeped in the cuisine and culture of Asia, raised funds to benefit NAPA’s College Scholarship Program, the YMCA Child Development Center in Naples and the Collier County Education Foundation.

The Collier County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) Summerfest kicked off its second year helping to keep kids and teens active and safe for the summer of 2011. The program, made possible by more than 200 area donor business and individuals including Arthrex, offers a wide range of fun and free activities for all grade levels in a safe environment. CCSO has at least two activities, and in many cases as many as four activities, scheduled every weekday through Aug. 12. Activities include fishing, swimming, boat building, movies, sports, music, and games.

Arthrex has supported Drug Free Collier with a $25,000 donation to help the organization prevent and reduce juvenile substance abuse in Collier County through increased education, promotion of services and support in the community. Drug Free Collier provides educational presentations and workshops for the private and public sectors as well as opportunities for families and students to participate in activities that increase resiliency. Drug Free Collier changes the community by educating those who sell alcohol about the laws and dangers of selling alcohol to underage youth. The organization also collaborates with local environmentalists to provide the citizens of Collier County a safe and environmentally-friendly method to dispose of medication.

Realizing that the number of wounded soldiers has steadily increased, Arthrex contributed to the Wounded Warrior Project this year. Thousands of wounded warriors and caregivers receive support each year through various WWP programs across the United States. These programs are designed to help the thousands of wounded warriors returning home from the current conflicts. They provide comfort items and rehabilitative assistance as soldiers recover and transition back to civilian life.

Over 1,000 Arthrex employees, spouses, children and friends gathered at the Sun-n-Fun Lagoon at North Collier Regional Park in Naples for a private family event on Saturday, May 21. The one million gallon water park featuring family pools, giant water slides and Sunny’s Lazy River provided entertainment for all ages. Kid friendly food such as hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken skewers and pasta salad were served throughout the night in addition to a special treat of flavored Italian ice provided by Rita’s Italian Ice. Rita’s provided great service and a variety of flavors while keeping everyone cool. Arthrex is proud to partner with local vendors and provide special opportunities for employees to enjoy the wonderful amenities Naples has to offer.

As Exclusive Sponsor of The First Tee of Naples/Collier, Arthrex, Inc. held the local interview selection process for the 2011 First Tee Open at Pebble Beach. Nine students from The First Tee of Naples/Collier attended. Prior to the interview Reinhold Schmieding, Founder & President of Arthrex, Inc., presented The First Tee of Naples/Collier with a check in the amount of $100,000 to continue his exclusive sponsorship.

Arthrex Makes a Splash at the 2011 Great Dock Canoe Race With over 5,000 spectators watching, Team Arthrex struggled during a delayed start but finished second out of 18 contestants. The 2011 Great Dock Canoe Races was the team’s second best finish to date. This community event started in 1977 and has upheld its tradition to date. Each year, proceeds from the event are contributed to a local organization that gives back to the City of Naples. This year’s beneficiary, First Book Collier County, makes new books available to children living in poverty in Collier County. Since 2005, this program has been able to provide over 215,000 books to needy children living in Collier County.

Arthrex Cyclists Gather to Support Amputee Wounded in Afghanistan

Not only was Arthrex the sponsor of the 2011 Miracle Limbs Benefit Bike Ride but avid cyclists had the opportunity to join in the races! This year the Miracle Limbs Fund will primarily benefit a local soldier who lost both legs above the knee and all fingers on his left hand when he was wounded by an IED during his third week of duty in Afghanistan. Currently there are more American soldiers suffering amputations from the Middle East conflicts than any other time since the Civil War. The remainder of the proceeds will go towards assisting South Florida amputees.

Arthrex proudly sponsored the Neighborhood Health Clinic’s annual block party in November to support the clinic’s goal of providing quality health and dental care for low-income, working but uninsured Collier County adults. More than $250,000 was raised at this important event. The Neighborhood Health Clinic is now in its 11th year of caring for patients and families in Collier County, utilizing a volunteer professional staff. Over the last decade, the clinic has provided over $20 million in healthcare to more than 10,000 Collier County residents.

What better way to give back to the community than through local Rotarian clubs? Arthrex donated a total of $11,000 this year to all Collier County Rotary clubs to assist programs that help Collier County children at risk, poverty, hunger, the environment, illiteracy, and violence. They also support programs for youth, educational opportunities and international exchanges for students, teachers, and other professionals, and vocational and career development.

Rotary International is a volunteer organization of business and professional leaders who provide humanitarian service, and help to build goodwill and peace in the world.

Their motto is Service above Self.

For more information visit www.rotary.org         

Over 200 cancer survivors and 113 teams participated in Collier County’s 15^th annual American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life event in Naples. With the help of Arthrex employees and First Tee

volunteers, an Alice in Wonderland themed booth was created for spectators.Through online donations, cupcake sales, t-shirt sales, basket raffles, hair painting and various sales Arthrex raised over

$21,000 at this very important fundraiser, helping to exceed the overall $520,000 event goal.

Arthrex employees held a two-week long “Unleash Your Love” pet food drive over the Valentine’s Day holiday benefitting the Animal Refuge Center of Fort Myers, a no-kill animal sanctuary. Over 500 lbs. of dog and cat food were collected and delivered to the shelter.  The Animal Refuge Center operates solely on donations, volunteers and grants, receiving no Federal or State money. They currently house over 400 cats and 60 dogs at their 22 ½ -acre shelter located in North Fort Myers.  Many of the animals have special needs that require medications and surgeries.  Pet food is a consistent need.  Arthrex is continuing the event throughout the month of March by encouraging residents of Lee and Collier County to donate pet food to the shelter.

Employees from Arthrex, Inc., Tiffany Roarty, Teresa Clevitt, Jamie Wenman and Cassandra

Engeldinger deliver donated food items to the Animal Refuge Center in North Ft. Myers for

their “Unleash Your Love” Pet Drive held this month.

More than 600 runners and walkers, ranging from ages 10 to 75, participated in the Naples Pilot Foundation’s Annual 5K Brain Power Walk Sept. 4, 2010, including Arthrex, Inc. as a Platinum Level Sponsor. The event benefits Project Lifesaver and raises awareness of traumatic brain injuries and brain disorders affecting all ages such as Alzheimer's and Autism.

“It is always a pleasure to see the positive effects of giving back to the community,” said Arthrex Founder and President Reinhold Schmieding after receiving a thank you letter from the Naples Pilot Foundation.

Project Lifesaver is a nationwide program that helps locate seniors and children with medical or disabling conditions that may cause them to wander away. With the help of the money raised through events like this, valuable time and resources are saved while locating missing persons.  

The Education Foundation of Collier County received numerous gifts from the Arthrex family this year, including $25,000 towards a Capacity Grant to build their new website, various IT products  to aid Collier County teachers and students and a $900 Hole-in-One Sponsorship just to name a few. The Education Foundation of Collier County is always searching for channels to connect local organizations and kindhearted community members with the Get on the Bus Collier program, Take Stock in Children and volunteer opportunities. All of these programs are designed with a focus on contributing towards local education.

About the Education Foundation

Founded in 1990, The Education Foundation of Collier County is an independent not-for-profit 501(c) (3) organization. A core value of The Education Foundation is that through teachers, more students can be reached to significantly impact student learning. The Education Foundation listens to teachers, principals, parents, and community members to respond to needs and provide support that will contribute to student success. For more information visit: http://www.educationforcollier.org/

Continually recognizing the need to support local nonprofit programs and organizations, Arthrex immediately embraced K is for Kids Foundation and underwrote its 2011 Book Fair. This third annual book fair was held Saturday, February12, 2011 at Barnes & Noble in the Waterside Shops. Collier County youth had the opportunity to listen to storytelling, participate in scavenger hunts, experience a ‘meet the author’ discussion and face painting. This book fair kicks off the K is for Kids’ month-long effort to raise awareness of the need for literacy in Collier County and for children to have  more books to read. 

All books donated through this effort will be distributed to Collier County public school libraries, day care centers and after-school programs for at-risk students. For more information visit www.KisforKids.org.

Arthrex was a Silver Table Sponsor at the Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame awards dinner this year. Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida is the only multi-county organization that combines the efforts of business and education. Their goal for 2011 is to inspire 10,000 students through partnering with the business community, educators and volunteers to reach their full potential.

Since 1919, Junior Achievement has been working in the classrooms to develop skills necessary to be successful in the workplace, to identify possible career paths and to increase students knowledge for a more global perspective. For more information visit http://www.jaswfl.org/

Arthrex was one of 3,000 companies that participated in the Lee National Denim Day Program on October 6, 2010. Employees enjoyed wearing business casual attire to help raise $560 in just one day. Knowing that breast cancer affects millions of women each day, Arthrex was proud to contribute to such a worthy cause. For more information about this cause visit http://www.denimday.com/.

The Arthrex Co-Ed softball team had the opportunity to play against the Minnesota Twins at the Lee County Sports Complex to benefit the American Cancer Society on November 20, 2010. Spectators and Players enjoyed food, games, raffles and prizes. Everyone also had the opportunity to remember loved ones who have battled cancer and support the American Cancer Society’s mission by posting a remembrance on the Wall of Hope & Remembrance. This is a place to write words of inspiration to survivors and loved ones, and to memorialize those who have lost their battle with cancer. This American Cancer Society Softball Tournament is a yearly event and free to the public.

Arthrex donated over $2,500 to sponsor the annual Guadalupe Center Taste of Spain Program. More than 300 patrons had the opportunity to attend an exposition of Spanish culture sampling customary beverages, tapas and desserts throughout the evening event. Auction proceeds and ticket sales helped the Guadalupe Center reach its net goal of more than $300,000.

For more information visit http://guadalupecenter.net/about-us/corporate

As a proud sponsor, Arthrex employees attended this year’s ZOObilee at the Ritz-Carlton Beach Resort in Naples, FL in support of the new African experience exhibit at the Naples Zoo which is expected to break ground sometime this year. There are currently seven young reticulated giraffes appearing at the zoo in a temporary home but the goal is to create a permanent giraffe habitat through an interactive exhibit that will feature an eye-to-eye viewing area of these magnificent creatures. Visitors will be able to “step up to their level” and hand-feed the giraffes once the exhibit is complete. An African safari, guided trip to Yellowstone National Park and hand crafted African-inspired artwork were just a few of the exciting items donated that helped raise money for the event.

In January 2010 Arthrex launched a manufacturing apprenticeship program to train CNC machine operators, the technical machinists who run state of the art computer-controlled machines that make medical implants and devices. Due to its success, the (AMAP) program, now registered through the State of Florida, will continue in 2011 to accommodate four additional candidates. Qualified candidates were hired in February.

Moe’s Southwest Grill hosted its third annual 5K Corporate Run to benefit the Naples Shelter for Abused Women and Children on Thursday, Oct. 7, 2010. With Arthrex’s help as a title sponsor and team participant, more than $7,000 was raised to support the shelter. 

Close to 600 people participated in the walk/run, including 25 Arthrex employees who took home third place as a team in the medical division.

Moe’s goal with the event each year is to bring community businesses and schools together to assist a worthy organization.

Since 2000, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, through the help of generous contributors and volunteers, has gathered volunteers to build multigenerational-use parks throughout the United States for underserved families. These parks offer a safe, accessible playground where children, with and without disabilities, parents and grandparents can, play and exercise together. Arthrex pledged $5,000 towards the February 2011 build in San Diego, CA.

For more information visit: http://www6.aaos.org/about/pemr/playground/playground.cfm

Tobacco-Free Collier Partnership congratulates Arthrex, among other local companies, on its 1^st anniversary as a tobacco-free campus.

Tobacco doesn’t just threaten the physical health of Americans, but the nation’s economic vitality as well. Each year, tobacco use results in more than $97 billion in lost productivity among employees across all industries. In addition to lost productivity that puts additional strain on other members of your business, the physical dangers of tobacco extend beyond those who actually choose to light up or chew. In fact, there are three kinds of tobacco exposure: firsthand, secondhand and thirdhand.

Arthrex is proud to be a smoke-free campus and encourages employees to quit through offering free Nicotine Replacement Therapy such as gums, patches and lozenges as well as regular smoking cessation classes.

Arthrex held its official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the grand opening of the Arthrex Family Medical Center on Tuesday, July 20, 2010. Employees had the opportunity to meet the practicing physician and tour the medical center. Employee patients and dependents are now able to receive services such as acute care, primary care, preventative care, school physicals and much more at no charge. The focus of providing this service is so that individuals receive high-quality, personalized care to encourage better overall health and well-being, ultimately lowering healthcare costs for all.

In response to The Salvation Army’s need to help feed more families this Thanksgiving, Arthrex has donated $5,000 to support the organization’s goal of providing canned food items and Publix gift cards to as many Collier County families in need as possible.

Arthrex also sponsors The Salvation Army’s largest fundraiser of the year, the Red Kettle Campaign, with a generous donation as well as staff volunteer hour contributions. 

About The Salvation Army
Every day of the year, The Salvation Army offers help and hope to thousands of people; from the victims of disaster, addiction and homelessness to youth, families and senior citizens.

As a proud Start! Cause Sponsor of the Collier Heart Walk held on Nov. 6, 2010, Arthrex had the beat! The 5K walking event, held at Cambier Park in downtown Naples, was a huge success with participation from more than 4,000 walkers, including dozens of Arthrex employees, families and even dogs!

More than $315,000 was raised to support lifesaving heart disease and stroke research to help find a cure for our nation’s No. 1 and No. 3 killers. Team Arthrex raised more than $11,000 for the cause alone and was a top fundraising team in the county.

The American Heart Association notes that brisk walking for as little as 30 minutes a day has proven health benefits, such as providing increased energy and circulation, as well as reduced risk of heart disease. The Start! Heart Walk is designed to help participants understand this critical message, join with others, and generate a renewed commitment to heart-healthy living through walking.

This year’s Annual Arthrex Golf Tournament, held Saturday, Aug. 28, at Wyndemere Country Club for the fourth year, had 148 players participate and 20 volunteers contribute their time and energy, helping to raise more than $7,000 for the Arthritis Foundation.

Congratulations to our 1^st Place Winners:

• Gold/Green course: Larry Walley, Tim Johnson, Vince Albany and Steve Sparks
• White/Gold course: Ken Creola, Sean Darmanin, David Benson and Marcus Kelso
• Green/White course: Nick Underwood, David Yanzer, Chris Nightengale and Brent Knight

Winners were also named in the “Closest to the Pin,” “Straightest to the Drive,” “Longest Drive” and “Most Honest Team” categories as well as many raffle prize giveaways.

Thank you to everyone that played a part in making the event a tremendous success.

About the Arthritis Foundation

The Arthritis Foundation is the only national not-for-profit organization that supports the more than 100 types of arthritis and related conditions and is the largest private, nonprofit contributor to arthritis research in the world, funding more than $380 million in research grants since 1948. The foundation helps people take control of arthritis by providing public health education; pursuing public policy and legislation; and conducting evidence-based programs to improve the quality of life for those living with arthritis. For more information visit www.arthritis.org.

Arthrex sponsored a pajama, book and shoe drive to aid the “Pajama Program” and “Laces of Love” of Collier County. Employees showed their support by purchasing new/unused pajamas, books and shoes for children up to age 17. Three large boxes of new items were collected!

The Pajama Program and Laces of Love are 501 (c) not-for-profit organizations that provide new, warm pajamas, books and shoes to children in need in the US and around the world, many of whom are waiting and hoping to be adopted. The local organizations that receive the items are: The Shelter for Abused Women and Children, Youth Haven, Bedtime Bundles, Children’s Angel Network, Immokalee Childcare Center, New Horizons, Gabriel House, and others. For more information on these charities visit <http://www.pajamaprogram.org/> and  <http://www.lacesoflove.org/>

The Winged Foot Scholarship Foundation held its 21^st Annual Awards Banquet on May 27, 2010, at the Naples Grande Beach Resort to recognize the top Collier County senior scholar athletes. Each of the public and private Collier County High Schools nominates its best senior scholar athlete, all of whom receive a beautiful award and scholarship for $5,000. The winner is then selected by a panel of Winged Foot Committee members and local citizens, receives a crystal trophy modeled after the trophy on display in the lobby of Collier Athletic Club, and receives a $10,000 scholarship. Each candidate is required to complete an extensive application process in order to be considered by their respective schools. Arthrex contributed towards this program as a 2010 Banquet Sponsor.

Arthrex employees had a chance to tour the Ronald McDonald mobile medical and dental facility on Tuesday, May 25, 2010. The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile^® is a state-of-the-art mobile pediatric medical and dental facility which operates year-round throughout Collier County. The mission of the Care Mobile Program is to deliver “Hope on Wheels” and improve the health status of underserved children by providing quality healthcare services and subsequent follow-up.  The Care Mobile visits places where low-income children live and participate in activities, such as schools, after-school programs, Habitat for Humanity neighborhoods, summer camps, community events, and other sites. They offer screenings for growth and development, hearing, vision, as well as nutritional and dental education. They also provide new student school physicals, eye exams, and eye glasses for children who would otherwise be unable to afford these services. Arthrex is proud to donate monies towards this local program.

The Collier County Chapter of the American Red Cross held its Fifth Annual Golf Tournament on Friday, May 14, 2010, at Quail West Golf and Country Club with Arthrex’s support as Title Sponsor. In addition to Arthrex’s $10,000 pledge, all proceeds from the successful event directly benefited the American Red Cross Collier County Chapter services and programs.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization, led by volunteers, that provides relief to victims of disasters and helps prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. It does this through services that are consistent with its Congressional Charter and the fundamental principles of the International Red Cross Movement.

Team Arthrex arrived in first place for the Male/Female team and fifth place out of 23 canoes during the 34^th Annual Great Dock Canoe Race of Collier County on May 8, 2010. Way to go team! This community event started in 1977 and has upheld its tradition to date. Each year, proceeds from the event are contributed to a local organization that gives back to the City of Naples. This year’s beneficiary, Lighthouse of Collier, Inc., fosters independence and enhances quality of life for the blind, visually impaired and their caregivers. Funds from this year’s race will be used to establish programs and services for visually impaired and blind children in Collier County.

For more information visit: www.greatdockcanoerace.com/default.asp

Arthrex had the pleasure of supporting the 2010 Golden Apple Teachers of Distinction and Teachers of the Year awards on May 4, 2010, at the Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts. Selected educators were honored for their positive impact on Collier’s students, and for their commitment to education. Arthrex pledged $15,000 towards this event.

Arthrex once again sponsored the 14^th Annual Relay For Life event to benefit the American Cancer Society on April 16-17, 2010, at Gulfview Middle School. In addition to Arthrex’s $10,000 pledge, Arthrex participants helped raise nearly $5,000 more towards the $285,000 event goal.

The fun, all-night walkathon included music laps around the track from each decade and the Arthrex team went all out with its “Rock & Roll For a Cure” theme throughout the night. All team members took turns walking for 30 minutes and had the chance to win gift baskets and raffle prizes.

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is a life-changing event that gives everyone in communities across the globe a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease. At Relay, teams of people camp out at a local high school, park, or fairground and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event. Because cancer never sleeps, Relays are overnight events up to 18 - 24 hours in length.

Special thanks to the many Arthrex employees and family members who came out to support this exciting event that funds a vital cause.

About the American Cancer Society

The mission of the American Cancer Society is to eliminate cancer as a major health problem. Because cancer is a global health problem, this mission extends around the world. Cancer is increasing as a leading killer globally, especially in the developing world.

Arthrex, Gulfcoast Foot & Ankle Center (GCFA), and Physicians Regional Healthcare System provided scholarships of $2,500 each to Collier County Public High School students that showed top scholastic performance, athletic accomplishment, and leadership. These scholarships enable them to attend an accredited four-year college or university of their choice. The student must have been a recipient of the GCFA -- Student Scholar Athlete Award during their high school years. The scholarships were awarded on Thursday, May 27, 2010, to three deserving local student/athletes from Barron Collier High School, Palmetto Ridge High School and Immokalee High School.

For more information visit the link below:

http://www.gulfcoastfootcare.com/ 

Arthrex employees once again gathered together to collect canned and non-perishable food and delivered these items to St. Matthew’s House in Naples. This small contribution enables them to serve more of those in need here in Collier County.

About St. Matthew’s House

The mission of St. Matthew’s House (SMH) is to provide housing for the homeless, food for the needy, and an opportunity to change lives in a spiritual environment that is both compassionate and disciplined. A 501(c)3 nonprofit entity, SMH has been serving the homeless, hungry and hopeless since 1988. SMH is the only emergency housing and recovery program in Naples and, since merging with Immokalee Friendship House, now the only shelter in all of Collier County, offering 164 beds for men, women, women with children, and families, as well as a structured substance-abuse recovery program, feeding ministry, three thrift stores, transitional affordable apartment housing, plus food and financial assistance to all qualifying individuals and families.

The Shelter for Abused Women & Children is a certified domestic violence center that has served more than 53,000 individuals in Collier County since 1989 by providing programs and services designed to prevent domestic violence before it begins through advocating for societal changes to end domestic violence in our community; and meeting the current and long-term needs of victims and survivors.

http://www.naplesshelter.org/images/pdfs/arthrex6.10.pdf

There were many happy children this year in Collier County. Arthrex employees donated over 200 toys and gifts for needy children this Christmas. Four local Arthrex facilities collected presents for Toys for Tots, Youth Haven, and Grace Place-Toy Collection. Thank you all for your generosity.