A Cape Coral entity responsible for a myriad of downtown events and community outreach has been acquired by a local non-profit.<\/p>\n
Late last week, the Santa Life Foundation announced it has acquired the South Cape Hospitality and Entertainment Association, known as SCHEA, marking a new chapter for one of Southwest Florida\u2019s most recognized community event organizations.<\/p>\n
SCHEA will continue operating its established lineup of pub crawls, retail family events and blood drives throughout Cape Coral\u2019s South Cape entertainment district. The organization\u2019s branding, website presence and communication channels will remain unchanged.\u00a0<\/p>\n
With SCHEA needing new leadership following the departure of a key employee, in steps David Delli Paoli, who will serve as the primary point of contact moving forward.\u00a0<\/p>\n
This is a full-circle moment for Delli Paoli, who is the founder of the Santa Life Foundation. Delli Paoli previously worked with SCHEA as its first employee following its founding in 2013. During his nearly five-year tenure, he assist in the development of many of the organization\u2019s signature events.\u00a0 While also serving as marketing director for Backstreets Sports Bar, he has built strong ties within the South Cape business and hospitality community.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt feels surreal to have this moment come around full circle,\u201d Delli Paoli said. \u201cI was there for the birth of SCHEA, and have since watched it continue to grow and flourish after I left. Now, it\u2019s almost like my baby is coming home from college after being away for years. My favorite part of this?\u00a0Getting out on the streets during these last few events and connecting with the people has been amazing, however it\u2019s the second best part. The best part is being able to take over something I am passionate about and using it to help families in need.\u201d<\/p>\n
Delli Paoli said he sees this new step as the \u201cperfect opportunity\u201d to continue to help the community.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Under the new ownership, proceeds from SCHEA events will be directed back into the Southwest Florida community through local charitable initiatives led by Santa Life Foundation and its nonprofit partners.<\/p>\n
Santa Life Foundation began helping families in 2021 and became a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2023. The organization focuses on supporting families in need and promoting mental health through community-based programs.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Officials said integrating SCHEA\u2019s event platform will allow the organization to significantly expand its reach and impact across Southwest Florida. Santa Life Foundation officials said the transition allows SCHEA to maintain its strong local presence while deepening its role as a force for good in the Southwest Florida community.<\/p>\n
One of the nonprofits proceeds from SCHEA events will benefit is the Cape Coral Caring Center.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re going to be doing a lot of work with them,\u201d Delli Paoli said. \u201cPart of the SCHEA mission is to keep things in the South Cape and promote things in the South Cape. That\u2019s something that, you know, we plan on continuing.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u00a0While Santa Life does a lot of its work during the holiday season, it is working year-round to assist members of the community. Delli Paoli said they recently assisted a woman in an abusive relationship with funds to get her car fixed to be able to get away from the environment.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Santa Life, in its heart, is a mental health advocate.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWe help with financial burdens, but the core of it is to improve mental health,\u201d Delli Paoli said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Each year, Delli Paoli finds the magic of Santa Claus within himself.\u00a0 It started when he was in a dark place in his personal life.<\/p>\n
\u201cBasically, being Santa Claus saved my life,\u201d he said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
He happened to have an old Santa suit sitting in his garage, and two of his friends were in a bind and needed a Santa for events in the holiday season. Being Santa turned everything around.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cJust being him and seeing everybody\u2019s reactions and how much joy you bring to people \u2014 it just kind of gave me a new outlook on everything,\u201d Delli Paoli said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Since its designation, the Santa Life Foundation has assisted families throughout Lee County by providing food, clothing, toys and financial support.<\/p>\n
Delli Paoli said it\u2019s emotional for him to return to his roots and assist those in Cape Coral.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve been out working the events and getting back up to speed on everything,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s been great to be out there, talk to everybody, and see everybody in a great mood. People have been receptive to the change.\u201d<\/p>\n
The staple SCHEA pub crawls, which see participating establishments create themed food and drink appetizers, will still run in full-force.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cSo now every time you come, you\u2019re contributing to helping families with financial burdens,\u201d Delli Paoli said. \u201cWe\u2019re bringing a more positive spin to pub crawl events that don\u2019t always have favor with everyone.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe like doing the events and seeing everybody out there happy. On the other side of the coin, there are locations, especially some of the newer ones, that get to be seen by a whole lot of people that may never have gone in there.\u201d<\/p>\n
SCHEA also will be expanding the number of events it puts on to reach a broader audience.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re going to be adding more family events to go along with our Easter, Halloween, and Christmas ones. We\u2019re looking to expand more into the community.\u201d<\/p>\n
SCHEA hosts quarterly blood drives in Cape Coral in partnership with Lee Health to support local patients, often featuring incentives like coupons for local businesses. Upcoming drives are frequently held at Club Square on Southeast 47th Terrace, with one this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.<\/p>\n
Della Paoli made one request of the community in this new chapter for SCHEA: \u201cLive the Santa life with us. Live the Santa life and help people in your community through having fun.\u201d<\/p>\n
For the latest information on SCHEA and upcoming events, visit southcapeentertainment.com<\/a>.\u00a0 For more information on the Santa Life Foundation, visit santalife.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n