Living in Charlotte County: Inspiring Youth Service
November 10th, 2026
Living in Charlotte County includes community moments when young people use their talents to support a local cause. At a Halloween fundraiser in Babcock Ranch, SWFL Interact member Landon Poleski helped raise $2,000 for Winter Ranch Animal Sanctuary.
Living in Charlotte County: Youth Service in Action
Landon worked with his father, Jacob Poleski, a member of Southwest Florida Rotary Club. They supported the fundraiser at Pet Supermarket in Babcock Ranch, in southeastern Charlotte County. 
He photographed pets in Halloween costumes and helped with activities. His photos also appeared in an online pet costume competition. That gave community members another way to take part and celebrate their favorite furry contestants. At the event, families enjoyed pet photos, a costume competition, a silent auction, and other activities. The event paired a fun afternoon for pets with direct support for a local animal sanctuary.
A $1,000 Goal Becomes $2,000
The fundraiser started with a $1,000 donation goal. After supporters reached it, HomeVet USA added a $1,000 match. Together, the gifts raised $2,000 for Winter Ranch Animal Sanctuary. The Punta Gorda nonprofit cares for cats and kittens while helping them find permanent homes. Southwest Florida Rotary Club also contributed money and donated a gift basket for the silent auction. In addition, Pet Supermarket, local businesses, prize donors, and community members helped make the event possible.
Youth Leadership Grows Through Service
Youth Leadership Grows Through ServiceSouthwest Florida Rotary sponsors SWFL Interact, a community-based youth club. The club helps young people build leadership skills through service projects. Landon used his photography and volunteer time to support the fundraiser. For people living in Charlotte County, his story offers a local example of youth leadership. It shows young people taking an active role in community life. It also shows how families, service groups, and businesses can come together around a local nonprofit.
