Tommy Head didn’t want to see a life cut short before it was lived.

Head is the founder of New Jersey-based Childhood Cancer Society, and when heard by chance about last December’s Tour de Taverns event to support Evelyn Garcia, a 9-year-old Marco Island resident experiencing terminal bone cancer, he said it was more than serendipitous.

Evelyn Garcia

“I had been in town just visiting Marco Island for the first time with my family,” he said. “When I heard this event was happening to help this little girl with pediatric cancer, I felt like the universe was guiding me toward it, and felt a strong calling to be a part of it.”

The Tour de Taverns cycling fundraiser — beginning at Marco Island Brewery and hitting multiple area restaurants along its route — generated $21,000 for the Garcia family, which comprises seven children. Additionally, Childhood Cancer Society integrated Garcia into its Adventure Ted Challenge campaign, which raises funds and awareness for families facing pediatric cancer.

L to R: CJ Muntwyler, Tommy Head (Founder & CEO of Childhood Cancer Society), Susan Boylan, Matt Walthour, Margo Boylan, Jimmy Boylan, Evelyn Garcia and her siblings

As a result, Childhood Cancer Society sponsored a special waterpark experience at Great Wolf Lodge in Naples for Garcia and her family, where she and her siblings could enjoy water slides, weave through a ropes course, play interactive games, nature gaze and more.

The organizations revealed the gifts Dec. 30, with local officials, such as the fire chief of the City of Marco Island Fire Rescue Department and the captain of the Marco Island Police Department, in tow.

Evelyn Garcia (left) and Marco Island Police Chief Tracy Frazzano (right).

With Garcia being terminal, “It’s a tragedy in the making,” Head said. “Her family will have to live without her at one point. So we’re trying to make as many memories for her as we can.”

The community coming together has led to a collaboration to help more people in circumstances similar to Garcia and her family.

“It looks like our partnership has only just begun,” Head said of Tour de Taverns and Tbone Foundation Inc., which sponsors the event. “We’re very excited to have found our way to Marco Island.”

Evelyn Garcia and her family smile for a picture upon arrival at Great Wolf Lodge.

The eager support is echoed by Collier County residents’ participation in philanthropic events such as the annual Tour de Taverns. It includes a poker run on bicycles, where participants ride from one location to another, securing a different card at each.

“At the seventh one, we determine who has the best poker hand, and they get a trophy and $100,” said James Thomas “Jimmy” Boyland, president of Tbone Foundation. There are also raffle prizes and free bicycles for those who need them to join in the event, provided by Island Bike Shop.

It’s a community effort to make the greatest difference for people in need. It’s also a call that Collier County — the most charitable county in Florida, with 11.87% of tax returns itemizing charitable contributions, a 2023 study by SmartAsset shows — answers time and time again.

“The spirit of giving is probably one of the greatest feelings that anyone can have,” Head said.