Editor’s note: some content excerpted from Chuck Ballaro’s article in The North Fort Myers Neighbor publication.
Ellsworth’s Heating & Cooling of North Ft. Myers, FL, surprised three local families during their 17th annual “Christmas in July” air conditioning system giveaway. Local Trane, Lennox and Daikin HVAC distributors are providing the equipment and Ellsworth’s is donating the labor for installing them. Each installed system is valued at $5,000 or more, depending on the condition of the ductwork and location of the air handler.
Applicants for consideration must own and reside at the home in North Fort Myers and the system being replaced has to be at least ten years old. They must submit a written statement describing why they are deserving of one of the systems to the North Fort Myers Community Coalition which chooses the recipients. The Coalition is comprised of the North Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, North Fort Myers Civic Association and Rotary International.
This year’s winners were recognized during a lunch held at Ellsworth’s offices on August 6, 2019.
Speaking at the lunch, William Barnes, president of Ellsworth’s, told how Christmas in July got started, by helping a woman who was blind and living alone.
“She lived in a mobile home park in River Estates. The park manager wrote us and we met the family. The daughter said she prayed every night that she would get an air conditioner,” Barnes said. “That was a blessing and it makes you want to do it again and again.”
Doug Dailey, president of the Civic Association, said it’s an honor to be a part of such an event. “Being able to work with William, who gives back to the community is a true pleasure. It’s two groups coming together and doing right for the community.”
Andre Rosman and his wife, Joanne, were the winners of a Lennox central air system. Rosman, who was a member of the North Fort Myers Civic Association Board until leaving last year, obviously has remained loyal to the group, as he signed up for the contest through the Civic Association website. “I thought it was a godsend. We were very blessed to receive it,” Rosman said. “We had a very old unit that kept malfunctioning. We prayed about it and now everything is great.”
John Alamprese won the Trane system with the help of his son, who nominated him without his knowledge. “You’re never too old to learn what your children can do for you. I am very proud of him,” Alamprese said. “It’s a game changer and it’s deeply appreciated that people in corporate are willing to do things for people, which is really great.”
Joanne Kujath spent four years trying to get that air conditioner and was excited to learn she finally won. “I screamed into the phone when they told me. The man’s ear is probably still ringing. This is going to help me a lot,” Kujath said.
William said it’s the people he works with, many of whom have been there for years, who make events like this possible. He also thanked the three manufacturers for donating the units and their community partners, the Civic Association, Rotary and the Chamber of Commerce, for helping the cause for the second straight year.
“We’ve been here 51 years and I get more out of this than anyone. We started this to help the community and we want to do what’s right,” Barnes said.
For information about Ellsworth’s Heating & Cooling, visit their website: www.ellsworthair.com.
