BELL TOWER PARTNERS WITH UNITED WAY, COMMUNITY MEMBERS TO HONOR COVID-19 FIRST RESPONDERS

Shopping Center Launches Program to Provide Thank-You Meals to People Serving on the Front Lines of the Coronavirus Pandemic in the Fort Myers Area

FORT MYERS, Fla. – April 2, 2020 – Bell Tower, a landmark shopping, dining and entertainment destination centrally located in Fort Myers, Florida (www.BellTowerFortMyers.com), is partnering with United Way, four of the shopping center’s restaurants, and the local Fort Myers community to provide meals for local first responders during the COVID-19 crisis. Members of the community are being asked to contact one of the four participating restaurants, purchase a $25 gift card, and say: “Keep a First Responder Strong” when they call. The restaurants and United Way will then deliver the meal and a personal message from the purchaser to a first responder at one of the area’s local hospitals, the Lee County sheriff’s office, or others serving on the front lines during the coronavirus pandemic. Bell Tower is purchasing the first four gift cards, and has a goal of reaching 50 gift cards by April 8th.

“We need to stand together to support our community, and this is a great way to not only help those on the front lines of this crisis, but to also support local businesses,” says Samantha Lillard, Senior General Manager, Bell Tower.

Participating Bell Tower Restaurants

• Blue Pointe Oyster Bar & Seafood Grille: 239-433-0924

• Grimaldi’s Coal Brick-Oven Pizzeria: 239-432-9767

• DaRuMa Japanese Steak House & Sushi Lounge: 239-344-0037

• T.G.I. Friday’s: 239-489-2401

" So many people are asking how they can help and support our frontline workers,” says Hannah Pelle, United Way Vice President of Allocations and Community Impact. “This partnership allows people to give back in an easy and appreciated way, while at the same time practicing social distancing."

The shopping center encourages everyone in the area to use the hashtag #keep1strepondersstrong! to share information about this important program on social media. Bell Towers continues to observe the guidelines for social distancing provided by the CDC and local healthcare officials. The four restaurants participating in the program are open for take-out/delivery only. Some stores at Bell Tower remain open and are observing special hours for seniors as well as providing delivery or curbside service. For the status of Bell Tower restaurants and retailers, please visit: http://ow.ly/WWGV30quwdY.

About Bell Tower

Bell Tower is a landmark shopping, dining and entertainment destination centrally located in Fort Myers, Florida. The newly renovated, modern, open-air center offers favorite stores such as: Williams-Sonoma, Victoria’s Secret, Bed Bath & Beyond, Talbots, Francesca’s, Ulta, and Bath and Body Shops, plus unique boutiques including Driftwood Blue, Oceanview & 7th,The Cheshire Cat fine toys, and Brodeur Carvell. Exceptional shopping is complemented by distinctive restaurants such as DaRuMa Japanese Steak House, Grimaldi's Pizzeria, Blue Pointe Oyster Bar & Seafood Grill, Cantina Laredo, Mimi's Café, T.G.I. Friday's, Society, World of Beer, Ice Spot, and popular grocer The Fresh Market. Bell Tower is also home to great entertainment with Dave & Buster’s and a 20-screen Regal Cinemas complex. A community partner and pet-friendly destination, Bell Tower hosts special events throughout the year, including concerts, fundraisers, art fairs and more. To learn more, visit www.BellTowerFortMyers.com.

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