‘Helping Hands for the Holidays’ to feature spirit of ‘Whoville’ this year

‘Helping Hands for the Holidays’ to feature spirit of ‘Whoville’ this year Nov 12, 2026 By CJ HADDAD 4 min read Cape Coral and Southwest Florida residents have an opportunity to take a trip to Whoville, all in support of local nonprofits and giving back. Now in its 28th year, Helping Hands for the Holidays, hosted by Aubuchon Homes, the Milo Aubuchon Group, and Evaluations by Aubuchon, takes place on Nov. 23 in Cape Coral. This free-and-open-to-the-public event is bringing the spirit of Whoville this year, with inspired decor, festive surprises, holiday cheer, and so much more. “It’s an opportunity to bring the community together to raise money for three very worthwhile charities,” said President of Aubuchon Homes Gary Aubuchon. “This event is always the Monday before Thanksgiving, which gives people time to kick off the holiday season before festivity fatigue sets in.” *** *** *** IF YOU GO What: Helping Hands for the Holidays When: Monday, Nov. 23, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Where: Aubuchon Homes, 4707 SE 9th Place Donations: Online donations can also be made by visiting collaboratory.org/donate and searching Helping Hands for the Holidays *** *** *** Event sponsors help make the celebration possible so that when the spirit of giving moves individuals, generosity can go directly toward supporting the charitable organizations at the heart of Helping Hands. Donations benefit three incredible organizations that include: Make-A-Wish Southern Florida, Ronald McDonald House Charities Southwest Florida, and Lee BIA Builders Care. “We have a connection to all three charities,” Aubuchon said. “Past team members have needed to avail themselves of the Ronald McDonald House due to their children having an extended stay at Heath Park Hospital. One of our team member’s daughter was a recipient of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. And as a builder, we’ve been very involved with Builders Care and assisting them and helping out some of the disadvantaged people in our community.” Last year, thanks to the generosity of sponsors, partners, donors and community, Helping Hands raised $75,000. This year, event organizers are ready to make that number grow as The Grinch’s heart did in Whoville on Christmas morning. Aubuchon said they hope, just as Jerry Lewis did during his muscular dystrophy telethon, to raise at least $1 more than they did last year. “We’ve kind of adopted that strategy,” he said. “Through the years, whatever the challenge has been, whether it’s been hurricanes, recessions … the community has always shown up and we’ve been able to achieve that goal every year.” The event takes place at the Aubuchon main office building from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., filled with festive food and drink, live entertainment, opportunities to give and more. “All we ask is that people come with a giving spirit in their heart,” Aubuchon said. “There is no admission. We provide food and drink to everyone. It’s really a community gathering to kick off the reason for the season.” The Whoville theme this year ties into the family event promoted by Aubuchon, with Santa Claus making an appearance. Aubuchon added that the event would not be possible without the collaboration of his team and attendees. “It’s 28 years of doing this,” he said. “Sometimes it’s the only time each year that I’ll see certain people in our community. It’s really like a family reunion in a way. I think people really enjoy the camaraderie, the meaning behind the event, and it really is a wonderful way to start the holiday season.” As to why Cape Coral and Southwest Florida residents should attend and donate to Helping Hands, Aubuchon said, “First and foremost, the money stays right here in our community and helps those within our community who are in a particular time of need. So whether it’s helping a family whose child in the hospital, or helping a family whose child is facing often a life challenging event, or for our seniors that maybe need ramps to access their house or have a bathroom remodeled so they can continue to use it. The money stays here and helps those most of them need.” Aubuchon Homes is at 4707 SE 9th Place. Online donations can also be made by visiting collaboratory.org/donate and searching Helping Hands for the Holidays. To reach CJ HADDAD, please email [email protected]