One Of Our First News Clips from 2023 - St. Monica's Kitchen
ABOUT US
For Tony Mansolillo, food and friendship have always been at the heart of his life. He loved welcoming guests into his home, cooking for them, and sharing meals together. But when Covid struck in early 2020, everything changed. Like many others, Tony found himself spending more time online—yet his passion never faded. He connected with new friends on the NextDoor app, exchanging recipes and stories. When one of his recipe buddies mentioned her disability, Tony didn’t hesitate to offer a home-cooked meal, unknowingly setting out on a path that would change lives.
Word of his generosity spread, and soon Tony was preparing meals for six or seven people who had reached out through the app—individuals facing financial struggles, job loss, and uncertain futures. Recognizing the deep need in his community, he embraced the opportunity to do what he loved: cook nourishing meals and deliver them personally.
As more volunteers and supporters rallied behind his mission, Tony’s passion evolved into something bigger—a commitment to serve as many people in need as possible. By mid-2020, he was providing meals for over 150 individuals, and from this dedication, Feed Thy Neighbor, Inc. was born.
What started in Tony’s kitchen grew into a fully recognized nonprofit. Today, Feed Thy Neighbor operates from a commercial kitchen at the Bonita Springs Lions Club, serving those in need across Collier and Lee counties. Officially established as a community-owned 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the organization holds Federal IRS nonprofit status, a Florida State nonprofit certificate, and a Dun & Bradstreet number. It is also in the process of receiving a CAGE code from the Department of Defense, withSAMS.gov approval pending. These designations not only affirm Feed Thy Neighbor’s legitimacy but also open doors to federal grants, ensuring the organization can continue its vital mission.
MISSION STATEMENT
Feed Thy Neighbor proudly prepares and delivers an average of 300 nutritious meals each day, serving individuals in both Collier and Lee Counties. As of the fourth quarter of 2024, the organization has expanded its mission to include distributing clothing, blankets, and other essential personal items to those in need. Committed to its core mission, Feed Thy Neighbor continues to provide food and assistance to all - without question.
Feed Thy Neighbor cherishes the holiday season, spreading joy and generosity throughout the community. Whether it's providing hundreds of turkey dinners for Thanksgiving, delivering a truckload of Easter baskets in the spring, or gifting 700 Christmas presents in December 2024, FTN is honored to serve and uplift those in need.
The organization holds Federal IRS 501(c)(3) status, a Florida State nonprofit certificate, and a Dun & Bradstreet number. Additionally, Feed Thy Neighbor is in the process of being assigned a CAGE code by the Department of Defense, with aSAM.gov approval currently under review. These designations not only affirm the organization’s nonprofit status but also open opportunities for federal grants. What began as a small initiative in Tony’s kitchen has now grown into a true community-driven nonprofit.
Operating from the commercial kitchen at the Bonita Springs Lions Club in Bonita Springs, Florida, Feed Thy Neighbor ensures that families in both Collier and Lee Counties receive the support they need.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Tony Mansolillo
Chairman of the Board
Feed Thy Neighbor, President
Growing up in an Italian neighborhood in Rhode Island, Tony learned that the keys to a happy
life were food and family. Tony always had enough food and the love of a big, extended family.
Tony began his professional life in service of his country. Becoming a disabled veteran during
the Vietnam conflict, Tony was honorably discharged and came home to raise a family and
pursue various entrepreneurial ventures. As an antique and fine arts appraiser, owner of a real
estate and mortgage company, and a founding board member of Naples’ Nicaea Academy
(which at the time was just a small school needing some attention and a businessman), Tony
loved his kids and the kids in his life as his own. And, here, in Feed Thy Neighbor, Tony’s two
passions have come together once again as he serves the underserved families in Lee and
Collier Counties. Cooking and feeding the neighbor kids is where his heart is now and will remain.
Robert Sanchez
Robert Sanchez is the FTN Secretary. He is a retired attorney with a background in engineering and considers himself a Naples “local” since moving here over 8 years ago with his family. In the beginning of FTN (April 2020) Bob saw Tony’s plea for help to deliver meals and volunteered to drive. “It (delivering) is the best job! Tony and other volunteers cook all day and I get all the ‘Thanks Yous’ and smiles when I hand out the meals!” As demand for Tony’s home cooked meals increased, it became apparent that Tony’s personal funding and other contributors’ donations was not going to be enough. “Tony just cannot say ‘NO’ to people in need. Someone told us that we could get additional funding and supplies if we were a formal charity, so Mr. Sanchez helped file for 503c(3) non-profit incorporation status. Hence, his position as secretary was created in the corporate documents by default! “We quickly realized that our wonderful community supporters were not going to be enough, based on the need we were finding in the field!”
Secretary
Ada Wisniewski
Treasurer of the Board
Multi-Unit Practice Manager, Dermcare Management LLC.
A busy medical professional, Ada has been a part of Feed Thy Neighbor from its inception. Initially, Ada volunteered in all aspects of getting food to people in need. She served as the primary contact for those who reached out to request food on NextDoor and Facebook and by text. Ada would calculate the need, devise delivery routes, and then work with the volunteers
to coordinate shopping, cooking, packaging, and delivering meals five days a week to neighbors in need. Today, Ada is a fundraiser who manages grants, oversees campaigns on gofundme.com, keeps supporters up to date via social media, and coordinates finances with the bookkeeper.
Ada has always been a volunteer at heart. For many years, Ada provided services to the children and families of St Jude’s Hospital for Children.
Melissa Singer
Board Member
Melissa Singer is passionate about helping people and learning. From her early days at Boston College and Yale Divinity School, Melissa has looked for ways to help the community as a volunteer. Throughout the years, she has volunteered in many organizations including the Massachusetts Public Interest Research Group and a number of churches and schools while working as a college professor. Today, Melissa is a wife, a mom, a teacher and a fundraiser. Melissa is wife to Bill who is recovering from a recent cardiac event, mom to young lawyer Will, teacher to doctors and nurses in hospital systems across the country, and fundraiser for Feed Thy Neighbor as well as former Development Director for Boys and Girls Club of Collier County.
As retirement approaches, Melissa is eager to share her time and talent to benefit those served by Feed Thy Neighbor.
