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Men’s club puts time, talents to good use

The Riviera Men'­s Club has plenty of good times between doing good deeds.

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The Riviera Men'­s Club has plenty of good times between doing good deeds.

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Making a difference in their community, whether full-time or seasonal, is reward enough for members of the Riviera Men’s Club.

“We’ve grown from a small group here to 800 homes, and we’ve always done community service,” says Charlie Brennan, a long time member of the club, which boasts more than 90 members. “We’re out to have a good time, and we have speakers come in, too.”

According to fellow club member John Lesch , members want to do more with their retirement than hit the golf course.

“We are in our twilight years. This is a way for us to get together, share our experiences and have a good time,” he says.

Over the years, the club has seen members come and go, but one thing that remains constant is their commitment to step up to the plate for those in need.

That was evident last month, as the men enjoyed their annual Minnesota Twins game in Ft. Myers. The outing included a charter bus, plenty of refreshments and a lot of fun.

“The bus picks us up and we share beer, jokes and conversation,” says Lesch.

But they’re not just about fun and baseball games.

Riviera residents also step up to the plate for families in need – especially during the holidays, when their primary focus is on the community of Immokalee.

During the first week in December, they serve a free breakfast, where members can make donations of money and/or toys.

“After the breakfast, we fill an entire pick-up truck with toys to donate to Immokalee kids who don’t have a Christmas,” Lesch says.

The Riviera Men'­s Club enjoys Twins baseball in Ft. Myers.

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The Riviera Men'­s Club enjoys Twins baseball in Ft. Myers.

Habitat for Humanity is another outreach program for which the club goes to bat, hosting a yearly wine raffle to benefit that effort.

Ladies aren’t left out of this special men’s organization. either. On Valentine’s Day, the club toasts their gals with a Ladies Night.

“We invite wives to come to a day of fun,” Lesch says. “We give them a flower, and we hire a group of musicians to come in and play for us.”

Lesch praises the efforts of past and long-time club members who paved the way for today’s membership.

“There have been so many members who have worked so hard over the years,” he says. “They really set an example for the rest of us. We are doing out best to carry on those traditions today.”

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