PUNTA GORDA, Fla. - TelAve -- A.N.A.'s Friends recently hosted over 70 youth for a Heartfelt Hangout at Iguanaland in Punta Gorda, an experience made possible through the generosity of donors.

This event offered children and teens an opportunity to interact with more than 250 species of reptiles and amphibians, enjoy hands-on animal encounters, and learn about wildlife conservation and research all at the world's largest reptile zoo.

A.N.A.'s Friends created its Heartfelt Hangout program in 2025 to provide vulnerable youth in Southwest Florida with meaningful experiences, activities and social outings they may not otherwise enjoy. Activities are created with a future question in mind – "What was your favorite childhood memory?" – and outings seek to create positive, happy memories for children who have experienced challenging moments in their lives. In addition to having fun, participants also enjoy a meal and opportunities for hands-on learning activities.

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"Most of us remember those fun childhood outings, the ones where you saw something totally new, asked a million questions and could not stop talking about it afterward, and this Heartfelt Hangout was just that," said A.N.A.'s Friends CEO Jessica Stanfield. "At Iguanaland, our kids got to meet some scaly, slithery and seriously cool new friends through animal encounters, up-close reptile experiences and a day full of wonder. Heartfelt Hangouts are all about creating those joyful, unforgettable memories every child deserves, while surrounding them with a community of friends and care."

Heartfelt Hangouts are open to Southwest Florida youth who have experienced abuse, neglect or been abandoned.

Support for the Heartfelt Hangout at Iguanaland included the venue itself, as well as the Board of Directors for A.N.A.'s Friends and private donors.

A.N.A.'s Friends relies on support from additional individuals, businesses, foundations and nonprofits to support future Heartfelt Hangout experiences. To learn more, please call 239-245-7787 or visit ANAsfriends.org to make a secure donation.

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About A.N.A.'s Friends

A.N.A.'s Friends is a nonprofit organization that provides programs and services to vulnerable Southwest Florida children and teens who have been Abused, Neglected and Abandoned (A.N.A.). "Friends" of the organization includes individuals, businesses, foundations and nonprofits that collaborate through partnerships that provide a safer, more nurturing environment allowing youth to heal, grow and thrive. Originally founded in 1984, A.N.A.'s Friends is a United Way Partner Agency that serves youth in the dependency court system across Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties. For more information, please visit ANAsfriends.org or call 239-245-7787.