As drought conditions and water restrictions impact Southwest Florida, this program promotes conservation and art while supporting seniors in need.
Creativity, community, and compassion come together for the fifth year in Lehigh Acres as local seniors use paintbrushes and rain barrels to make a meaningful difference. The 5th Annual Lehigh Acres Rain Barrel Painting Contest returns next month, offering a unique opportunity for seniors to support one another while promoting water conservation on brush stroke at a time.
Hosted by the Florida Governmental Utility Authority (FGUA), Lehigh Community Services, and the Lehigh Acres Senior Center, the program invites seniors to transform rain barrels into colorful works of art. Once completed, the barrels are auctioned off, with proceeds going directly toward helping local seniors pay their water utility bills.
This year’s theme, “Every Drop Has a Journey,” carries special meaning as Southwest Florida faces ongoing drought conditions and increasing pressure on its water supply. But beyond conservation, the theme reflects something deeper…the journey of support, resilience, and care within the community.
“What makes this program so special is that seniors are stepping up to help other seniors in need,” said Rae Nicely, Executive Director of the Lehigh Acres Senior Center. “It’s about neighbors supporting neighbors, while also raising awareness about how important it is to conserve water.”
The contest will take place April 20th – 23rd, 2026, during Earth Day week. Participants will paint their barrels over four days, with winners announced at a special luncheon on April 23rd at the Lehigh Acres Senior Center. The top three artists will receive Visa gift cards in recognition of their work.
But the true reward comes after the paint dries. Each finished barrel will be auctioned online, allowing community members to bid on these one-of-a-kind pieces. Bidding will run April 27th through May 1st.
“Last year, the program raised $5,075 through sponsorships and auction proceeds, turning art into assistance” said Donna Lizotte, Community Service Representative for FGUA. “The funds were used to help seniors who were struggling with their monthly water bills. This year, we hope to build on that success and help even more residents.”
Much of the money raised for this program comes from local sponsors, such as Coke Florida, US Water and Modern Woodsman. Sponsorship opportunities are still available.
A total of 20 rain barrels will be available for this year’s contest. Before painting begins, each barrel must be cleaned, sanded, and primed – a process supported by local volunteers. Members of the East Lee Leadership Academy, Jr. ROTC cadets, and Boy Scout Troop 11 will assist with preparation on April 11.
How to Get Involved:
- Local seniors interested in participating, as well as businesses interested in sponsorship opportunities, can contact Donna Lizotte at (239) 303-0459 or email donna.lizotte@fgua.com.
- Registration forms are also available at the Lehigh Acres Senior Center. Please register by April 7th.
Participants may work individually or in teams. They can work at home or at the Senior Center. Rain barrels will be provided, and art supplies will be available for those painting at the Senior Center.
Only the first 20 registrants can participate, so don’t wait!
The Florida Governmental Utility Authority (FGUA) owns and operates almost 100 water and wastewater utility systems in 15 Florida counties, providing service to nearly 100,000 customers with more than 120,000 connections (water and/or sewer.) Counties served by FGUA include Citrus, Hillsborough, Lake, Marion, Orange, Pasco, Polk, Seminole, Hardee, Lee, Alachua, Flagler, Putnam, Volusia and Nassau.
