Forty-one area organizations have a lot for which to be thankful, thanks to a businessman and philanthropist whose giving has long made an impact on Southwest Florida.

Tom Golisano, the founder of Paychex, announced a multitude of “transformational gifts” tallying $85 million over the next few years to a diverse group of organizations that make a difference here on the homefront.

The awards range from $150,000 to $10 million and span the gamut of “critical community needs” — everything from health care, education and human resources to animal welfare.

Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida, which bears his name, was granted $10 million. Cape Coral-based Family Initiative was awarded $5 million, the Cape Coral Animal Shelter will receive $1.5 million and Guardian Angels for Special Populations will get $1 million.

To say these Cape organizations are grateful would be an understatement — they are grateful, indeed, and looking to put the money to good use in fulfillment of their respective missions.

We add our thanks and gratitude. Last Tuesday’s surprise announcement in Naples brings Mr. Golisano’s philanthropy to half a billion dollars this year alone and his life-long philanthropy to $860 million, according to the Golisano Foundation.

For many of us, perhaps a tad tired at seeing what the monied can buy, it’s a holiday note that illustrates what money can provide.

On Thursday, we will eat, we will celebrate, and we will give thanks as we focus on what is good within our family, good within our community — and there is a lot, from the large-donation entrepreneurs who care to our neighbors handing out turkeys, to the multitudes of groups and organizations arranging food and toy drives.

Thank you.

May you and yours have a very happy Thanksgiving.

Breeze editorial