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Blazek had previously made small donations to the food bank, but her contributions had never indicated that she intended to leave such a substantial amount, according to WGCU. Richard LeBer, president of the Harry Chapin Food Bank, said he had never met Blazek and that she had not volunteered with the organisation.
How will the Harry Chapin Food Bank use its $2 million inheritance
An 88-year-old Florida woman who lived quietly in a rented apartment for more than two decades left behind a $4 million estate, with two local organisations set to receive $2 million each. Janice Blazek, who died in January 2026, had kept a low profile in her Fort Myers neighbourhood, where residents were unaware of her considerable wealth. Blazek lived in the same Ashlar apartment building from 2003 until her death. Blazek’s estate was divided between two Lee County organisations, with each receiving $2 million. The Harry Chapin Food Bank plans to use its $2 million inheritance towards operating expenses, unless specific instructions attached to the estate require otherwise.
Neither organisation knew about the planned inheritance, and even her neighbours were surprised to discover that the modestly living resident was a multi-millionaire, according to WGCU. She never married, had no children, owned no pets and never purchased a home, according to WGCU. Speaking to WGCU, LeBer explained the organisation’s ongoing expenses, saying: “We distribute millions of pounds of food every year, and that costs money for diesel fuel, power to run our freezers and refrigerators, to pay staff, so we probably will use some if it in that direction.”
Her estate will benefit the Harry Chapin Food Bank and Lee County Domestic Animal Services. Despite her substantial wealth, she maintained a relatively modest lifestyle, living in a rented apartment and driving a Honda. The beneficiaries are the Harry Chapin Food Bank and Lee County Domestic Animal Services. These expenses include fuel for delivery vehicles, electricity for freezers and refrigerators, and staff costs.