About the Daniel R. & Anne M. Harper Foundation

Raised during the Great Depression, Daniel and Anne Harper came from humble beginnings. Although they had little, their families were blessed by God, so they showed God’s love by sharing what little they had. The Harpers carried this tradition with them when they moved from Arkansas through Louisiana to Southwest Florida as newlyweds in 1951.

Soon after settling in Fort Myers, Daniel, his brother, David, and Quinton McNew started Harper Brothers and eventually discovered a profitable niche in excavation, site development and road building. In fact, they became pioneers in the local rock mining business and made their mark as prominent road builders in Lee County. As their business grew, so did their ability to give back to the community. They did so faithfully without ever seeking recognition of any kind.

The Harpers also displayed compassion and generosity on a personal level. Affectionately known as “Chief” to family and friends, as well as his employees, Daniel Harper was hard working and down-to- earth. He was known as a man of integrity – honorable, honest, trustworthy, hospitable and humble. He graduated from the University of Arkansas and was devoted to his faith. His faith drove all of what he did. A graduate of Baylor University, Anne was more than a homemaker and mother to three children. She worked for Harper Brothers behind the scenes – even driving dump trucks for the family business in the early years. At the same time, she displayed extraordinary hospitality, always welcoming others into their home for meals and holidays.

This extraordinary couple created the Daniel R. and Anne M. Harper Foundation in 2000, shortly after Harper Brothers was sold. Since its inception, the Harper Foundation has awarded $3.8 million in grants to a variety of nonprofit organizations in Southwest Florida, with a focus on illness and disease, the advancement of science, education and youth development, religious organizations, and economically disadvantaged communities.