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GIVING BACK: BY THE NUMBERS
{GIVING BACK}
Left: Gulfshore Playhouse CEO and Producing Artistic Director Kristen Coury presided over the theater's immersive, record-setting "Under the Big Top" gala.
HighNotes
by the Numbers
Naples’ charitable gala season has returned in full force with aplomb—in creativity, vibrance, and largesse. Here are select highlights from the robust season that experienced several record-breaking events.
UNDER THE BIG TOP: GULFSHORE PLAYHOUSE
Kudos to Gulfshore Playhouse, which raised a record $2.5 million during its annual gala with an "Under the Big Top" circus theme. Attendees pledged more than $1 million, which was matched by event chairs Patty and Jay Baker. This large-scale, immersive theatrical production featured Broadway actors Michael Halling and Carolann Sanita, and the cirque nouveau troupe Quixotic Fusion. All proceeds support the playhouse’s productions and educational programs. It is also working to open the $60 million Baker Theatre and Education Center in 2024. The Bakers have been its most signifi cant benefactors, providing more than $20 million for the campus.
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DESIGN ELEGANCE: THE LEAGUE CLUB
The League Club’s signature fundraiser, Naples Tables, themed “The Goodness of Gathering,” invited 60 designers to create exquisite and whimsical tablescapes for the luncheon headlined by celebrated interior designer and author Bunny Williams. The March event raised a record $635,686 for The League Club’s Community Trust Fund, which has distributed $5.8 million to local charities to date. At its 2022 Briefcase Breakfast, The League Club awarded $464,325 in grants to local nonprofi ts. This Naples organization, founded 35 years ago, is open to women who have been, or still are, active members of a Junior League.
CONSERVANCY OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA: MAGICAL EVENING
MILA BRIDGER
Terry and Bob Edwards chaired the Eighteenth Annual Magic Under the Mangroves, which netted a record $2.1 million to support the Conservancy of Southwest Florida’s programs to protect the region’s water, land, and wildlife. Guests gathered for the American Southwest-themed event “A River Runs Through It” in the renovated nature and discovery center. An evening highlight was $98,000 raised during a surprise auction for the opportunity to win a $10,000 shopping spree at Ralph Lauren, off ered by Waterside Shops.
RECORDSETTING STAR GALA
STAR Gala: Light the Night raised a record $3.2 million to support the STARability Foundation’s programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The night featured STAR participants performing alongside Pzazz on the dance fl oor and an anonymous $1 million match for the Fund-a-Need auction. Supporters’ and volunteers’ passion “will transform the lives of our STARs and their families,” says STARability CEO Karen Govern.
INAUGURAL YOUTH HAVEN SOIREE
Youth Haven’s inaugural Starry Nights Gala raised more than $1 million for the children and teens who depend on Youth Haven, the only teen emergency and residential shelter in Collier County. “The event was an unparalleled success,” says Youth Haven Development Director Laura Lafakis.
A MAJOR BOOST FOR FGCU’S COMMUNITY AUTISM NETWORK
Florida Gulf Coast University’s Community Autism Network received $1 million from the Golisano Foundation—one of the largest private foundations in the United States established by Paychex founder and philanthropist Tom Golisano, a seasonal Naples resident. The autism network is developing model programs through interdisciplinary research and training designed to facilitate inclusion, selfeffi cacy, and wellness for individuals with autism.
CHRIS CORTEZ
ST. MATTHEW’S HOUSE: LUXURY CARS FUEL CRITICAL SERVICES
The renowned Naples Automotive Experience 2022, presented by the Naples Chapter of the Ferrari Club of America, raised $1.025 million to support St. Matthew’s House’s work helping people experiencing homelessness, hunger, substance abuse, and poverty in Southwest Florida. The weekend that includes Cars on 5th Concours has expanded into a three-day event.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Naples’ annual campaign themed “Here for Good” raised $1.53 million in pledges— surpassing its goal by $550,000. The funds are used to meet the needs of Jewish people locally and overseas for education and children's programs, cultural events, senior programs, and other initiatives. Its Human Needs Award, a monetary award for small nonprofi ts serving disadvantaged populations, was given to Cultivate Abundance, which addresses food insecurity for Immokalee farmworkers, and the STARability Foundation.
NEW SCHOLARS IN TOWN
Several organizations have Collier County students’ higher education at heart. The Founders Scholarship Fund, comprised of Cub Pelican Bay members, awarded scholarships totaling $672,000—and its biennial fundraising tournament raised a record $1,075,245 this year. The Richard M. Schulze Foundation provided scholarships to 60 “Schulze College Scholars.” The Collier Community Foundation distributed a whopping $1.8 million in scholarships in its 2021 fi scal year. The Naples Woman’s Club provided 30 scholarships totaling $130,800 to high school students and mature women to further their education. Twenty-seven graduating seniors in Guadalupe Center’s Tutor Corps Class of 2022 earned a collective $3.8 million in scholarship off ers and grants.
