Scene on Site
New Horizon of Southwest Florida introduced a fun “Aladdin” theme for the organization’s 12th Annual Benefit Luncheon on Feb. 29. “A Whole New World” was a celebration of this year’s graduates, volunteers and success stories. A silent auction was conducted to support New Horizons programs serving nearly 700 at-risk children and teens in Southwest Florida. This community-favorite event also featured a champagne toast, lunch, a raffle, “from the heart” paddle raise and the highlight: a presentation of graduating seniors. Congratulations to Debra Haley on her seven-plus years of service as New Horizons executive director as she turns over leadership to Linda Cunning.
The 3rd Annual Metsquerade gala, benefitting METAvivor, took place at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa on Feb. 29. Event Founder and Chair Karin Petrocelli has been living with metastatic breast cancer for the past seven years and has organized this fabulous event where 100 percent of net proceeds are donated to METAvivor for metastatic breast cancer research. The inspirational evening included a cocktail hour, three-course dinner, drinks, a live auction, silent auction and plenty of dancing
Kids’ Minds Matter, Golisano Children’s Hospital’s mental and behavioral health care fund, presented its Fourth Annual Secret Garden Gala on March 4 at the Southwest Florida Performing Arts Center. This elegant affair, hosted by NBC-2’s Kellie Burns, included a grand cocktail reception, dinner and a keynote address by Kevin Hines, one of the few survivors of a leap from the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. This emotional story of hope motivated guests to pledge as part of a “Fund-A Need.” A total of $1.4 million dollars was raised at the gala. Amazingly matched by an anonymous donor, the night’s grand total was $2.8 million dollars all benefitting pediatric mental and behavioral health care for Southwest Florida children.
