It’s the time of year when charities in Southwest Florida roll out the red carpet for all kinds of events to raise money for their programs. Fund raising in Fort Myers was on fire over the weekend. I was able to participate in two events as part of the team of emcees.
Friday night was the first event. This one was for the Heights Foundation. It was the organization’s inaugural Saltwater Cowboy auction. The Heights Foundation serves the impoverished Harlem Heights community. They have built a charter school and are about to embark on a vocational school. The goal is to end the cycle of poverty for these kids and give support to the families in the process. The success stories are impressive. The Saltwater Cowboy event was at Marine Max and it was a ton of fun with auction lots that included python hunting in the Everglades. If you are interested in learning more about The Heights Foundation or donating, you can click here.
Putting the “fun” in fundraising in Fort Myers.
The second event was the famous Arts For ACT art auction. This has been one of the most prestigious art auctions in Southwest Florida for years. It benefits the Abuse Counseling and Treatment Center. The center helps victims of domestic violence with numerous programs. They also offer a shelter. Sadly, it stays filled. Even more sad are the numbers of women, children, and even men, who are abused in Southwest Florida and need help from places like ACT. The theme of this year’s event was TV Land. People who attended the auction on Saturday were encouraged to dress as their favorite television character. It was so much fun. The silent auction is still open until noon today (Monday March 6) or you can always donate here.
More events are held this year for a number of reasons. First of all, more people are typically in town for the winter months. More people, hopefully, equates to more money for the charities. In addition, the weather is also better. that allows for more outdoor events. No sweltering in the hot, humid summer sun.
Here are few photos from this weekends fund raising in Fort Myers