¦ American Cancer Society, Marco Island office will stage its Relay For Life of Marco Island, presented by Robert J. Flugger, from 3-7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, on the Marco Island beach between the Hilton and Marriott’s Crystal Shores near the public beach access. The opening ceremony will take place at 3 p.m. and the luminaria ceremony will take place at 6:30 p.m. The event will feature food, entertainment and games, all in the effort to raise funds in the fight against cancer. For more information, visit www.cancer.org.
¦ SWFL Wine & Food Fest “Painting a Difference,” hosted by the trustees of SWFL Children’s Charities, will be held Feb. 21-22 at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa. Be a part of this fabulous weekend of fun with exquisite wines, delectable cuisine and a spirited live auction with once-in-a-lifetime trips all to benefit children in Southwest Florida. Tickets to attend the grand tasting and live auction on Saturday are $1,000. Full weekend tickets including chef vintner dinner, grand tasting and live auction are $1,500. For information and tickets, visit www.SWFLWineFest.org, call 239-433-4260 or email info@SWFLWineFest.org.
¦ The Greater Naples YMCA hosts the 2020 Sneaker Ball gala from 7-10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, at the Greater Naples YMCA, 5450 YMCA Road. Since its inception, the Y’s signature fundraising event raises money to benefit families within our community. The evening features a cocktail reception, dinner and an inspiring mission-based program. Guests will enjoy entertainment and dancing to live music by local favorite The Ex-Bachelors. Dress is cocktail attire. Guests are also encouraged to don their favorite sneakers and decorate them if they want the chance to win the Best Sneakers prize. Tickets may be purchased for $150 per person or $1,100 for a table of eight by calling 239-963-3771 or online at www.greaternaplesymca.org/sneakerball.
¦ Opera Naples holds its “A Mardi Gras Masque” gala at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 25, at the LaPlaya Beach and Golf Resort, 9891 Gulf Shore Drive. The event includes cocktails, outstanding dining, live and silent auctions and dancing. Special performances will punctuate the evening. The primary sponsor, Crown Jewelers of Naples, is providing an amethyst and diamond ring to be featured in the live auction. Trips to Mardi Gras in New Orleans, a Venetian adventure for either Carnival or the Venice Film Festival, a Francophiles dream vacation, the Ferrari Challenge in Italy, and a luxurious sevenday cruise aboard the Sea Dream yacht will all go to lucky bidders. Tickets begin at $350 and are available online at www.OperaNaples.org or call 239-963-9050.
¦ Neighborhood Health Clinic will host John Walsh, former executive vice president of ESPN, for a speaking engagement from 5:30-7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 25, at the clinic, 88 12th Street North, Suite 100, Naples. Over his remarkable career, Mr. Walsh has left his mark on many publications such as ESPN, Rolling Stone and Newsweek. You won’t want to miss what this sportscasting hall of famer has to say. Enjoy wine, hors d ’oeuvres and presentation. Tickets are $75 per person. For tickets, call 239-261-6600.
¦ The Ohio State Alumni Club of Naples is sponsoring its second annual “Designer Purse Bingo” for a chance to win designer handbags from the top fashion designers in the industry. This event opens at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, at The Hilton Naples, 5111 Tamiami Trail North. The evening includes a gourmet light supper and one set of Bingo Cards. The cost is $55 per person and a cash bar will be provided. Proceeds benefit the Naples Buckeyes Scholarship Endowment Fund. For tickets, visit www.naplesbuckeyes.com. For more information, contact Sarah Smith at bonitabuckeye@gmail.com or call 239-992-8670.
¦ Freedom Waters Foundation holds its sixth annual Kind Mariners Ball from 5:30-10 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, at Naples Sailing & Yacht Club, 896 River Point Drive. The Mardi Gras-themed ball features the 10-piece Electric Lipstick jazz band, street performers, stilt walkers, caricaturists, jugglers, a hurricane drink station and a New Orleans-inspired menu. Guests are encouraged to don cocktail attire in purple, green and gold hues. The foundation enhances the lives of individuals with special needs and veterans through providing therapeutic boat experiences. Tickets are $300 and available by visiting www.kindmarinersball.com or calling 239-263-2377.
¦ Naples Performing Arts Center presents its fifth annual Daddy-Daughter Dance from 5-7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28, at Naples Performing Arts Center, 1048 Castello Drive. The dance is a great opportunity for dads to make their daughters feel special and create lifelong memories together. Proceeds support children in the performing arts. Enjoy games, learn to waltz and swing dance, desserts, raffles and lots more. All ages are welcome. Cost is $75 entrance fee per duo; $25 for each additional daughter. Semi-formal/ cocktail attire. Space is limited. For tickets, visit www.eventbrite.com and search “Daddy Daughter Dance.”
¦ Italian American Society of SW Florida holds its Annual Fashion Show from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 29, at Countryside Golf and Country Club, 600 Countryside Drive off Davis Boulevard in Naples. Proceeds benefit Golden PAWS Assistance Dogs serving disabled veterans and children. Fashions by Kays on the Beach. Tickets are $35. For reservations, call Joanne Stark at 239-353-3545.
¦ STARability Foundation holds its annual STAR Gala fundraiser starting at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 29, at The Ritz Carlton Golf Resort, 2600 Tiburon Drive, Naples. The inspiring evening showcases the organization’s mission of shining a light on ability, not disability. This year’s Glamour and Gold theme reflects love, compassion, courage and magic. Proceeds benefit STARability’s programs for individuals with developmental disabilities. Tickets may be purchased for $400 per person or sponsor levels starting at $4,000 at www.stargala.starability.org or by calling 239-594-9007.
¦ Gulfshore Playhouse holds its 10th annual Bubbles, Baubles & Broadway Gala on Monday, March 2, at The Ritz-Carlton Beach Resort in Naples. The Ritz will be transformed into a live speakeasy and performance venue for the Roaring into the ’20s-themed Gala replete with booming nightlife, live entertainment and exclusive travel packages for bidding. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available by calling 239-261-PLAY (7529) or visiting www.gulfshoreplayhouse.org. Individual event tickets are $600. Individual Patron tickets are $1,200 and include a private VIP event at a home in Bay Colony on Feb. 26. Additional sponsor tables for 10 start at $6,000.
¦ Conservancy of Southwest Florida host its 16th annual Magic Under the Mangroves gala from 5:30-9:30 p.m. Thursday, March 5. The evening is a celebration and recognition of the continuing importance of protecting the unique Southwest Florida natural environment and quality of life. The 2020 gala event will be held in a spectacular tented setting on the grounds of the Conservancy Nature Center that celebrates nature at night. Magic Under the Mangroves 2020 is a sold out event. To be added to the waitlist, call Chanel McGregor at 239-403-4200.
¦ Naples Chapter of Foundation Fighting Blindness will hold its annual fundraising event at 5 p.m. March 5, at The Players Club & Spa at Lely Resort. The event included a live auction with Mayor Bill Barnett as auctioneer and NBC 2 morning news anchor Rachel Pierce will be the celebrity emcee. There will also be a silent auction, food and drinks, including a complimentary glass of wine and Tito’s Vodka, the beverage sponsor together with the Player’s Club providing a signature drink. $75 per peson. For tickets contact Karen Vosmik at 847-363-0939. ¦
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