STARability Foundation to host 8th Annual STAR Gala on Feb. 7, 2026

Event to be chaired by philanthropic trio of sisters Jenny Haire, Barbie Kellam and Morgan Rodgers
NAPLES, Fla. (July 16, 2025) – STARability Foundation is pleased to announce the 8th Annual STAR
Gala, co-chaired by local philanthropists and sisters Jenny Haire, Barbie Kellam and Morgan Rodgers, on
Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón. Themed “Where Abilities Shine: Generosity
Blooms,” this extraordinary event will feature a cocktail garden party, silent and live auctions, and
dancing.
Following another sold-out event in 2025 that raised over $3.2 million, STARability’s largest
benefit event of the year returns to support and expand the organization’s innovative programs that shine
a light on ability. The co-chair trio of sisters and Naples residents are longtime supporters and advocates
for STARability, who share a deep commitment to raising awareness and support for people with
intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Haire currently serves as the managing director of Stofft Cooney Architects, overseeing
operations in both the Naples and Sarasota offices. She brings more than a decade of experience in
community leadership, fundraising and advocacy. A past STAR Gala event chair, she has also served as
sponsorship chair for the last three years. Haire is vice president of the Naples Design District and is
actively involved in raising two sons with her husband, Tate Haire. A three-time women’s World Series
champion in softball, she enjoys coaching local youth sports programs and creating opportunities for
connection through teamwork.
“I’m incredibly honored to co-chair alongside my two sisters, Barbie and Morgan. Family has
always been our core value and standing together for a cause we deeply believe in feels both natural and
powerful. Though none of us have firsthand experience raising a child with a disability, we are deeply
aware of the urgent need for support and services for this underserved community,” said Haire. “Florida
currently ranks 49th in the nation for funding these essential services – a heartbreaking statistic that
motivates us even more. That’s why we’re committed to giving our time, talents and hearts to this
extraordinary foundation. As proud Neapolitans, we want to lead by example and show what’s possible
when a community comes together with compassion, purpose and unity.”
Kellam is a passionate advocate for children and has been involved with STARability for more
than seven years. She has served on the Gala committee for several years, including as co-chair of the
Silent Auction committee. As partner and director of marketing and sales at Connor+Gaskins, she strives
to make a positive impact in the community, both personally and professionally. Outside of her
professional and philanthropic pursuits, Kellam is a devoted mother to two children.
“It has been amazing watching the growth of STARability over the years, from the staff, the
facilities and the participants, and I am excited to continue supporting them in this meaningful way.
Seeing the participants attend these social events and have so much fun together is a heartwarming
experience,” said Kellam.
As owner and operator of Royal Estate Management since 2013, Rodgers and her husband have
grown the business from a side job to a full-time venture, while also raising a young family. A founding
member of the inaugural STAR Gala committee, she has remained actively engaged with the foundation
for the past eight years. Rodgers has proudly witnessed STARability’s transformation and growth, seeing
firsthand how the organization helps hundreds of participants find purpose, community and meaningful
employment.
“Co-chairing this event is so special to me; it gives my sisters-in-law and I the opportunity to
work together while putting together a beautiful and meaningful event,” said Rodgers. “We hope to
continue to raise the bar and deliver one of Naples’ best galas of the giving season. I cannot wait to see
this gala ‘bloom’ and see the fruits of our labor when the night is over, and the giving has been topped!”
For more information about STARability’s annual STAR Gala, visit STARability.org/gala.
For four decades, STARability Foundation has been shining a light on abilities. Formed by a
small community of caring parents, STARability has become one of Southwest Florida’s leading
nonprofits. Today, the organization is opening a world of possibilities for hundreds of individuals ages 14
and older by offering a variety of inclusive programs focused on vocational training, continuing
education, teamwork, social engagement and community involvement. Their compassionate team
supports people with disabilities by providing life-transforming opportunities that emphasize teamwork
and a connection to the community while strengthening awareness and respect for individual abilities. To
learn more about the services and program offerings available, please visit STARability.org.
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Contacts:
Ashley Nevar, STARability Foundation, 239-594-9007 x102, ashley@STARability.org
Angela Bell, Gravina, Smith, Matte & Arnold Marketing and PR, 239-275-5758, Angela@GSMA.pro

Photo Credit: Zee Anna Photography

Local philanthropists and sisters Jenny Haire, Morgan Rodgers and Barbie Kellam will serve as co-chairs of STARability Foundation’s 8th Annual STAR Gala on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón.