STAR Gala | STARability Foundation

Presented by: STOCK 25 Years

Mark your calendars for STARability Foundation’s 10th annual signature event, the 2027 STAR Gala. We will gather on Saturday, Feb. 6, at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón for a day of inspiration to honor our STAR participants.

The event will feature a lively and extended cocktail hour, a delicious plated dinner, an extensive silent auction and an exciting live auction that will have guests raising their paddles higher and higher.

The STAR Gala is essential to STARability’s mission of transforming the lives of people with autism and other developmental disabilities.

As a sponsor or underwriter of the 2027 STAR Gala, you will make a difference in the lives of hundreds of STARs and their families. Your support will ensure that STARs can engage in innovative, community-based programs. Through your generosity, STARs will continue to learn, connect with friends, find jobs, and gain a sense of purpose and confidence.

Event Website Underwritten by:

Save The Date

The Ritz Carlton Naples, Tiburón

Saturday, February 6, 2027

3:30 PM | Cocktail Party featuring STARability Music Academy
5:00 PM | Fund-our-need, Live Auction, Dinner & Dancing

Sponsorship Opportunities

To our 2027 Gala co-chairs Kelly and Mike Assaad and Christa Mangiello, and Kevin Bush, for helping make this special evening possible.

A word from our co-chairs

“Mike and I are deeply honored to co-chair the 10th Annual STAR Gala and help celebrate such an important milestone for STARability. The Gala has always been an extraordinary reflection of this community’s generosity, and we look forward to bringing everyone together for an unforgettable evening in support of the STARs and their futures.”

“Kevin and I have seen firsthand the impact STARability has on participants and their families, which makes it especially meaningful to help lead this year’s historic celebration. The 10th anniversary is a chance to honor everyone who helped build STARability and to fuel everything still ahead.”

“As the only organization in Naples that provides a lifetime of holistic support for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities and their families, we are deeply grateful to our dedicated partners, volunteers, and supporters for helping us serve as a lifeline to hundreds of participants.”

A Glimpse into the 2026 STAR Gala

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our sponsors, patrons, host and event committee, funds raised will help to preserve and expand our innovative programs and life-transforming services in Collier County.

VIEW 2026 GALA PHOTOS

Why This Matters

MORE THAN A BUILDING

For too long, families in Southwest Florida have faced fragmented services, limited adult programming and growing waitlists. STARability’s campaign: Opening Doors will create a permanent home where people with autism and other developmental disabilities can continue learning, working, building friendships and living more independently.

This campus represents a bold investment in the future of our community and a commitment to ensuring every individual has the opportunity to thrive.

Testimonials

“I’m so grateful for the STARability Foundation. Seeing construction begin on the new center makes my friends and me at STARability so excited about what’s to come and how it will help us achieve our goals! I’m thankful for the support from this community and my family every single day.”