This year’s STAR Gala: Light the Night raised a record-breaking $3.2 million to support programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities! From the man on the moon and amazing auction items to the STAR participants performing alongside Pzazz on the dance floor, the night was filled with generosity, compassion and joy from the nearly 600 guests. Thank you to everyone who joined us this year to celebrate the magic of transforming lives.
Thanks to an anonymous donor, the fund-a-need portion of the evening was generously matched up to $1 million. Our guests met the challenge and matched the gift as auctioneer Rick Gallo called the record-setting event!
“We are overwhelmed by the generosity of everyone who supported the STAR Gala and who made this event so inspiring,” said STARability CEO Karen Govern. “The Gala has reached new heights because of our dedicated co-chairs, Holly Shapiro and Jennifer Marchionda, and engaged committee members. The passion for our mission and the generosity that supporters and volunteers showed at the Gala will transform the lives of our STARs and their families. Thank you for helping our STARs reach for the stars.”
We continue to be amazed by the generosity of our event sponsors, underwriters and donors. Our team at STARability sends a special thank you to the following sponsors and underwriters who made this successful event possible:
Event sponsors and underwriters: Waterside Shops, Stofft Cooney Architects, BCB Homes, Calusa Bay Design and Knauf-Koenig Group, Judy and Ken Gilman, Tina and Ralph Goldin, Neurology Office: Joseph Kandel, M.D. and Associates, Kurtz Homes Naples, Maureen and Jeff Maconaghy, The Law Offices of Marc L. Shapiro, P.A. and Aries Title, Structure Medical, Lisa Kahn-Allen and Philip Allen, Allikristé Custom Cabinetry & Kitchen Design, The Ansari Family, Sue and Mike Bieker, Lyn Buck, Calusa Bay Properties and Taber Tagliasacchi, P.A., Connor & Gaskins Unlimited, Ficarra Design Associates, Griffin Builders, GWT Outdoors, Nanci Iuculano, Linda Sonders Design, London Bay Homes, Matthew Lacy, Jodie and Mark Montgomery, Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Office: Tate Haire, Martin Heagerty and Kevin Johnson, Naples Aesthetic Institute, New Haven Builders, Old Republic Title, OMNI Systems, Inc. and Adam and Sally DeFrancesco, Premiere Systems, Joan and Tom Sabatino, Linda Shapiro, Paul Pinsky and friends, The Shirley Family, Karol and Randy Smith, STOCK Development, The Ronto Group, Jenny and Dave Urness, Valley Bank, Beth and Craig Wilbrett, Woods, Weidenmiller, Michetti & Rudnick, Gulfshore Life, Naples Daily News, The Georgelos Family, Driftwood Garden Center, Newbury North Associates, The Williams Group and Joe & Cynthia Beauchamp, Mercedes-Benz of Bonita Springs and Mercedes-Benz of Naples, U.S. Bank Private Wealth Management, William (Bill) and Debbi Cary, Copper Leaf Landscape Renovation Co., First Foundation Bank, Rent a Daughter Senior Care Services, Gulf Coast International Properties, Architectural Land Design, Inc., Investment Properties Corporation of Naples, FineMark National Bank & Trust and In Memory of Rebecca M. Vaccariello, Esq.
Extended thanks to our production team: Manta Films, Pzazz Productions, The Naples Studio and The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples
