The 7th Annual MarineMax Yacht Gala raised more than $330,000 at “An Evening Under the Stars,” bringing the total raised since 2016 to more than $1.4 million for Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida.
“MarineMax has been bringing people together in support of Golisano Children’s Hospital since 2016,” said Patti Chlipala, director of development for Lee Health Foundation. “We are so grateful for support of our community to support area children.”
Emceed by Amanda Hall, weeknight anchor at WINK news, guests heard from Armando Llechu, chief officer of hospital based care for Lee Health, about the newest programs and services underway at Golisano Children’s Hospital. The event offered beverages, catered barbecue courtesy of Texas Roadhouse, and a live auction, including a custom designed necklace from Mark Loren Designs, a five-day Miami Beach getaway, and a luxury sunset cruise for 10 provided by MarineMax Fort Myers.
A Fund-A Need for the hospital’s Little Red Wagon Fund also raised funds dedicated to advancing innovative programs, technologies and services at the children’s hospital. Located in Fort Myers, the children’s hospital also provides services through pediatric specialty clinics in Port Charlotte and Naples, and innovative programs are integrating lifesaving health care into local schools and homes. The vision is to bring world-class health care closer to every child in Southwest Florida.
“Having care close to home for local families is important for our community and our businesses too,” said Ryan West, principal/general manager of MarineMax Fort Myers. “We are so thankful for our customers and friends who joined us each year to support our community.”
Join supporters like MarineMax in the mission to raise vital funds that ensure the children of Southwest Florida receive world-class healthcare close to home by visiting GiveGolisano.org.
About MarineMax Fort Myers
Serving the Fort Myers area for more than 25 years, MarineMax is the world’s largest recreational boat and yacht retailer, selling new and used recreational boats, yachts and related marine products and services, as well as providing yacht brokerage and charter services. MarineMax has over 100 locations worldwide, including 77 retail dealership locations, which includes 31 marinas or storage operations. For more information, please visit marinemax.com/FortMyers.
About Golisano Children’s Hospital
Established in 1994, Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida has been named a “Top Hospital” three consecutive years by The Leapfrog Group. It is the only recognized children’s hospital between Tampa and Miami. Lee Health opened the new 134-bed Golisano Children’s Hospital in May 2017, relocating the children’s hospital from the adjacent HealthPark Medical Center. It includes comprehensive pediatric services including a 24-hour pediatric emergency department, hematology-oncology unit, milk lab, Regional Perinatal Intensive Care Center, and Level II and Level III NICU with 70 private rooms. Golisano Children’s Hospital is proud to have been named Soliant’s 2018 Most Beautiful Hospital in the U.S., a recognition determined by popular vote. For more information, visit GolisanoChildrensSWFL.org.