This holiday season, Child Care of Southwest Florida (CCSWFL) invites the community to support local children and families in need by participating in the organization’s Holiday Gift Celebration and Giving Tuesday Kick-Off, taking place Monday, Dec. 2, at 5:30 p.m. at Bruno’s of Brooklyn on First Street in Downtown Fort Myers.
The fundraising event will include heavy hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, a silent auction, and a precious gemstone raffle sponsored by Gulfcoast Coin & Jewelry. The first $2,500 raised will be matched to purchase clothing, toys and partial holiday tuition scholarships for low-income families.
Sponsorship opportunities are available and include matching gift participation, recognition on social media and online giving link, recognition at the event and event admission tickets, varying by sponsor level. Four different sponsor levels are available, including:
- Champion Sponsor: $5,000 – Provides fifty $100 holiday tuition scholarships
- Hero Sponsor: $2,500 – Provides fifty $50 holiday tuition scholarships
- Advocate Sponsor: $1,000 – Provides forty $25 holiday tuition scholarships
- Supporter Sponsor: $500 – Provides twenty $25 holiday tuition scholarships
Additional donation opportunities include:
- $25 provides a new toy for one child 6 weeks to 5 years old
- $50 provides a new toy and clothing item for one child 6 weeks to 5 years old
- $100 provides a one-week holiday tuition relief scholarship
- $250 provides a new toy and clothing item for one child 6 weeks to 5 years old, as well as a two-week holiday tuition relief scholarship
“This holiday season, we are inviting people to spread joy to one or more of the 350 at-risk children we serve in our high-quality early education programs,” said CEO Chris Hansen of Child Care of Southwest Florida. “Whether it’s the gift of education or a wrapped present to place under the Christmas tree, no contribution is too small to bring happiness to the children and families at our five nonprofit early learning centers in Lee and Hendry counties.”
Tickets are $25 per person, plus one wrapped gift or item of clothing for a child 6 weeks to 5 years old. The Holiday Gift Celebration and Giving Tuesday Kick-Off will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 2 at Bruno’s of Brooklyn, located at 2149 First St. in Fort Myers.
Event sponsors include Allied Physical Therapy, Board & Brush – Fort Myers, Bruno’s of Brooklyn, Franzese Plumbing Inc., Knights of Columbus – St. Cecilia Council, Real Res LLC, Sanibel Captiva Community Bank, Shell Point Retirement Community and Signs By Tomorrow – Fort Myers.
To donate, become a sponsor, or purchase tickets, visit CCSWFL.org/Event/Holiday-Gift-Celebration-Giving-Tuesday-Kick-Off/. For more information on Child Care of Southwest Florida, visit CCSWFL.org or call 239-278-1002.
About Child Care of Southwest Florida
Child Care of Southwest Florida, Inc. (CCSWFL) is a nonprofit early childhood education provider with five learning centers in Lee and Hendry counties that serve more than 350 children from 6 weeks to 8 years old. A United Way Partner Agency, CCSWFL’s mission is to strengthen and enhance the lives of children, as well as their families. Each center is accredited through the National Accreditation Commission for Early Learning Leaders and is recognized as a Gold Seal Quality Care Program through the Florida Department of Children and Families. All five locations maintain Level 5 and above scores on their CLASS assessments through the Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida. CCSWFL follows the nationally recognized, research-based Creative Curriculum, with a goal of creating safe, nurturing learning environments that develop young minds, support families, strengthen the community and secure the future. Through its participation in the USDA’s Child Food Care Program, each child has access to a healthy, nutritious breakfast, lunch and snacks. Sponsor, volunteer and donation opportunities are available. For more information, please visit CCSWFL.org.
