The Conservancy of Southwest Florida’s 12th annual Magic Under the Mangroves™ gala dinner and auction fundraiser raised $1.2 million to benefit the organization. Presented by Northern Trust, Magic Under the Mangroves™ recognizes the continuing importance of protecting the natural environment and quality of life in Southwest Florida, and the event is a key source of revenue for the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. All proceeds from the fundraiser support the Conservancy’s mission to protect our water, land, wildlife and future.
“As one of the top charitable events in Southwest Florida, and our largest annual fundraiser at the Conservancy, Magic Under the Mangroves™ is an important part of funding the work we do daily to protect Southwest Florida’s natural resources,” said Rob Moher, president and CEO of the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. “The funds raised from this event will allow us to continue the influential work of our biologists, policy advocates, education team and wildlife rehabilitation staff, allowing us to make a difference in Southwest Florida for years to come. We extend our sincerest thanks to all who joined us in making this year’s event such a success.”
One of the highlights of the evening was an exceptional video experience. Calling attention to the majesty of the environment, the video emphasized that the natural beauty of our beaches, estuaries and the Everglades are not to be taken for granted. The video also portrayed the unique qualities of the Conservancy, noting how the organization’s initiatives impact the local environment and benefit its inhabitants.
The visionary of this immersive journey through Southwest Florida’s natural treasures was Conservancy supporter and board member, William Boyajian of Port Royal Jewelers, who served as chairman for the 2016 Magic Under the Mangroves™ event.
“When you love something, it is your responsibility to protect it, and I am passionate about the Conservancy of Southwest Florida and Magic Under the Mangroves™ because I believe that it is up to us to care for the world we live in,” Boyajian said. “Magic Under the Mangroves™ is all about protecting what we love about Southwest Florida, and this video demonstrates all that is at stake, and why we should be investing in the future of our community.”
“We have all been touched in some way by the power of nature, and we recognize the deeper value in preserving the natural beauty of Southwest Florida. Our home is truly like no other, and Magic Under the Mangroves™ does so much to protect our water, land, wildlife and future,” said Ken Krier, board chair of the Conservancy of Southwest Florida’s board of directors. “We believe that there is no better way to ensure the success of our mission, than to get people excited about what we do, and we are honored to receive such passionate support from our Southwest Florida community.”
In addition to Northern Trust as the presenting sponsor, supporting sponsors of the Magic Under the Mangroves™ event include AVMedia, Gulfshore Life, Florida Weekly, NBC-2 and the Naples Daily News.
For more information on Magic Under the Mangroves™, call 239-403-4218 or visit www.conservancy.org/events/magic-under-the-mangroves.
About the Conservancy of Southwest Florida:
The Conservancy of Southwest Florida is a not-for-profit environmental protection organization with a 50 year history focused on the issues impacting the water, land wildlife and future of Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties. The Conservancy accomplishes this mission through the combined efforts of its experts in the areas of environmental science, policy, education and wildlife rehabilitation. The Conservancy of Southwest Florida, world-class Nature Center and von Arx Wildlife Hospital are headquartered in Naples, Fla., 1495 Smith Preserve Way, south of the Naples Zoo off Goodlette-Frank Road. Learn more about the Conservancy’s work and how to support the quality of life in Southwest Florida www.conservancy.org.
