Pace Center for Girls, Lee has announced its Believing in Girls Gala, a black-tie preferred fundraising event, set for Saturday, Feb. 5 in Fort Myers.
An evening “Under the Stars” in support of Pace girls, the event will feature cocktails, dinner, dancing as well as an array of live auction and raffle items, with all proceeds to benefit Pace Lee and its programs. Believing in Girls Gala will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. at the outdoor venue of Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St. in downtown Fort Myers.
The signature event is led by co-chairs Rebekah and Jeff Barney with Dwayne Bergmann and Luis Insignares.
“While we have had to postpone past fundraising events due to the pandemic, Pace Lee’s work has continued – as does the need for support,” said Rebekah MacFarlane Barney, co-chair of the Believing in Girls Gala. “My husband Jeff and I are thrilled to co-chair the Believing in Girls Gala alongside Dwayne and Luis as we all come together in support of Pace Lee.”
Pace Lee provides girls and young women an opportunity for a better future through education, counseling, training and advocacy. Programs are based on the belief that all girls and young women, regardless of race, ethnicity or socioeconomic status, should be uniquely cared for, supported and encouraged to become the best versions of themselves through a path of healing and recovery. Through Pace Lee, 2019-20 saw 100% of students improve their academic performance, 97% had no involvement with the juvenile justice system within one year of exiting the program and 100% were either in school or gainfully employed after leaving Pace Lee.
“Pace Lee has seen great success in guiding girls to become strong, productive and contributing members of society,” said Dwayne Bergmann, co-chair of the Believing in Girls Gala. “We are excited to enjoy an evening Under the Stars as we work to help more young women in our community find their voice and achieve their full potential.”
Tickets are $200 per person. Sponsorship opportunities are available, including Extravaganza sponsorships at $10,000, Illumination sponsorships at $7,500, Enchanted sponsorships at $5,000, Ballroom table sponsors for $1,500, and in-kind sponsorships.
For more information, visit PaceCenter.org/Locations/Lee or call 239-425-2366.
About Pace Center for Girls, Lee
Pace Center for Girls, Lee, envisions a world where all girls and young women have power, in a just and equitable society. Founded in 1985, Pace provides free year-round middle and high school academics, case management, counseling, and life skills development in a safe and supportive environment that recognizes and deals with past trauma and builds upon girls’ individual strengths. Dedicated to meeting the social, emotional, and education needs of girls, Pace has a successful and proven program model that has changed the life trajectory of more than 40,000 girls and is recognized as one of the nation’s leading advocates for girls in need. For more information on Pace Center for Girls, Lee, call 239-425-2366 or visit www.pacecenter.org/locations/lee.
