Kids’ Minds Matter raised more than $725,000 at its third annual Secret Garden Gala, which raises awareness and philanthropic support for pediatric mental and behavioral healthcare initiatives in Southwest Florida.
Held March 6 at historic Shangri-La Springs in Bonita Springs, the Secret Garden Gala featured hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, an exquisite dinner, music and a live auction that offered far-away travels, fine wine, gourmet food and exquisite fashion.
“Over its three-year history, the Secret Garden Gala has raised nearly $2.2 million to support Kids’ Minds Matter,” said its founders, Susan Goldy and Scott Spiezle. “This support will ultimately help provide more families in Southwest Florida with a proper diagnosis, resources and treatment options for youth with mental and behavioral health disorders.”
It’s estimated that 46,000 local children are impacted by these disorders, which include anxiety, depression, eating disorders, psychosis, substance abuse, autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Kids’ Minds Matter is the pediatric mental and behavioral healthcare fund at Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida, and it has grown into a regional movement to align Southwest Florida providers in the development of strategic solutions that improve access to high-quality care. The Secret Garden Gala is the largest annual fundraising event benefiting Kids’ Minds Matter.
The Secret Garden Gala was co-chaired by Goldy, Spiezle and Jennifer Parisi. NBC2 anchor Kellie Burns emceed the event, while Richard Keelan, a child advocate at Golisano Children’s Hospital, and Dr. Paul Simeone, vice president of mental and behavioral health for Lee Health, delivered the keynote addresses.
Presenting sponsors included Audi Fort Myers, Audi Naples, Aureus Medical Group, FineMark National Bank & Trust, Gillian Draper, LeeSar, Cooperative Services of Florida, Jill Kushner, Shangri-La Springs, Stock Development, Susan Goldy and Scott Spiezle, The Cliffs, Dorothy and Ron Fitzgerald, Susan McGrogan and Waterside Shops.
For more information about Kids’ Minds Matter and future fundraising events, please visit KidsMindsMatter.com or call the Lee Health Foundation at 239-343-6950.
About Kids’ Minds Matter
Founded in 2016 by Susan Goldy and Scott Spiezle, Kids’ Minds Matter is a unified movement in Southwest Florida dedicated to advancing pediatric mental and behavioral health services. By developing clinical pathways to screen and treat patients, enhancing public awareness through education, and lobbying for systemic change and sustainable funding, Kids’ Minds Matter aims to align mental health providers, local agencies, the judicial system, law enforcement, schools and faith-based organizations. Kids’ Minds Matter is managed through the Lee Health Foundation. Please visit KidsMindsMatter.com or call 239-343-6950 for more information.
About Golisano Children’s Hospital
Established in 1994, Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida has been named a “Top Hospital” by The Leapfrog Group for the past three years. It is the only recognized children’s hospital between Tampa and Miami. Lee Health opened the new 128-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 64 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.
About Lee Health Foundation
Lee Health Foundation raises philanthropic dollars on behalf of Lee Health, including Cape Coral Hospital, Gulf Coast Medical Center, HealthPark Medical Center, Lee Memorial Hospital and Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida. The Foundation provides financial support for many service areas including the Regional Cancer Center, Lee Health – Coconut Point, The Rehabilitation Hospital, Shipley Cardiothoracic Center, Community Health Clinics and Golisano Children’s Hospital Specialty Clinics in both Port Charlotte and Naples. Over the past two years, the Foundation has distributed more than $53 million to Lee Health to support its lifesaving mission. Please visit LeeHealthFoundation.org or call (239) 343-6950 for more information.
