It’s high season in Southwest Florida. Nonprofit organizations use this period to host black-tie affairs, galas, golf tournaments, conferences and fundraisers. Proceeds from these events generate financial support that fuels their causes and programs year-round.
Priority Marketing has compiled a list of our nonprofit and not-for-profit clients’ top events in 2023 for high season, which runs through early May. Check your calendars, and we hope to see you there!
EVENTS IN 2023
JANUARY
Jan. 7, 2023
Event: Goblin Gallop 5K
Nonprofit: United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades Counties
Description: LCEC is hosting its 11th Annual 5K Race and Kids Fun Race at Jaycee Park in Cape Coral. Prizes will be awarded for the top male and female competitors, as well as the top three finishers in 15 different age groups.
LINK: Goblin Gallop
Jan. 7, 2023
Event: Redefining Autism
Nonprofit: Family Initiative
Description: The Redefining Autism speaker series continues with a presentation by renowned autism activist Dr. Temple Grandin, who will discuss how the world needs to take a closer look at our autism community.
LINK: Redefining Autism
Jan. 13, 2023
Event: MarineMax Yacht Gala
Nonprofit: Lee Health Foundation/Golisano Children’s Hospital
Description: Experience the finer things in life aboard stunning yachts under the stars during an evening of delightful cocktails, dining and entertainment, as well as live and silent auctions.
LINK: MarineMax Yacht Gala
Jan. 17, 2023
Event: SWFL Climate & Community Summit
Nonprofit: Growing Climate Solutions
Description: The dynamic program brings together national and regional experts, environmental innovators, elected officials and Southwest Florida community and business leaders to address solutions that protect Southwest Florida from changes in weather, land, water and lifestyle.
Jan. 19, 2023
Event: Golfing Fore a Great Cause
Nonprofit: Guardian ad Litem Foundation, 20th Judicial Circuit
Description: The golf-themed event features an evening of golf, entertainment, prizes and a dinner buffet at Topgolf, which offers a dynamic, technology-driven golf entertainment experience and features high-tech gaming, outdoor hitting bays, chef-driven menus, hand-crafted cocktails, music and more.
LINK: Golfing Fore a Great Cause
Jan. 26, 2003
Event: Pedal for a Purpose 2023
Nonprofit: Lee Health Foundation
Description: Participants will ride on a stationary bicycle and pedal to raise money for the expansion of the Regional Cancer Center at the Bonita Health Center. The event will help impact community health and wellness education in early disease detection, chronic disease management, and healthy lifestyle education.
LINK: Pedal for a Purpose
Jan. 26-28, 2023
Event: Everglades Coalition Conference
Nonprofit: Everglades Coalition
Description: The 38th annual conference’s theme is “A Watershed Moment for America’s Everglades.” The three-day event includes in-person and virtual options, and features speakers on a variety of topics relevant to the restoration of America’s Everglades.
LINK: Everglades Coalition Conference
FEBRUARY
Feb. 10, 2023
Event: Industry Appreciation Awards
Nonprofit: Horizon Foundation
Description: The awards program celebrates Lee County businesses that drive the local economy, employ our workforce and shape their industries. Award categories include Innovator of the Year, Manufacturer of the Year, Small Business of the Year, Large Business of the Year, Technology Award and Inclusion & Diversity Award.
LINK: Industry Appreciation Awards
Feb. 15, 2023
Event: Youth of the Year
Nonprofit: Boys & Girls Club of Collier County
Description: The celebration recognizes 10 inspiring teens who will share their remarkable stories of perseverance, commitment and achievement. Youth of the Year is a premier recognition program that honors student members who exemplify the virtues of good character, academic excellence, community service and strong leadership.
LINK: Youth of the Year
Feb. 16, 2023
Event: Boston Tee Party
Nonprofit: Lee Health Foundation/Golisano Children’s Hospital
Description: Kick off the 30th Annual Red Sox Celebrity Classic with an evening of food, cocktails and more at the annual “Tee” Party. Don’t miss the chance to bid on exciting live and silent auction packages at this year’s event.
LINK: Boston Tee Party
Feb. 17, 2023
Event: Boston Red Sox Celebrity Golf Classic
Nonprofit: Lee Health Foundation/Golisano Children’s Hospital
Description: Red Sox players, alumni and other celebrities will participate in the 30th annual golf classic, which gives anyone the chance to play alongside baseball stars at The Forest Country Club while supporting a good cause.
LINK: Celebrity Golf Classic
Feb. 17-19, 2023
Event: Bobby Nichols Pro-Am Golf Tournament
Nonprofit: Bobby Nichols Fiddlesticks Charity Foundation
Description: The Nichols Cup at Fiddlesticks Country Club is a three-day event that includes golf and pickleball tournaments, as well as an auction and neighborhood party to support local nonprofits dedicated to helping abused and at-risk children.
MARCH
March 2, 2023
Event: Magic Under the Mangroves
Nonprofit: Conservancy of Southwest Florida
Description: Named one of the top charitable events in Naples, Magic Under the Mangroves supports the Conservancy’s mission to protect the water, land, wildlife and future in Southwest Florida. The event includes cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, a seated dinner, and live and silent auctions featuring one-of-a-kind items and experiences.
LINK: Magic Under the Mangroves
March 4, 2023
Event: 21st Annual Hope Shines Walk
Nonprofit: NAMI Collier County
Description: Join the 2023 grand marshals, Reg and Sandra Lee Buxton, for NAMI Collier’s Annual Mental Health Walk at Baker Park in Naples to raise awareness and hope for those affected by mental illness.
LINK: NAMI Collier County
March 8, 2023
Event: Fund-a-Need
Nonprofit: Southwest Florida Music Education Center
Description: This annual cocktail reception and fundraiser supports the Southwest Florida Music Education Center (SWFLMEC), a nonprofit partnering with the Berklee Institute for Accessible Arts Education of the Berklee College of Music in Boston to provide music education programs for musically talented, neurodivergent young adults.
March 14, 2023
Event: Colors of the Sea Fashion Show & Luncheon
Nonprofit: Lee Health Foundation/Regional Cancer Center
Description: The fashion show features the latest trends from Dillard’s, Edison Mall, Razzle Dazzle, Periwinkle Place Shops, Chico’s and House of Wu, along with a luncheon, silent auction and awards presentation.
LINK: Colors of the Sea
March 14, 2023
Event: Market Trends
Description: Southwest Florida’s largest real estate summit explores the latest market trends data, research and fact-based analysis and how they will impact the big picture for homeowners, homebuyers, real estate professionals and the region as a whole in 2023.
LINK: Market Trends
March 18, 2023
Event: Jazz on the Harbor
Nonprofit: Guardian ad Litem Foundation, 20th Judicial Circuit
Description: Held at Port Charlotte Beach Park, Jazz on the Harbor is a music, culinary and sunset celebration that includes a silent auction, wine package purchase event, seated dinner and spectacular waterfront views.
LINK: Jazz on the Harbor
March 22, 2023
Event: Dinner on the Diamond
Nonprofit: Lee Health Foundation/Golisano Children’s Hospital
Description: Guests can enjoy dinner on the field at jetBlue Park, celebrity appearances and autograph signings by Red Sox players, and a sports memorabilia-filled silent auction and entertainment. VIP packages include an opportunity to watch the Red Sox-Twins game prior to the event.
LINK: Dinner on the Diamond
March 30, 2023
Event: Seeing the Bigger Picture
Nonprofit: Guadalupe Center
Description: The Collective in Naples is hosting an art exhibit featuring stunning photography from children and teens attending Guadalupe Center students who were given cameras and asked to capture meaningful moments in their daily lives. The event also includes an online auction, music, hors d’oeuvres and cocktails prepared by “liquid chefs.”
LINK: Seeing the Bigger Picture
APRIL
April 1, 2023
Event: BBQ, Bands & Brew
Nonprofit: Lee BIA Builders Care
Description: Held at Centennial Park in Fort Myers, the event features a lineup of live performances, food vendors and fun-filled activities for all ages. Southwest Florida’s top pit masters also will be competing for the title of “Best BBQ in Town,”
LINK: BBQ, Bands & Brew
April 29, 2023
Event: Autism Acceptance Awards Gala
Nonprofit: Family Initiative
Description: Autism Acceptance Month concludes with a gala featuring a cocktail and social hour, as well as a silent auction, live music, plated dinner, live auction and awards presentation celebrating local champions who work tirelessly to make life better for children with autism spectrum disorder.
LINK: Autism Acceptance Gala
MAY
May 4, 2023
Event: Community Prayer Breakfast
Nonprofit: Southwest Florida Community Prayer Breakfast, Inc.
Description: Held annually on the National Day of Prayer, individuals of all faiths will join in unified prayer for continued blessings on the nation. The sunrise event features guest speakers sharing messages of hope and words of wisdom.
LINK: Community Prayer Breakfast
May 15-18, 2023
Event: Hanseatic League of Universities Conference
Nonprofit: Florida Gulf Coast University
Description: University presidents, administrators and higher education leaders from around the world will be participating in a global conference that explores innovation in research and education.
LINK: HLU Conference
