Longtime community advocates Debbie and Bill Toler have been named co-chairs for Guadalupe Center’s signature fundraising gala in 2023.
The formal event, which will be held Jan. 19 in Naples, is among Southwest Florida’s top annual fundraising events and attracts hundreds of community, business and philanthropic leaders. Proceeds support life-changing educational programs for students and families in Immokalee.
“A high-quality education is the foundation for success, and that belief led to the development of the gala’s theme for 2023: Elevate Endless Possibilities,” said Debbie Toler. “Whether they pursue a high school diploma, a college degree or other educational opportunities, all students can achieve their dreams if they have a strong education, support network and access to resources.”
“Every day, Guadalupe Center proves the value of a world-class education,” added Bill Toler. “Students today have opportunities to become doctors, nurses, teachers, entrepreneurs and anything else because they start school with a strong foundation, and continue building the knowledge, skills and abilities as they get older.”
Debbie Toler is a retired marketing and communications professional who serves on Guadalupe Center’s Board of Trustees. She also co-chaired the 2022 gala, “Guadalupe Galaxy,” a galactic-themed event that raised more than $1.2 million. Bill Toler is a corporate executive with more than 40 years of experience in the food and consumer goods industry.
“Debbie and Bill each enjoyed successful careers in the corporate world, and now they are dedicating more of their time and energy to charitable causes that make our community stronger,” said Guadalupe Center President Dawn Montecalvo. “I am excited to have them leading the gala because they will pour their hearts and souls into making this event a success, knowing that each dollar raised will help bring students closer to achieving their dreams.”
“Elevate Endless Possibilities” will be held Thursday, Jan. 19 at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, 2600 Tiburon Drive in Naples. Tickets are $750 per person and include dinner, cocktails, student performances and speeches, a live auction and the Jump Up for Education, an interactive call to action in which attendees can make donations and jump up in support of Guadalupe Center.
A variety of sponsorship and underwriting opportunities for Elevate are available and include event tickets, recognition at the gala and marketing exposure.
For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit GuadalupeCenter.org/event/elevate-gala or contact Tammy Richelieu at 239-963-3668 or TRichelieu@GuadalupeCenter.org.
About Guadalupe Center
Guadalupe Center is a purpose-driven nonprofit organization with proven success in creating endless possibilities for the students of Immokalee through education, as well as fostering personal and academic success that leads to economic independence. Established in 1984, Guadalupe Center is a premier, education-focused organization that delivers outstanding results: 95% of students in the nationally accredited Early Childhood Education Program meet or exceed kindergarten readiness standards; 100% of students in the After-school Tutoring & Summer Enrichment Program demonstrate significant gains in reading and math; and 100% of seniors in the college-preparatory Tutor Corps Program graduate from high school and are accepted into college, with more than 94% ultimately earning a college degree. With a mission to break the cycle of poverty through education, Guadalupe Center serves more than 1,750 students annually and is generously supported by private donors, philanthropic organizations and community partners. For more information, please visit GuadalupeCenter.org or call 239-657-7711.
