Pace Center for Girls, Lee has announced its 14th annual Grande Dames Tea, taking place from 1 to 3 p.m. on Thursday, March 17 at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers.
In celebration of Pace Lee’s 15th anniversary, the nonprofit has named Pace Lee founder Gail Markham as honorary chair of the annual event. Often referred to as a Pace girl herself, Markham was the founding board chair of the Pace Lee Center, which was established in 2007 to provide girls and young women an opportunity for a better future through education, counseling, training and advocacy. She is also a longtime local philanthropist, business professional and founder of Markham Norton Mosteller Wright & Co.
Markham will lead the event alongside co-chairs Mark Blust and Kelly Fayer.
The Grande Dames Tea celebrates local women who exemplify Pace’s guiding principles and have made an impact through their roles in business, community and philanthropy. Recognizing the unique perspectives and powerful insights that these women have gained in life, honorees will share their wisdom during a Q&A session led by the young women of Pace. The program will be complemented with a performance by the Pace girls and other activities.
“Our annual Grande Dames Tea cherishes the impact and achievements of local women as we learn from their wisdom and honor the female spirit,” said Jennifer Cellitti, executive director of Pace Center for Girls, Lee. “We are thrilled for Gail to return as honorary chair of this year’s event alongside Mark and Kelly, and look forward to bringing the community together for this inspirational celebration of local women who serve as real-life examples of women that our Pace girls can aspire to be.”
Tickets are $60 per person and $500 for tables of eight. Sponsorship opportunities are available, including Golden Teacup sponsor at $7,500, Silver Teacup sponsor at $5,000, Fascinator sponsor at $2,500, Silver Teaspoon sponsor for $1,000 and in-kind sponsorships.
Proceeds from the event benefit Pace and its strength-based programs that guide Pace girls in finding their voice and achieving their potential. 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.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit PaceCenter.org/Locations/Lee/Grande-Dames-Tea 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.
