The Conservancy of Southwest Florida raised a record $2 million net at its 15th annual Magic Under the Mangroves gala held March 7 at the Conservancy Nature Center.
“The Conservancy of Southwest Florida has been fighting to protect our water, land, wildlife and future for 55 years,” said Rob Moher, president and CEO of the Conservancy. “The Magic Under the Mangroves event is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate with our longtime supporters and connect with new friends.”
Conservancy member and longtime supporter Robin Hamilton chaired this year’s event.
“Magic Under the Mangroves is unlike any event in Naples,” said Hamilton. “On behalf of the entire team, our supporters, board of directors, staff and volunteers, I am blown away by the generosity. 2019 is a great year for our environment. Together we can make a difference to protect this special place.”
Magic Under the Mangroves, which has grown into one of Naples’ top annual charitable events, featured cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, music and a seated dinner by award-winning, certified green caterer Windows Catering of Washington D.C.
Attendees also participated in a silent auction and spirited live auction that included trips to exotic destinations, elegant dinner parties, fabulous cruises, jewelry and artwork. The auction also included one-of-a-kind nature experiences with Conservancy staff members, including a screech owl release, sea turtle habitat exploration, python tracking exploration in the Everglades, shorebird watching, kayak tours and more.
Among the most popular auction items are Conservancy Exclusives, which offer behind-the-scenes experiences that allow winning bidders a firsthand look at the Conservancy’s projects. Among the most sought after were a day with Conservancy python biologists, participating in a release of an animal that has recovered at the von Arx Wildlife Hospital and an expedition with biologists to see the Conservancy’s sea turtle tracking and monitoring work.
Over 15 years, Magic Under the Mangroves has raised more than $12 million to fund scientific research, education programs, policy development, advocacy and wildlife rehabilitation programs that support the Conservancy’s longstanding mission of protecting the water, land, wildlife and future in Southwest Florida.
Magic Under the Mangroves was presented by Northern Trust with William Raveis Real Estate as a supporting sponsor. Media sponsors included Florida Weekly, Gulfshore Life, Naples Daily News and NBC-2.
About the Conservancy of Southwest Florida:
The Conservancy of Southwest Florida is a not-for-profit environmental protection organization with a 55-year history focused on the issues impacting the water, land wildlife and future of Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties. The Conservancy accomplishes this mission through the combined efforts of its experts in the areas of environmental science, policy, education and wildlife rehabilitation. The Conservancy of Southwest Florida, world-class Nature Center and von Arx Wildlife Hospital are headquartered in Naples, Florida, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, south of the Naples Zoo off Goodlette-Frank Road. Learn more about the Conservancy’s work and how to support the quality of life in Southwest Florida www.conservancy.org.
