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Things to do: High season events in 2023

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. 

LINKGoblin 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. 

LINKMarineMax 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. 

LINKClimate & Community Summit 

 

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. 

LINKPedal 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 

DescriptionThe 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. 

LINKIndustry 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. 

LINKYouth 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. 

LINKCelebrity 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. 

LINKNichols Cup 

 

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. 

LINKMagic 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. 

LINK:  Music Education Center

 

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. 

LINKColors 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. 

LINKJazz 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. 

LINKDinner 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.” 

LINKSeeing 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,” 

LINKBBQ, 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. 

LINKAutism 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. 

LINKCommunity 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. 

LINKHLU Conference 

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