It was an evening of glamour and gold at the STARability Foundation’s annual STAR Gala fundraising event held at The Ritz Carlton Golf Resort in Naples. The Who’s Who of Naples were in attendance and helped to raise a record breaking $1,040,000. With over 530 guests in attendance, the event raised funds to benefit STARability’s programs for individuals with developmental disabilities.
This year’s Glamour and Gold theme reflected love, compassion, courage and magic and so did the event’s co-chairs, Carrie Cooney and Laura Georgelos. The ladies took the stage to share their personal stories about how STARability has touched the lives of their families.
The goal of the evening was to raise funds and showcase the organization’s mission of shining a light on ability, not disability. Both goals were met with enthusiasm and generosity.
From an inspiring and sparkling cocktail hour, dinner, dancing and entertainment by Pzazz to an exciting live auction, everything came together for a winning outcome according to Karen Govern, Executive Director of the STARability Foundation. The fund-a-need portion of the evening brought in over $500,000alone.
“The night was golden thanks to our dedicated co-chairs and the generosity from our guests and sponsors,” says Govern.“ We raised the most money ever for which we are overwhelmingly grateful.”
STARability Foundation: The STARability Foundation exists to Support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by providing life-transforming opportunities that emphasize Teamwork and connection to the community to build Awareness and Respect for their individual abilities.
A professional staff and more than 100 volunteers deliver a full calendar of engaging, innovative and creative programs to ensure that members, currently ages 14 to 70, have the quality of life they seek and deserve after aging out of school-supported services.
For more information about the Naples nonprofit and its programs, go to www.STARability.org or https://www.facebook.com/STARabilityfoundation.
