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A Magical Event

by Robin Gould, Under the Mangroves
Conservancy of Southwest Florida

hile serving as a champion of Southwest Florida’s at the renowned Dixon Man Cave; a two-week European cruise
water, land and wildlife, the Conservancy of aboard The World; and trips to New England and Nantucket.
W Southwest Florida has also grown one of the area’s “Our supporters stepped up in a big way during the 2022
unique and successful fundraising events, Magic Under the Magic Under the Mangroves during an especially vital time as
Mangroves. the Conservancy of Southwest Florida stands steadfast in our
The 18th Annual Magic Under the Mangroves gala held mission to protect our land, water, wildlife and future,” said Rob
March 3 raised a record $2.1 million net for programs to protect Moher, Conservancy president and CEO. “On behalf of our staff,
the water, land, wildlife and future of Southwest Florida. volunteers and board, I’m grateful for the outpouring of support
More than 400 guests moseyed their way to the newly during Magic and throughout the year. When I look around and
renovated Conservancy of Southwest Florida Nature Center for see the voices of support who stand by our mission, I am more
the American Southwest themed event, “A River Runs Through hopeful than ever that we will find that sensible balance between
It.” The Conservancy’s largest annual fundraiser, Magic Under development and preservation of our natural treasures.”
the Mangroves, returned to an in-person gala this year featuring Terry and Bob Edwards chaired the event, which has raised
an outdoor reception followed by a silent auction, dinner and live more than $17 million since its inception. The gala included
auction held inside a multiple-tented structure. cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, a seated dinner by Windows Catering,
Highlights of the event included a compelling video an award-winning “green” caterer, and live and silent auctions
featuring the testimonies of four local citizens who stand with featuring one-of-a-kind items and experiences.
the Conservancy by voicing their support for the wildlife and “This event signifies how important the protection of our
natural habitats that need protection in the face of intensive environment is to the citizens of Southwest Florida,” said Terry
development. Following the video, auctioneer Scott Robertson Edwards, co-chair of the 2022 Magic Under the Mangroves.
championed a live fund-a-need auction that started with a “There’s no place to donate, volunteer or support in Southwest
$250,000 bid and ultimately raised $1.56 million to support Florida that will have more of an impact on our quality of life than
the programs and people that empower the mission of the the Conservancy. We must all play a role in extending this river
Conservancy. During a surprise finale to the fund-a-need, of history and dedication to our natural resources in our beautiful
another $98,000 was raised for the opportunity to win a $10,000 Southwest Florida.”
shopping spree at Ralph Lauren offered by Waterside shops. Live For more information on the Conservancy of Southwest Florida,
auction items included a dinner on the Ocean Club yacht; a stay visit Conservancy.org.
in Charleston, South Carolina; a gourmet wine pairing dinner

Life in Naples | April 2022 83