The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center hosted its 18th Annual Love Your Neighbor fundraiser on February 1, raising an extraordinary $1.2 million to support its mission of building strong, self-sufficient families in the Harlem Heights community of Fort Myers. The sold-out event was held at The Heights Center.
“We were overwhelmed by the generosity of our friends and supporters who are committed to funding the meaningful work we do,” said Kathryn Kelly, Founder, President, and CEO of The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center. “As Harlem Heights transitioned from farmland to residential development, many families lost their primary source of income. Since 2000, our mission has been to come alongside families — meeting them where they are, offering hope, and providing support so that an emergency doesn’t escalate into a crisis.”
Kelly emphasized the organization’s commitment to education as a pathway out of poverty, noting that The Heights’ preschool, afterschool, summer camp, and adult education programs create opportunities for both children and parents to thrive.
Guests were welcomed by Board Chair Jim Dwyer and enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres by CRAVE Culinaire. Emcee Kellie Burns of Gulf Coast News and Auctioneer Scott Robertson of Champion Fundraising Auctions led the evening’s program, which included a Fund A Need. A $100,000 challenge match from Gaye and Jim Pigott helped inspire donors to raise $725,500 in support of The Heights’ educational programs.
A highlight of the evening was a special performance by children from The Heights Center’s education programs, who filled the room with music and inspiration.
The five-course dinner was artfully created by Harold Balink of Harold’s Restaurant and featured a beautifully curated progression of flavors. Guests began with a caramelized onion almond tart amuse paired with Sauvignon Blanc, followed by a vibrant first course of tuna crudo with pickled tomato, burrata, and basil oil.
The meal continued with black bass served over pea risotto with Barolo sauce, and a rich Wagyu striploin accompanied by duck fat potatoes and green peppercorn sauce. Each course was expertly paired with wines by Benovia Winery, selected by owner Joe Anderson, creating a memorable culinary and wine experience for guests.
Dessert was a decadent finale from Norman Love Confections, featuring a layered chocolate truffle cake with mousse, cream, and crunch.
Top auction packages included:
• A luxury weeklong stay in a private home in Paxos, Greece, paired with wardrobe packages from Brodeur Carvell Fine Men’s Wear and Jennifer’s Boutique.
• A stunning, one-of-a-kind pair of earring pendants from Mark Loren Designs showcased hand-forged 14-karat rose gold adorned with vivid Chrysocolla stones laced in natural copper veining. Accented with 1.92 total carats of lab-grown diamonds, glowing orange sapphire briolettes, and Montana sapphires set in matching rose gold hoops, the piece blended earthy elegance with refined brilliance.
• A luxury New York City experience featuring dining at Daniel and Le Bernardin, Broadway shows, and cultural outings, donated by Benovia Winery.
• A culinary and wine immersion in Spain hosted by Chef Gloria Jordan of Jordan’s Wine Bar and Cellar.
• A private in-home dinner for eight from Brian and Nicole Roland of CRAVE Culinaire.
An exclusive sign-up dinner with Chef Harold Balink and Gina Birch of Sunny 106.3 raised an additional $15,000. Balink donated two additional dinners for ten raising another $30,000.
Live music was provided by Rob Robinson, keeping the celebration lively throughout the evening.
The event was made possible through the generosity of sponsors, including Florida Trust Wealth Management, Kelly Brothers, Inc., SKANSKA, Geralyn & Tom Donovan, Mary & Scott Fischer, Gaye & Jim Pigott, Pat & Bill Wiggenhorn, Owen-Ames-Kimball Co., RG Architects, Cheryl & Dave Copham, Dede D’Arcy, and Chris Schluter.
The Heights Foundation also extends heartfelt thanks to its event committee, volunteers, staff, and Board of Directors for their dedication in making the evening such a success.
For more information about The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center, visit www.heightsfoundation.org or call (239) 482-7706.
To donate, visit www.heightsfoundation.org/donate.
About the Heights Foundation and the Heights Center
Harlem Heights is a low-income community in South Fort Myers, Florida. The Heights Foundation’s mission is to build strong, self-sufficient families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood. The Heights Center, supported by The Heights Foundation, promotes education and wellness, nurtures family and community development, and provides the benefits of enrichment and the arts.
Heights Early Learning serves more than 85 babies through 4 years old. The Heights Center serves 150 children in AfterSchool and over 150 kids in Summer Camp. The Harlem Heights Community Charter School serves 200 children from kindergarten through fifth grade.
Harlem Heights was originally settled as a rural agricultural community. Approximately 780 children live in a mixture of single-family homes and multi-family apartments. Demographically, the population is approximately 70% Hispanic, 20% African-American, and 8% Caucasian. The poverty rate for children in Harlem Heights is more than twice the county average, with family income 40% below the county average. As a result, families cannot easily access family support services in downtown Fort Myers and benefit greatly from programs within the neighborhood.
