The Heights Foundation announced that Saltwater Cowboy raised $165,000 to support The Heights Center’s Early Learning and AfterSchool programs, which provide a safe, nurturing place for kids to learn and grow while their parents work. The event was held on Friday, October 24 at MarineMax Fort Myers.

“We believe a quality education empowers at-risk kids to meet, challenge, and raise the bar on the world’s narrative of them,” said Kathryn Kelly, Founder, President, & CEO of The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center. “Our enriching preschool, AfterSchool, and Summer Camp programs ensure parents can work while their kids learn, are safe, and have fun. In addition, our adult and family programs provide opportunities for self-sufficiency. This event supports our children and families — and everyone had a great time!”

Guests enjoyed an extensive raw bar by Matt Asen of Timbers Restaurant & Fish Market, signature cocktails, and a steak dinner accompanied by fresh Gulf shrimp, prepared by Chef Jay Johnson of Bubba’s Roadhouse & Saloon. Live music by the Back Country Boys kept the dance floor full, and attendees explored a selection of luxury boats on display courtesy of MarineMax. Guests were greeted by children from The Heights Center’s programs.

A lively silent auction and live auction led by Bill Riddick of Saffer + Company Benefit Auctions boosted the fundraising total, featuring: an Everglades python hunt with Huntress Amy Siewe, an in-home dinner for eight by Chef Teh Peng, a trip to Iceland to see the Northern Lights, a sunset yacht cruise courtesy of MarineMax, and an ultimate at-home raw bar party for sixteen from Timbers Restaurant & Fish Market. A wine tasting and tapas for six at Jordan’s Wine Bar & Cellar was raffled off at the end of the auction for $100 per person, and raised more than $3,000.

Sponsors included: Hightower Thomas & Swartz Wealth Management, B&I Contractors, Owen-Ames-Kimball Co., RG Architects, Cheryl & Dave Copham, The Kelly Family, Laurie and Bill Harkey, FPL, RS Walsh Landscaping, Matern Engineering, Commercial Concrete Systems, Lee Drywall, Gulf Shore Cooling, Collaboratory, and Sanibel Captiva Community Bank.

Well-known media personality, Gina Birch, emceed the event.

The fundraiser was chaired by Jamie Fautz and Tiffany Kelly. Additional community partners and volunteers contributed to the event’s success.

“A special thank you to our generous sponsors, donors, supporters and volunteers for making the event such a wonderful success,” said Annie Campbell, Development Director of The Heights Foundation. “It was an incredible evening that truly impacts kids and families in Harlem Heights.”

For more information about The Heights Foundation, or to get involved, visit www.heightsfoundation.org or call (239) 482-7706.

The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center’s inaugural Saltwater Cowboy at MarineMax in Fort Myers raised $180,000 to support the organization that works to build strong, self-sufficient families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood of Fort Myers.

“We believe a decent education allows at-risk kids to meet, challenge, and raise the bar on the world’s narrative of them,” said Kathryn Kelly, founder, president, and CEO of The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center. “Our enriching preschool, afterschool, and summer camp programs ensure that parents can work while their kids learn, are safe, and have fun. In addition, our adult and family programs provide opportunities for self-sufficiency. This event supports our families and was a lot of fun!”

Guests enjoyed an extensive raw bar from The Timbers Restaurant and Fish Market, signature cocktails, and a surf and turf dinner from well-known local Chef David Rashty. Gina Birch of Sunny 106 emceed the event, and Tommy Williams was the auctioneer.

Silent and live auctions included Python Hunting with Huntress Amy Siewe, Learn to Sail on Captiva with Offshore Sailing School, a Kentucky Bourbon trail adventure with a bottle of Pappy Van Winkle, and The Eagles for four in Tampa.

Leo, a student at The Heights Charter School and a member of the MOSAIC program, performed on the upright bass.  Rudy Cox and Jumping Fences Band performed live music and guests had the opportunity to board three Aviara luxury boats, available exclusively at MarineMax.

Saltwater Cowboy was sponsored by FineMark National Bank & Trust, FPL, Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida, Gulf Shore Cooling, Hightower Fort Myers | Thomas & Swartz, Kelly Brothers, Inc., Kevin and Kathleen Shimp, MarineMax Yachts, Morgan Stanley | The Royal Palm Group, Owen-Ames-Kimball, Rohrman Electric, LLC, Skanska, Teco Peoples Gas, 42 Birds, and Bailey’s General Store.

For more information about The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center, visit www.heightsfoundation.org or call Annie Campbell at (239) 482-7706 or email annie@heightsfoundation.org.

Photos by Mila Bridger Photography