Foundation raises funds to enhance Lakes Park summer camp experience – and more

Fort Myers, FL, March 10th, 2020 – The Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation held its 2nd annual “Evening Under the Stars” fundraising event on March 5th at the Oasis Clubhouse at Amavida Living. The event raised funds to support various park projects. These addition of several STEM field trips (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) for Lakes Park summer campers. Fundraising co-chairs and past presidents Barbara Manzo and Wendi Carroll welcomed the crowd of nearly 100 guests. Manzo also served as auctioneer for the live auction.

Stellar Sponsors

In addition to venue provider Amavida Living, “An Evening Under the Stars” was sponsored by:

Vanessa Rogers of Sandbar Title
Jenny Moorhead of Cornerstone Coastal Properties
Desiree Gardner of Finance of America Mortgage
Brian O’Connell of Marquis Wealth Management
Mike Thomas of Signs by Tomorrow – Fort Myers.

The event featured live entertainment by Jennifer Gilmore Sings. Brian Sykes, Vice President of Operations at Amavida, played bartender for the evening. The event was skillfully managed by Amavida’s food and beverage director, Joshua Cook.

Spirited Live Auction

A competitive live auction ended in a bidding war between the residents of Riva del Lago Condominiums and Miller Helms & Folk shareholder Kathy Johnson. The coveted auction item was a round-trip to Key West aboard a private plane flown by ACI – Aeronautical Charters, Inc. Marianne Heath eventually won for the Riva del Lago team, but ACI generously supplied an additional trip, generating an additional identical donation.

Current Foundation Projects

Pat Carroll, co-founder and managing partner of Carroll Properties, crowned the evening when she presented the Foundation with a check to fund the entire STEM program for Lakes Park’s 2020 summer campers. Other Foundation projects include the addition of musical play stations in the Children’s Garden, and replacement of raised beds in the Community Garden, where gardeners learn to grow their own food and frequently donate extra produce to the Community Cooperative soup kitchen.

About the Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation

The Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that tasks itself with enhancing the beauty and experience of Lakes Regional Park in Fort Myers. The foundation continues to make efforts that grow its volunteerism and donations.

An Evening Under The Stars Scenes from Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation's 2020 Evening Under The Stars — Fundraising Co-Chair Barbara Manzo accepts a generous donation from Pat Carroll, Managing Partner at Carroll Properties, to fund several STEM- related field trips for the Lakes Park summer campers.

An Evening Under The Stars Merry makers with their raffle prizes — Merry-makers with their raffle prizes

An Evening Under The Stars The residents of Riva Del Lago came out in force to help support the park and the Foundation's mission — The residents of Riva Del Lago came out in force to help support the park and the Foundation’s mission

An Evening Under The Stars Major sponsor Vanessa Rogers and her party from Sandbar Title - thank you for your support! — Major sponsor Vanessa Rogers and her party from Sandbar Title – thank you for your support!

An Evening Under The Stars Guests exited "An Evening Under The Stars" happily smiling after a magical event — Guests exited “An Evening Under The Stars” happily smiling after a magical event

An Evening Under The Stars Nancy MacPhee, Kathy Busick, Vicki Little, and Barbara Manzo — Nancy MacPhee, Kathy Busick, Vicki Little, and Barbara Manzo

An Evening Under The Stars Debra Lee Nashed and the Foundation's Executive Director, Erin White — Debra Lee Nashed and the Foundation’s Executive Director, Erin White