Guadalupe Center to host ‘Elevate the Dream’ gala on Jan. 10

Guadalupe Center will host its annual fundraising gala, Elevate, on Jan. 10 at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón.

This year’s theme, Elevate the Dream, reflects Guadalupe Center’s goal of creating endless possibilities for students in Immokalee by providing access to a high-quality education and life-changing academic opportunities.

“As educators, we encourage students to dream big and recognize that an education is the key to unlocking a bright future,” said Guadalupe Center President and CEO Dawn Montecalvo. “The generous individuals and sponsors who attend Elevate will empower students to chase their dreams by providing support for programs, academic materials, college scholarships and more.”

The support of presenting sponsor London Bay, along with Hallstar, Dee & Associates and Gulfshore Life, is essential to the success of this signature event.

Guests at Elevate the Dream will enjoy cocktails, dinner, inspiring talks, a student performance, live auction and post-event entertainment. Guadalupe Center’s annual Jump Up for Education, an interactive call to action in which attendees can make donations and jump up to show their support, will provide additional funding for programs.

Guadalupe Center’s annual gala is among Southwest Florida’s top fundraising events and attracts community, business and philanthropic leaders who recognize the value of education in helping students achieve their dreams.

Event Chairs

Chairing the 2025 gala are Daria and Eric Wallach of Naples.

Daria Wallach is the retired managing partner of Lord, Abbett & Company, president and director of Lord Abbett Mutual Funds, and director of Lord Abbett Passport Portfolios. Wallach served as vice president of marketing for Chemical Investment Group, vice president and manager for Irving Trust Company, assistant vice president of Marine Midland Bank and assistant treasurer for Chase Manhattan Bank. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Gettysburg College and serves as chairman of the board of trustees of the Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation, chairman of the nonprofit ReadWorks and board of directors’ emeriti for the New York Philharmonic.

Eric Wallach is a retired partner at the law firm DLA Piper, where he specialized in cases involving class action, labor and employment, race and sex discrimination, sexual harassment and wrongful death. He also served as a party-designated arbitrator. As a partner at Kasowitz, Benson, Torres & Friedman, Wallach chaired the firm’s employment and litigation practices. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Harvard College and Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School. He is an honorary trustee with the New-York Historical Society and previously was a trustee of Christina Seix Academy. Wallach also has volunteered as a mentor for students in Guadalupe Center’s college-preparatory Tutor Corps Program and has served on its board of trustees since 2021.

‘Elevate the Dream’ Event Details

Elevate the Dream will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 10 at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón, 2600 Tiburón Drive in Naples. Individual tickets are $750 each. Patron packages start at $2,000 and include tickets to the black-tie gala and an exclusive post-event Patron Party. A variety of sponsorship and underwriting opportunities are available.

To purchase tickets or secure a patron package, please visit GuadalupeCenter.org/event/guadalupe-center-gala or email Nenaly Patino at NPatino@guaduadalupe.com.