‘Guadalupe Galaxy’ fundraising gala to offer in-person, virtual options

Guadalupe Center’s annual fundraising gala on Jan. 20 will offer in-person and virtual attendance options as the nonprofit continues raising awareness and support for its life-changing education programs. 

“Guadalupe Galaxy: Constellations of Hope” will be held Thursday, Jan. 20 at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, 2600 Tiburon Drive in Naples. The fundraising gala will feature cocktails, dinner, heartwarming student performances and speakers, galaxy-inspired décor, the return of a live auction, out-of-this-world entertainment and the popular Jump Up for Education, a lively interactive call to action that allows attendees to make donations and jump up to show their support for Guadalupe Center. 

The presenting sponsor for Guadalupe Galaxy is Moorings Park Grande Lake by London Bay Development Group. Event chairs are Bev Cherry and Debbie Toler. 

In 2021, Guadalupe Center’s Circtacular gala was an entirely virtual, circus-themed extravaganza and raised $1 million. That event featured special effects, augmented reality and comedic performances, as well as compelling videos and heartfelt testimonials to demonstrate the impact of fundraising on the lives of students and families in Immokalee. 

“Circtacular proved that a virtual event can be just as successful as an in-person event if executed with excellence,” said Guadalupe Center President Dawn Montecalvo. “Guadalupe Galaxy will be a hybrid event that allows supporters who feel comfortable in a group setting to enjoy a traditional gala, while allowing those who prefer smaller settings to participate remotely yet still make a difference in the lives of students we serve by providing a high-quality education that can create endless possibilities.” 

Proceeds from Guadalupe Galaxy will support the nationally accredited Early Childhood Education Program, After-school Tutoring & Summer Enrichment Program and college-preparatory Tutor Corps Program. Guadalupe Center’s mission is breaking the cycle of poverty through education for the children of Immokalee. 

Guadalupe Galaxy Sponsorships

Multiple patron levels are available. In-person ticket opportunities include: 

• Diamond Patron ($25,000): Includes 20 gala tickets and 6 post-event Patron Party tickets
• Platinum Patron ($10,000): Includes 10 gala tickets and 4 post-event Patron Party tickets 
• Gold Patron ($5,000): Includes 6 gala tickets and 2 post-event Patron Party tickets 
• Silver Patron ($3,000): Includes 2 gala tickets and 2 post-event Patron Party tickets 
• Bronze Patron ($1,000): Includes 1 gala ticket and 1 post-event Patron Party ticket 
• Patron ($500): Includes 1 gala ticket 

Additionally, five patron levels are available for the virtual gala and include a link to the livestream: Platinum Patron ($10,000), Gold Patron ($5,000), Silver Patron ($3,000), Bronze Patron ($1,000) and Patron ($500). Virtual patrons can experience real-time segments, including a passionate speech from a Tutor Corps student and the Jump Up for Education.

Guadalupe Galaxy Contact

For more information or to purchase tickets, please contact Tammy Richelieu at 239-963-3668 or TRichelieu@GuadalupeCenter.org. 

Guadalupe Center has announced the date and theme for its signature fundraising gala, an annual event that supports life-changing educational programs for students in Immokalee. 

“Guadalupe Galaxy: Constellations of Hope, Charting the Future” begins at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 20 and will be held at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, 2600 Tiburon Drive in Naples. 

“Guadalupe Center has always been a hub of positivity and optimism, a place that gives hope to students and families in Immokalee as they work toward a brighter future,” said Dawn Montecalvo, president of Guadalupe Center. “The event’s theme captures the essence of Guadalupe Center as we help build a strong educational foundation that will skyrocket student success in school, college and careers.” 

Event chairs for Guadalupe Galaxy are Bev Cherry and Debbie Toler. Both women are longtime supporters and current Board of Trustees members who are dedicated to building a strong future for students at Guadalupe Center. 

“I’m thrilled to be involved and co-chair Guadalupe Galaxy,” Toler said. “Guadalupe Center has such a tremendous impact in changing the lives of so many students through education. Our galaxy theme is so relevant in enabling kids to chart their future.” 

“This will be a fun event to celebrate the present and future successes of our true stars… our beautiful children, of course,” added Cherry, “and also the staff, volunteers, mentors, supporters, families and so many more!” 

Guadalupe Galaxy details

Guadalupe Galaxy will be an in-person event featuring heartwarming student performances and speakers, galaxy-inspired décor, the return of a live auction and out-of-this-world entertainment. The gala will include the popular Jump Up for Education, a lively interactive call to action that allows attendees to make donations and jump up to show their support for Guadalupe Center. 

In 2021, Guadalupe Center’s fundraising gala, Circtacular, was a virtual, circus-themed event that raised more than $1 million to support the nonprofit’s nationally accredited Early Childhood Education Program, After-school Tutoring & Summer Enrichment Program and college-preparatory Tutor Corps Program. Guadalupe Center’s mission is breaking the cycle of poverty through education for the children of Immokalee. 

Tickets are $500 per person with patron ticket packages. Table sponsorships also are available. 

Guadalupe Galaxy sponsorships and underwriting opportunities are available, including Invitation Sponsor ($7,500), Program Sponsor ($5,000), Student Experience Sponsor ($3,000) and Valet Sponsor ($2,000). Sponsorship opportunities include event tickets, recognition at the gala and marketing exposure. 

For tickets or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Special Events Coordinator Tammy Richelieu at 239-963-3668 or email TRichelieu@GuadalupeCenter.org. 

EVENT PAGE: Guadalupe Galaxy