NAPLES, Fla. – More than 350 philanthropists, business leaders, and community champions came together for Guadalupe Center’s Illuminate the Future - Elevate Gala to raise more than $2.2 million. The donations will be used to support quality educational programs for over 2,000 students in Immokalee.

“The Elevate Gala highlights the heart of our mission at the Guadalupe Center and the power of collective generosity. We are grateful for our generous donors for supporting our work” said Dawn Montecalvo, President and CEO of Guadalupe Center. “Every dollar raised helps open doors, inspire confidence, and unlock lifelong opportunities for students in Immokalee.”

Held at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón, the evening featured a live auction and a powerful student testimony from Immokalee High School senior and member of Guadalupe Center’s Tutor Corps Yaneli Morales Vasquez. She shared a moving personal story about how Guadalupe Center’s programs opened doors, strengthened her belief in herself, and helped her envision a future filled with possibility.

The gala was chaired by longtime philanthropists Darlene and Don DeMichele, and made possible through generous sponsorships. Moorings Park Grande Lake by London Bay Development Group returned as presenting sponsor, continuing a philanthropic partnership that began in 2013. Lead sponsors included Knights Bridge Winery, Hallstar, Gulfshore Life, Preferred Travel, Dee & Associates, Wilson & Johnson, and Seminole Casino.

Proceeds from the annual event support Guadalupe Center’s programs including:

• Nationally accredited Early Childhood Education

• After-school Tutoring and Summer Enrichment

• Peer-to-peer R.I.S.E. program for middle school students

• Tutor Corps college readiness program, which together provides students with high-quality learning experiences and long-term support from early childhood through college

“This event reminds us that a zip code should never define a child’s destiny,” said Darlene DeMichele, gala co-chair. “The funds raised will ensure students have every opportunity to succeed and will be supported at every stage of their educational journey.”

To learn more about Guadalupe Center’s mission or to get involved, visit GuadalupeCenter.org.