Conservancy of Southwest Florida raises $1.7 million at Magic Under the Mangroves Gala
The Floridant/10298520

NAPLES, Fla. - Floridant -- The Conservancy of Southwest Florida's 2025 Magic Under the Mangroves Gala raised more than $1.7 million to support its environmental science, policy, education and wildlife rehabilitation programs.

More than 450 guests attended the 21^st annual event held on March 6 in Naples. The live auction, led by nationally renowned auctioneer Lydia Fenet, featured a record-breaking moment with the highest single bid in the event's history: $100,000 for a week-long cruise aboard MS The World, the largest privately owned yacht on the planet. The evening also included creative cuisine by The Ritz-Carlton and nature-themed entertainment by Lovebirds Music, Tropical Chick Music, opera performer Peter Lake and country artist Kurt Stevens.

"We want to sincerely thank our generous sponsors, supporters and community members for helping to make this record-breaking evening possible," said Rob Moher, president and CEO of the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. "This annual event raises critical funding to further the day-to-day impactful work of the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, and we couldn't be more grateful for the community's support of this important mission."

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Magic Under the Mangroves has raised more than $23 million since its inception in 2004, supporting the Conservancy of Southwest Florida in its efforts to protect the water, land, wildlife and future of Southwest Florida.

The event was co-chaired by Toni and Charlie Mueller and Linda and Victor Grijalva. In 2026, the Grijalvas will return as chairs for the 22^nd annual Magic Under the Mangroves Gala and will be joined by co-chairs Vanessa and Martin Gilvarg.

Sponsors of the 2025 Magic Under the Mangroves Gala included Northern Trust as the Presenting Sponsor and William Raveis as Supporting Sponsor. Community Sponsors included Waterside Shops, Gulfshore Life, Naples Daily News and WINK News.

About the Conservancy of Southwest Florida:
The Conservancy of Southwest Florida is a nonprofit environmental organization that has protected water, land, and wildlife in Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Hendry, and Glades counties for more than 60 years. Through environmental science, policy, education, and wildlife rehabilitation, the Conservancy safeguards Southwest Florida's natural resources for future generations.

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Headquartered in Naples, Florida, the Conservancy is home to Collier County's only native wildlife hospital and its vibrant Nature Center. The Nature Center is undergoing a major transformation into a new, impactful community offering—the John & Carol Walter Nature Experience, set to open in 2028. This state-of-the-art facility will serve as a gateway to conservation, offering immersive exhibits, hands-on learning, and expanded programs to inspire environmental stewardship and enhance the region's quality of life.

Learn more and support Southwest Florida's environmental future at www.conservancy.org.