'Evening at the Ballpark' raises $160K for Boys & Girls Clubs
The Floridant/10336491

FORT MYERS, Fla. - Floridant -- Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County's annual Evening at the Ballpark welcomed 225 guests and raised $160,000 to support programs that serve local children and teens.

Held March 18 at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers, the event brought together baseball-themed activities, interactive games and a lively concourse reception at Fenway South. Guests stepped onto the outfield grass for dinner, where Boston Red Sox players Carlos Narváez, Nate Eaton and Payton Tolle signed autographs and offered attendees an inside look at the game during the Player Panel discussion.

From the field beneath the Green Monster, the evening underscored how Boys & Girls Clubs create environments where young people are encouraged to grow in confidence, take on leadership roles and envision what comes next in their lives.

"We're not just providing after-school or summer programs," said Denise Gergley, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County. "We believe every young person has the potential to succeed when they are surrounded by the right guidance and opportunities. Our clubs give youth a place to be seen, supported and challenged, helping them build the skills and confidence they need to move forward."

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Telicia Carter, a club member recently named Lee County's 2026 Youth of the Year, and Junior Youth of the Year Lorenzo Simpson shared how their experiences at the club helped them build confidence, discover their voices and step into leadership roles among their peers.

"Before I joined, I was nervous to speak up or try new things," Simpson said. "The Boys and Girls Club taught me to believe in myself and go after my goals. It's a place where everyone's welcomed and valued, no matter where they come from."

Following the youth presentations, the evening continued with a silent auction, raffle and "Call to Heart," reinforcing the connection between community generosity and meaningful outcomes for local youth.

"This event was a reflection of what's possible when our Lee County community shows up for youth," Gergley said after the event. "We're grateful to our sponsors and everyone who joined us, and because of that support, additional children and teens will have the opportunity to grow, succeed and see what's possible for their future."

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The Boston Red Sox hosted the event and contributed $10,000 to support Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County's programs. The Minnesota Twins also donated $5,000 to support the organization's mission.

Evening at the Ballpark's Hall of Fame Sponsor was B&I Contractors. VIP Sponsors included CVS Health, Charles Schwab, Frank R. Jenkins Custom Homes, Pacific Peak and Seagate Development. Grand Slam Sponsors were Storm Smart and Home Tech. Home Run Sponsor was Lake Michigan Credit Union.