Guadalupe Center raises expectations, support at Elevate
The Floridant/10223219

NAPLES, Fla. - Floridant -- Hundreds of community, business and philanthropic leaders rose up in support of Guadalupe Center at Elevate Endless Possibilities, the nonprofit's signature fundraising gala.

Held Jan. 19 at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón, Elevate featured dinner, cocktails, performances by children and professional singers, passionate student speeches and a spirited live auction that featured exclusive experiences, culinary masterpieces, top-shelf wines, spectacular sightseeing excursions and more. The gala concluded with the highly anticipated Jump Up for Education, an interactive call to action that allows attendees to pledge donations and jump up in support of Guadalupe Center.

"Our guests elevated our gala by demonstrating their unwavering support for Guadalupe Center and our goal of using education to create a cycle of prosperity," said Guadalupe Center President Dawn Montecalvo. "Education is changing the trajectory of children's lives in Immokalee, as well as families and the entire community."

More on The Floridant

• ACHECF Student Associates - The Future Leaders of Healthcare
• ACHECF Take On Congress on Healthcare Leadership
• Mounts Botanical Garden to Host Popular Spring Plant Festival & Sale, April 29-30
• Health Cola Company Inc. Launches Namesake Naturally Refreshing Soft Drink
• City of Jacksonville & Icemen Announce Details of Guns n' Hoses Charity Game

Elevate, chaired by Debbie and Bill Toler, raised more than $1.4 million to support three programs: the nationally accredited Early Childhood Education Program, After-school Tutoring & Summer Enrichment Program and college-preparatory Tutor Corps Program.

Immokalee High School Senior Nallely Segura delivered an emotional speech about picking tomatoes side-by-side with her parents each summer, struggling just to make ends meet. The aspiring doctor recognizes that education offers the best chance at a brighter future.

Fellow Immokalee High Senior Widme Victorin delivered a speech of his own to a virtual audience, connecting with supporters near and far. Victorin's mother passed away in 2020, and he has been channeling

that emotional experience to become the best version of himself. He started playing basketball during his junior year, learning that not everything comes easy.

"You're not going to get everything you want in your life, so you have to work with what you have and improve your situation," he said.

More on The Floridant

• Jacksonville: FDOT to Host Grand Opening and Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for the Fuller Warren Shared Use Path
• Florida: Governor DeSantis Signs One Bill
• First Lady Casey DeSantis Announces Hope Florida – A Pathway to Potential, Expanding the Hope Florida Model to Support At-Risk Youth and Their Families
• Governor Ron DeSantis Signs Legislation to Support Economic Development Through Record Funding for Florida's Housing Programs
• Governor Ron DeSantis Awards More Than $5.4 Million to Four Small and Rural Florida Communities

Guadalupe Center aims to create endless possibilities for students in Immokalee, and a successful signature fundraising gala helps fuel programs that serve more than 1,750 students annually.

Elevate's presenting sponsor was Moorings Park Grande Lake, a project by London Bay Development Group. Additional sponsors included Seminole Casino Hotel; Toler Foundation; Waterside Shops; Preferred Travel of Naples; Merrill; The Cenname Team Private Wealth Management; LCEC; Dee & Associates, CPAs; Carter; Florida Weekly; Gulfshore Life and NABOR.

About Guadalupe Center
Guadalupe Center is a purpose-driven nonprofit organization with proven success in creating endless possibilities for the students of Immokalee through education, as well as fostering personal and academic success that leads to economic independence.  Guadalupe Center serves more than 1,750 students annually and is generously supported by private donors, philanthropic organizations and community partners. For more information, please visit GuadalupeCenter.org or call 239-657-7711.