Kids' Minds Matter annual gala 'Reflect & Envision' looks ahead to increased access to services
The Floridant/10224325

FORT MYERS, Fla. - Floridant -- The 7^th Annual Kids' Minds Matter Signature Event: Reflect & Envision took place March 8 at the Innovation Hotel in Naples. The event inspired long-time supporters as well as significant contributions from new donors to raise more than $800,000.

"A kaleidoscope metaphor is how we can view the landscape of mental healthcare for children in Southwest Florida, especially prior to the Kids' Minds Matter infusion. A fractured landscape, individually valuable but disconnected. Some pieces but not nearly enough. And no light available for them to shine through," Chris Simoneau, chief development, marketing and communications officer for Lee Health. "However, with Kids' Minds Matter, we have assembled these pieces together. We have brought new pieces to the table. Philanthropy and the vision for Kids' Minds Matter has shone light on the needs of the community, weaving beautiful light into the broken pieces of the mental health landscape. Your generosity has brought beauty where once there was just fragments."

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"To generate resources to benefit children throughout the community, we need to think not just about today, but ensuring that Kids' Minds Matter and pediatric mental health care is supported long into the future," Goldy said. "As the founders, we want you all to know that the legacy of Kids' Minds Matter will be one of our greatest achievements, so we will be personally contributing to starting this endowment, and we hope that you will join us either in the endowment or through an outright gift."

Goldy and Spiezle were also awarded the Courtnage Courage in the Community Award. The award was created in honor of Larry and Kathy Courtnage, early investors in Kids' Minds Matter, and recognizes a member of the community who has overcome odds to positively affect others.

Sponsors of the event included presenting sponsor FineMark National Bank & Trust; Leading sponsors Audi Fort Myers and Audi Naples, Cushman Wakefield, Fountain 33 Foundation, Jill Kushner, LeeSar Cooperative Services of Florida Inc., RMC Group, Scotlynn, Stock Development, The Kim Foundation. Special thank you to J.P. Morgan and Rick Gallo Auctioneer.

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On April 3, Kids' Minds Matter is sponsoring a free inaugural community luncheon to celebrate what Kids' Minds Matter has accomplished and learn about additional opportunities to support pediatric mental health in Southwest Florida. The event will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Arthrex One Conference Center in Naples. For information about that event, visit http://www.kidsmindsmatter.com/kaleidoscope/

To learn more about Kids' Minds Matter, get resources for help or to become an advocate, visit http://www.KidsMindsMatter.com.