Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples Raises Over $1.5 Million At “The Color Factory” Gala
The Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples' ‘Night at the Museum: The Color Factory’ gala raises an astounding $1.5 million. The post Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples Raises Over $1.5 Million At “The Color Factory” Gala appeared first on Haute Living.
More than 380 dedicated attendees gathered for the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples (C’MON) annual gala themed ‘Night at the Museum: The Color Factory’ raising an astounding $1.5 million, ensuring that C’MON can continue its mission to provide children and families with a place to learn, play, and dream together.
Photo Credit: Charlie McDonald Photography
C’MON is Southwest Florida’s first museum dedicated to children’s learning through play offering interactive, hands-on exhibits that spark curiosity and creativity. Young visitors can explore the Everglades, climb a towering two-story banyan tree, experiment with water play, and step into roles like chef, artist, or veterinarian. Designed to inspire discovery, the museum fosters child development through engaging activities in science, technology, engineering, art, and math, creating a dynamic and educational experience.
Photo Credit: Charlie McDonald Photography
“We are beyond grateful to our community of supporters who continue to believe in C’MON’s mission,” said CEO Jonathan Foerster. “It’s inspiring to see the generosity of Southwest Florida in action once again.”
Photo Credit: Charlie McDonald Photography
Chaired by Ashley and Adam Gerry alongside Lily and Arsen Ustayev, with honorary chairs Barbara and John Jordan, and contributing philanthropists including legendary artist Romero Britto, Simone and Scott Lutgert, Shelly and Ralph Stayer, Rebecca and Nancy Maddox, and Valerie and Jeff Gargiulo.
Photo Credit: Charlie McDonald Photography
Upon arrival, guests were welcomed with festive drinks including a light-up neon margarita garnished with blackberry gummy bears and a glass of Champagne with a truffle popcorn sidecar along with caviar done in three ways with cannoli, purple potato chips, and sour cream and onion chips.
Photo Credit: Charlie McDonald Photography
For dinner, attendees dined on dishes from Creative Edge Parties, including roasted tomato tartare with burrata, capers, crème fraîche, and toasted boule; brown butter-roasted tenderloin with jumbo prawns, bell peppers, beet, parsley splatter, purple potato purée, and haricots verts; and a strawberry Pavlova with Ganache and topped with a dark chocolate-dipped strawberry.
Photo Credit: Charlie McDonald Photography
The electrifying silent auction, featured more than 80 coveted packages, bringing in a record-breaking $136,000. During the auction, WINK News morning anchors Corey Lazar and Lindsey Sablan served as emcees, and renowned auctioneer Rick Gallo energized the crowd. Adding to the evening’s flair, guests could purchase a glow-in-the-dark bottle of Dom Pérignon Brut Champagne: Luminous delivered to their table with a celebratory touch featuring flavors of crushed blackberry and cassis, toast, chopped almond, graphite, and oyster shell.
Photo Credit: Charlie McDonald Photography
Top auction highlights, included:
An original mixed-media painting titled “Midnight Romance” (30×40) by renowned artist Romero Britto, along with an exclusive “Golden Ticket” granting a private visit to the BRITTO® Palace in Miami, which is Britto’s 60,000 square-foot headquarters and the largest visual artist studio in the world.
A luxury Napa Valley weekend for four, featuring second-row seats to Andrea Bocelli’s concert at Charles Krug Winery, accommodations at Naples local vintners’ Gargiulo Vineyards, a visit to Lincoln Ranch in Oakville, a magnum of 2011 Family Home Cabernet Sauvignon, and an exclusive experience at Promontory with a magnum of wine.
Photo Credit: Charlie McDonald Photography
After the excitement of the auction, guests danced the night away to beats by DJ Cat Shell surrounded by vibrant décor brought to life by 50Fifty Creative Services while enthusiastic costumed entertainers from Pzazz Productions added an element of theatrical magic to the pop art fête.
Photo Credit: Charlie McDonald Photography
Local partners for the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples, included Marissa Collections, Tulia Catering & Events by Vincenzo Betulia, Prime Social Reserve, Saks Fifth Avenue, and more.
Photo Credit: Charlie McDonald Photography
Photo Credit: Charlie McDonald Photography
Photo Credit: Charlie McDonald Photography
Photo Credit: Charlie McDonald Photography
Photo Credit: Charlie McDonald Photography
Photo Credit: Charlie McDonald Photography
Photo Credit: Charlie McDonald Photography
Photo Credit: Charlie McDonald Photography
Photo Credit: Charlie McDonald Photography
Photo Credit: Charlie McDonald Photography
Photo Credit: Charlie McDonald Photography
Photo Credit: Charlie McDonald Photography
Photo Credit: Charlie McDonald Photography
The post Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples Raises Over $1.5 Million At “The Color Factory” Gala appeared first on Haute Living.
