9th Annual MarineMax Yacht Gala raises more than $425,000 for Golisano Children's Hospital

FORT MYERS, Fla. - EntSun -- The 9th Annual MarineMax Yacht Gala raised $425,565 through silent and live auctions, bringing the total raised since 2016 to more than $2.2 million for Golisano Children's Hospital.

Proceeds from the event will support the $40 million campaign to build Golisano Children's Hospital Surgery Center. This new facility will relocate 80% of outpatient procedures currently performed at HealthPark Medical Center, freeing up critical surgery space for urgent and complex cases, such as pediatric neurosurgery and trauma. A home for specialized outpatient pediatric surgical care, the center will offer a tranquil and secure environment designed to warmly welcome children and their families.

"The outpouring of generosity at the MarineMax Yacht Gala is truly inspiring," said Patti Chlipala, director of development at Lee Health Foundation. "This event plays a crucial role in ensuring children in our community have access to the highest level of surgical care in a setting designed just for them."

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At the annual gala, guests were treated to cocktails, dinner and entertainment by New Beginnings Events. The evening included live and silent auction items, including an exclusive cruise with Cliff Williams of AC/DC, a 3-night Bimini Bahamas getaway, and a sunset cruise for 10 provided by MarineMax Fort Myers.

"We are honored and humbled to have hosted our 9th Annual Charity Yacht Gala," said Ryan West, general manager and vice president at MarineMax. "The generosity of our supporters continues to amaze me, and it's because of them that we can raise funds to benefit Golisano Children's Hospital year after year, providing amazing healthcare for families right here at home."

Emceed by Greg Parker and Jen Stacy, weekday morning anchors at ABC-7, guests heard from Dr. Damian Maxwell, pediatric surgeon at Lee Health, about the future pediatric surgery center at Golisano Children's Hospital.

Philanthropic support for this program is ongoing. To donate and learn more, visit LeeHealthFoundation.org/SurgeryCenter.