NAPLES, Fla. (June 5, 2024) – The Conservancy of Southwest Florida announces Toni and Charlie Mueller, and Linda and Victor Grijalva as chairs of the 2025 Magic Under the Mangroves gala set for Thursday, March 6, 2025.
The Conservancy’s largest annual fundraiser, Magic Under the Mangroves features an immersive event environment, live entertainment, dinner, and a thrilling live fund-a-need and auction. Hosted at the Conservancy’s Nature Center, the gala’s unique setting welcomes nearly 500 guests to the headquarters of the Conservancy. The 2024 event celebrated 60 years of preserving paradise and raised a record-breaking net amount of more than $2.3 million for programs to protect the water, land, wildlife and future of Southwest Florida. The gala has raised $21 million since its inception to support the Conservancy’s mission.
“The three major goals of Magic Under the Mangroves are to raise the visibility of the organization and its work, to build relationships with attendees, and to raise needed funds for the Conservancy’s programs,” said Rob Moher, CEO and president of the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. “Under the direction of the 2024 chairs, Toni and Charlie Mueller and John and Carol Walter, Magic exceeded these goals. We hope that the 2025 gala is another record-breaking event.”
Toni and Charlie Mueller are returning for the third consecutive year as chairs of Magic Under the Mangroves. Charlie Mueller is the former president of West Florida Region for Northern Trust and serves as chair of the Conservancy’s board of directors. Toni Mueller is a certified Florida Master Naturalist, an active member of the Naples Yacht Club, and involved as a leader in several local charities.
Linda Grijalva has also been involved in previous years of Magic Under the Mangroves, serving as an event committee member. She is a retired lawyer currently serving as a member of the Conservancy’s board of directors and chairing the Environmental Affairs Committee. She and her husband, Victor, have lived in Florida for more than 10 years. Victor is the former Vice Chairman of Schlumberger and has been a major supporter of the Conservancy and other charities.
“The 2024 gala was truly a magical night,” Linda Grijalva said. “As a member of the board, I see the impact that these dollars make on ecosystems throughout our community. It’s an honor to be able to help lead another incredible fundraising event.”
Additional event details will be announced in the coming months. To learn more about the Conservancy and its mission, visit conservancy.org.
About the Conservancy of Southwest Florida
The Conservancy of Southwest Florida is a not-for-profit environmental protection organization with a 60-year history focused on issues impacting water, land, wildlife and the future of Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties. The Conservancy accomplishes this mission through the combined efforts of its experts in the areas of environmental science, policy, education and wildlife rehabilitation. The Conservancy of Southwest Florida’s world-class Nature Center and von Arx Wildlife Hospital are headquartered in Naples, Florida, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, south of the Naples Zoo off Goodlette-Frank Road. Learn more about the Conservancy’s work and how to support the quality of life in Southwest Florida at www.conservancy.org.
Media Contact: Holly Boldrin, APR, CPRC, Priority Marketing, holly@prioritymarketing.com, 239-267-2638 or 239-887-9335 (cell)