2022 Magic Under the Mangroves gala raises record $2.1 million net
The 18th Annual Magic Under the Mangroves gala held March 3 raised a record $2.1 million net for programs to protect the water, land, wildlife and future of Southwest Florida.
More than 400 guests moseyed their way to the newly renovated Conservancy of Southwest Florida Nature Center for the American Southwest-themed event, “A River Runs Through It.” The Conservancy’s largest annual fundraiser, Magic Under the Mangroves, returned to an in-person gala this year featuring an outdoor reception followed by a silent auction, dinner, and live auction held inside a multiple-tented structure.
Highlights of the event included a compelling video featuring the testimonies of four local citizens who stand with the Conservancy by voicing their support for the wildlife and natural habitats that need protection in the face of intensive development. Following the video, auctioneer Scott Robertson championed a live fund-a-need auction that started with a $250,000 bid and ultimately raised $1.56 million to support the programs and people that empower the mission of the Conservancy. During a surprise finale to the fund-a-need, another $98,000 was raised for the opportunity to win a $10,000 shopping spree at Ralph Lauren offered by Waterside shops. Live auction items included a dinner on the Ocean Club Yacht; a stay in Charleston, South Carolina; a gourmet wine pairing dinner at the renowned Dixon Man Cave; a two-week European cruise aboard The World; and trips to New England and Nantucket.
“Our supporters stepped up in a big way during the 2022 Magic Under the Mangroves during an especially vital time as the Conservancy of Southwest Florida stands steadfast in our mission to protect our land, water, wildlife and future,” said Rob Moher, Conservancy president and CEO. “On behalf of our staff, volunteers and board, I’m grateful for the outpouring of support during Magic and throughout the year. When I look around and see the voices of support who stand by our mission, I am more hopeful than ever that we will find that sensible balance between development and preservation of our natural treasures.”
Terry and Bob Edwards chaired the event, which has raised more than $17 million since its inception. The gala included cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, a seated dinner by Windows Catering, an award-winning “green” caterer, and live and silent auctions featuring one-of-a-kind items and experiences.
“This event signifies how important the protection of our environment is to the citizens of Southwest Florida,” said Terry Edwards, co-chair of the 2022 Magic Under the Mangroves. “There’s no place to donate, volunteer or support in Southwest Florida that will have more of an impact on our quality of life than the Conservancy. We must all play a role in extending this river of history and dedication to our natural resources in our beautiful Southwest Florida.”
Sponsors included Northern Trust Presenting Sponsor and Raveis Real Estate Supporting Sponsor. Community Sponsors are Waterside Shops, Gulfshore Life magazine, Florida Weekly, Naples Daily News and WINK TV.
Presented by
Supporting Sponsor
Community Sponsors
Patron Levels and Benefits
MAGIC PACKAGE - $50,000
- March 3, 2022 main “Magic Under the Mangroves™” event benefits:
- Seating for 16 people in prime location (2 tables)
- VIP Parking
- Recognition as a major supporter at event
- Limousine service to and from gala or VIP Parking
- Tickets for 2 at the 2022 Patron Party
- Guided behind-the-scenes private tour of the Conservancy Nature Center, including the von Arx Wildlife Hospital, with the President and CEO
CYPRESS PACKAGE - $35,000
- March 3, 2022 main “Magic Under the Mangroves™” event benefits:
- Seating for 12 people in prime location
- VIP Parking
- Recognition as a major supporter at event
- Tickets for 2 at the 2022 Patron Party
- Guided behind-the-scenes private tour of the Conservancy Nature Center, including the von Arx Wildlife Hospital, with the President and CEO
CANOPY PACKAGE - $25,000
- March 3, 2022 main “Magic Under the Mangroves™” event benefits:
- Seating for 10 people in prime location
- VIP Parking
- Recognition as a major supporter at event
- Tickets for 2 at the 2022 Patron Party
- Guided behind-the-scenes private tour of the Conservancy Nature Center, including the von Arx Wildlife Hospital, with the President and CEO
WHITE MANGROVE PACKAGE - $15,000
- Seating for 8 at “Magic Under the Mangroves™ event on March 3, 2022
- Recognition at event
- Tickets for 2 at the 2022 Patron Party
BLACK MANGROVE PACKAGE - $10,000
- Seating for 6 at “Magic Under the Mangroves™ event on March 3, 2022
- Recognition at event
- Tickets for 2 at the 2022 Patron Party
RED MANGROVE PACKAGE - $6,500
- Seating for 4 at “Magic Under the Mangroves™ event on March 3, 2022
- Recognition at event
- Tickets for 2 at the 2022 Patron Party
BUTTONWOOD PACKAGE - $3,500
- Seating for 2 at “Magic Under the Mangroves™ event on March 3, 2022
- Recognition at event
INDIVIDUAL TICKETS - $750 EACH
- Tickets will be available after Feb 7, 2022
For information on purchasing a patron package please contact Amy Tantillo at amyt@conservancy.org or 239.403.4200
2022 Magic Committee
Chairs: Terry & Bob Edwards
Mrs. Edie Andrew
Emily Caraco & Peter Gorski
Kim & Phil Collins
Mrs. Susan Dalton*
Ms. Kimberly Darr
Darlene & Don DeMichele
Linda & Cass Diaz
Carol* & Henry Dinardo
Mrs. Annelise Gerry
Ellin Goetz & Michael Watkins
Linda & Victor Grijalva
Donna & John Hall
Robin* & Scot Hamilton
Amy & Paul Heuerman
Jerri & David Hoffmann
Meghan & Jamie Houde
Judith & John Hushon
Ms. Teri Kuhn
Maureen* & Arnold Lerner
Katrina Lundmark-Kash* & Rick Kash
Mrs. Susie McCurry
Toni & Charlie Mueller
Linda Orlans & Gerry Padilla
Louise & Larry Ost
Jane & Hank Pearsall
Ashley & John Paul Prebish
Candy & Bill Raveis
Kathleen & Francis Rooney
Sue & Fred Schulte
Karen & Bob Scott
Lynne* & Chip Shotwell
Jenny & Kermit Sutton
Sharon & Dolph von Arx
Mrs. Patti Wagner
Carol & John Walter
Cynthia Weston & Harvey Horowitz
Mrs. Nancy White*
History of Magic
Magic Under the Mangroves™ began as the 42th anniversary celebration for the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. In 2005, a group of concerned community leaders created the event to both celebrate and support the protection of Southwest Florida’s unique natural environment and quality of life.
Under the leadership of past chairpersons Sue Dalton, Maureen Lerner, Nancy White, Jeannie Smith, Lynne Shotwell, William Boyajian, Carol Dinardo Robin Hamilton, Kartrina-Lundmark Kash, and current chairs, Terry and Bob Edwards and the Magic Committee, Magic Under the Mangroves™ has grown to be one of the top charitable events in Southwest Florida.
The virtual 2021 Magic Under the Mangroves™ event raised over $1.4 million, a sizeable portion of the Conservancy annual operating budget.
Since its inception 17 years ago, Magic has raised nearly $15 million.
All proceeds support the Conservancy’s mission to protect Southwest Florida’s unique natural environment and quality of life…now and forever.
The money funds programs that protect our water, our land, our wildlife and our future, including:
- Reaching thousands of local students through Environmental Education
- Purchasing of a 38-foot Learning Adventures Bus mobile classroom
- Satellite tracking Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtles to study their movements in the Ten Thousand Islands and surrounding waters
- Saving thousands of acres of wetlands to protect water supplies and wildlife habitat
- Funding policy team members who advocate for land conservation in Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Hendry, and Glades counties
- Promoting best practices in the region to strengthen water quality and restore degraded marine habitats
- Ensuring the region has a strong and consistent voice in Tallahassee and Washington to ensure Everglades restoration addresses issues in Southwest Florida
- Providing food and medicine for more than 4,000 animals that were admitted to the von Arx Wildlife Hospital
- Purchasing equipment for water quality monitoring and estuary research projects
- Acquiring mapping software to help plan best growth management practices
- Securing mobile electronic devices, computers, and cameras for research and policy field projects
- Supporting 26 interns annually across the organization
- Ensuring transportation for educational field trips and injured wildlife
- Funding summer camp scholarships for at-risk kids; and
- Supplying vital tools for one of the longest continuous loggerhead sea turtle research programs in the country.
Auction Donation Form
Download the form
Each year the Conservancy of Southwest Florida hosts the Magic Under the Mangroves™ fundraiser. The funds raised from this event support the Conservancy’s efforts to preserve Southwest Florida’s unique natural environment and quality of life.
This includes education programs for schoolchildren, sea turtle tracking and protection, wildlife rehabilitation, monitoring water quality and health, environmental protection through sound policy development, and scientific research and fieldwork.
This year Magic Under the Mangroves™ will be held on Thursday, March 3, 2022 at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. The event attracts the most affluent and influential members of our community, making it an ideal audience for showcasing your business. The Conservancy will host an event night auction where your generosity will help fund programs that protect Southwest Florida’s water, land, wildlife & future!
In exchange for your donation, you will receive:
- Recognition as an auction donor in the Auction Catalog
- Recognition during the event via auction item display signage
- The opportunity to provide collateral for table display at event auction and/or distribution to the winning bidder(s)
To make your donation:
- Complete the Auction Donation Form.
- Email or mail the form to:
Conservancy of Southwest Florida
Amy Tantillo
1495 Smith Preserve Way
Naples, FL 34102 - All donations received by January 10, 2022 will be acknowledged in the Auction Catalog.
If you have any questions: please call Amy Tantillo at 239.403.4200 or AmyT@conservancy.org
