More than 120 Magic Under the Mangrove patrons gathered at the Keewaydin Island Lodge for an exclusive Patron Party previewing the highly anticipated auction items for the gala on March 5, benefiting the Conservancy of Southwest Florida.
Sponsored by the Opal Collection’s Edgewater Beach Hotel on February 22, guests arrived by boat for an afternoon of island-inspired cuisine, tropical beverages, and steel drum entertainment by Rhythm Trail. The event offered an exclusive preview of premier gala auction experiences, including assisting the Conservancy’s python team on a capture, a chef-hosted stay for 24 at the Keewaydin Island Estate, and an intimate musical performance for 40 paired with a progressive catered dinner across the Conservancy campus. The gathering also celebrated the Conservancy’s mission in the very place where the organization was founded in 1964.
“Each year, the Patron Party builds tremendous excitement for Magic Under the Mangroves and highlights the extraordinary generosity of our community,” said Rob Moher, President and CEO of the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. “We are deeply grateful to Patrick and Karen Walsh for sponsoring the Patron Party and creating such a memorable experience, from the elegant table settings to the stone crab claws. It sets the tone for the gala to come.”
Magic Under the Mangroves, voted Naples Community’s Choice Awards Best Fundraising Event, will take place at 5:00 p.m. Thursday, March 5, 2026, at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort Naples, Tiburón. Chaired by Linda and Victor Grijalva, with Vanessa and Martin Gilvarg serving as co-chairs, the gala brings together community leaders and supporters for an immersive evening of dining, entertainment, and a live auction to support the Conservancy’s annual budget for programs protecting Southwest Florida’s water, land, wildlife, and future.
Since its inception, Magic Under the Mangroves has raised more than $22 million to advance the Conservancy’s mission and is made possible in part by our presenting sponsor, Northern Trust; supporting sponsor, William Raveis; and media sponsors, Gulfshore Life, WINK, and Naples Daily News.
About the Conservancy of Southwest Florida
The Conservancy of Southwest Florida is a nonprofit environmental organization that has protected water, land and wildlife in Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties for more than 60 years. Through environmental science, policy, education and wildlife rehabilitation, the Conservancy safeguards Southwest Florida’s natural resources for future generations.
Headquartered in Naples, Florida, the Conservancy is home to Collier County’s only native wildlife hospital and its vibrant Nature Center. Currently open to visitors, the Nature Center is undergoing a major transformation into a new, impactful community offering—the John & Carol Walter Nature Experience, set to open in 2028. This state-of-the-art facility will serve as a gateway to conservation, offering immersive exhibits, hands-on learning and expanded programs to inspire environmental stewardship and enhance the region’s quality of life.
Learn more and support Southwest Florida’s environmental future at www.conservancy.org.