Doing the Numbers

We see examples of big hearts and charitable spirits all around us, but after talking to some nonprofit leaders about last season, I'm more impressed than ever at the region's generosity-and the imagination and enterprise in raising funds.

Among the major gifts this year: Raymond and Beverly Lutgert gave $5 million to seed a new business school for Florida Gulf Coast University, and the Allstate Foundation and Southwest Florida Community Foundation teamed up to establish a $750,000 fund to help Charlotte County recover from last year's hurricane.

And one local charity-as the Wall Street Journal recently noted-made history. In five years, the Naples Winter Wine Festival has become the most successful charity wine auction in the world, raising more than $26.6 million for Collier children's causes. Almost as amazing, 100 percent of the money raised on the day of auction goes directly to the charities, and 45 percent of that money

comes from people outside the county.

The gala events also set new records. Topping the $1 million mark were the Magnolia Ball, which raised $1.2 million for NCH Regional Cancer Institute, and Noche Tropical, netting $1.5 million for Seacrest Country Day School. Saint Ann's Beach Ball brought in $100,000 for its "extreme cafeteria makeover." Other successful balls included the American Cancer Society's Cattle Barons' Ball, raising $95,000; the Heart Ball, which netted $414,000 in Lee and $201,000 in Collier for the American Heart Association; Catholic Charities' 20th Annual Emerald Ball, raising $112,000; and MS Homes' first Black and White Ball Goes Wild, which netted $22,000.

Straight from the runways of Paris, Saks Fifth Avenue brought the House of Chanel's spring collection to Naples to raise more than $300,000 for Saint Ann's tuition fund. And decked out in the latest biker-chic fashion, Youth Haven's Diamonds & Chrome event netted $119,000.

You don't have to don a tuxedo or sequin gown to contribute to a good cause. A comfortable pair of sneakers and a passion to walk for charity raised more than $1.6 million this past season. Naples' Cancer Society's Relay For Life raised $600,000, making it the No. 1 relay in the state for the past seven years and placing it in the top 25 of more than 4,000 walks nationwide. Bonita Springs' Relay For Life netted $250,000; and in its first year, Golden Gate's Relay raised an above-goal $47,500. The American Heart Association's Heart Walk raised $200,000 in Lee County and $350,000 in Collier County. And 900 walkers netted $157,000 for the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill.

A number of nonprofits raised funds with nationally known guest speakers. Former President George Bush, Barbara Bush and Gov. Jeb Bush helped raise $1.5 million at the fifth Celebration of Reading for the governor's Family Literary Initiative. Gloria Steinem helped Planned Parenthood raise more than $115,000 in Collier County. Denise Brown supported the Shelter for Abused Women and Children by raising $260,725 at the Mending Broken Hearts with Hope luncheon; and Carl Hiaasen helped raise $230,000 for the Conservancy of Collier County's Magic Under the Mangroves event.

It's also clear that the arts are alive and well in Southwest Florida. The Naples Philharmonic League's Parties of Note raised $89,000 to support the Philharmonic Orchestra and its youth programs, and the Naples Museum of Art's friends group raised $35,000 from its Artists' Studio Tour. In addition, Celebrate the Arts raised $23,000; and Stars & the Arts raised $21,000 for arts education, supported by the United Arts Council.

Fund raisers created a world of unique experiences for donors. In its 16th year, Wanderlust auctioned imaginative travel packages to raise a record $210,000 for FGCU's Resort & Hospitality Management program. The Humane Society's Pet Lovers Gala raised $56,000, and its Tea for Two raised $13,000. And the Mental Health Association's Wickets & Wine netted $28,000 with a twist-guests used their feet to bat soccer balls through large wickets.

Our second annual Charity Register showcases this generous spirit with stories about philanthropists, a comprehensive calendar of charity events, expert advice on charitable giving and a guide to more than 250 groups. We hope you'll find some that speak to your heart and your generous spirit as well.

-Lynne Groth, Publisher