Ellen Duke, Jason Duke, Aaron White, Amber White. Photo by Mila Bridger Photography

The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center’s inaugural Saltwater Cowboy at MarineMax in Fort Myers raised $180,000 to support the organization that works to build strong, self-sufficient families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood of Fort Myers.

“We believe a decent education allows at-risk kids to meet, challenge, and raise the bar on the world’s narrative of them,” said Kathryn Kelly, founder, president, and CEO of The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center. “Our enriching preschool, after school, and summer camp programs ensure parents can work while their kids learn, are safe, and have fun. In addition, our adult and family programs provide opportunities for self-sufficiency. This event supports our families and was a lot of fun!”

Guests enjoyed an extensive raw bar from The Timbers Restaurant and Fish Market, signature cocktails, and a surf and turf dinner from well-known local Chef David Rashty. Gina Birch of Sunny 106 emceed the event, and Tommy Williams was the auctioneer.

Silent and live auctions included Python Hunting with Huntress Amy Siewe, Learn to Sail on Captiva with Offshore Sailing School, a Kentucky Bourbon trail adventure with a bottle of Pappy Van Winkle, and The Eagles for four in Tampa.

Leo, a student at The Heights Charter School and a member of the MOSAIC program, performed on the upright bass. Rudy Cox and Jumping Fences Band performed live music, and guests had the opportunity to board three Aviara luxury boats, available exclusively at MarineMax.

Dane and Tiffany Kelly. Photo by Mila Bridger Photography

Saltwater Cowboy was sponsored by FineMark National Bank & Trust, FPL, Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida, Gulf Shore Cooling, Hightower Fort Myers | Thomas & Swartz, Kelly Brothers, Inc., Kevin and Kathleen Shimp, MarineMax Yachts, Morgan Stanley | The Royal Palm Group, Owen-Ames-Kimball, Rohrman Electric, LLC, Skanska, Teco Peoples Gas, 42 Birds, and Bailey’s General Store.

For more information about The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center, visit www.heightsfoundation.org or call Annie Campbell at 239-482-7706 or email annie@heightsfoundation.org.

About The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center

The Heights Foundation works to build strong, self-sufficient families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood. Our mission is to support education and wellness, promote family and community development, and provide the benefits of enrichment and the arts. The Heights Center, supported by The Heights Foundation, is a place for Education, Opportunity, and Enrichment. Heights Early Learning serves more than 80 babies through 4 years old. The Heights Center serves 134 children in After School and Summer Camp. he Harlem Heights Community Charter School serves 180 children from kindergarten through fifth grade.

Harlem Heights was originally settled as a rural agricultural community. Approximately 780 children live in a mixture of single-family homes and multi-family apartments. Demographically, the population is approximately 70% Hispanic, 20% African-American, and 8% Caucasian. The poverty rate for children in Harlem Heights is more than twice the county average, with family income 40% below the county average. As a result, families cannot easily access family support services in downtown Fort Myers and benefit greatly from programs within the neighborhood.

Caitlin Hustrulid, Matthew Zwack, Jan-Erik Hustrulid. Photo by Mila Bridger Photography

Source: The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center

Craig Whitaker, Dane Kelly, Chris Lopez, Kevin Pulice, Tom Lytton. Photo by Mila Bridger Photography

Armando Llechu and Amy Siewe. Photo by Mila Bridger Photography

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Gina Birch with Chef David Rashty. Photo by Mila Bridger Photography

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