swfl wine and food fest swfl childrens charities social register events
SWFL Children’s Charities brings people together for its Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest. Photography by Anna Nguyen

Social Register: Southwest Florida Charity Events 2025–2026

Gulfshore Life’s calendar of galas, benefits and philanthropic events across the region.

Philanthropy

Philanthropic Calendar

The season is packed with glitzy galas, fundraising festivals and intimate events to support important causes throughout Southwest Florida. Check the organizations’ websites for updates and more information.

  • Feb. 28, 2026 10:00 a.m.

    Rotary Park Environmental Center

    Join Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife for the Annual Burrowing Owl Festival to benefit Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife. Enjoy live animals, guided tours, kids’ activities, vendors, food and a silent auction while supporting local wildlife.

  • Feb. 28, 2026 5:00 p.m.

    Island Country Club

    The Annual Gala at Island Country Club features dinner and a show in a lively evening of celebration, with proceeds benefiting the Marco Island Center for the Arts and its cultural programs.

  • Feb. 28, 2026 6:00 p.m.

    The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón

    The Bucket List Bash at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón offers an unforgettable evening of dining, entertainment, and celebration, with proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society.

  • Mar. 02, 2026 midnight

    Stay at Home and Read celebrates Dr. Seuss’ birthday with storytime at private residences, raising support for Books for Collier Kids and promoting literacy in the community.

  • Mar. 05, 2026 6:30 p.m. - 9:45 p.m.

    Artis—Naples

    A glamorous evening with a concert of “Masked Moments” from great operas, followed by a sophisticated masquerade reception and dinner.

  • Mar. 07, 2026 6:00 p.m.

    BIG ARTS

    Celebrate the arts at the BIG ARTS Annual Benefit, an evening supporting the mission of BIG ARTS Sanibel Island. Guests will enjoy a memorable night while helping sustain exceptional programming in visual and performing arts.

  • Mar. 12, 2026 5:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

    The Maddox

    Embark on a journey of curated international dining experiences in an intimate, artfully designed setting. An inspired evening of entertainment, craft cocktails and a live auction to support Path2Freedom.

  • Mar. 13, 2026 6:00 p.m.

    Empowerment Farm

    An Evening Beneath the Oak at Empowerment Farm offers a charming night of dining and community gathering, with proceeds supporting Empowerment Farm and its programs for youth and families.

  • Mar. 20, 2026 11:30 a.m.

    LaPlaya Golf Club Naples

    A Step Forward: Overcoming Obstacles Luncheon at LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort features speaker Johnny ‘Joey’ Jones, raising support for the Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida.

  • Mar. 20, 2026 - Mar. 21, 2026

    North Collier Regional Park

    Orchid Show & Sale at North Collier Regional Park Exhibit Hall to benefit Gulf Coast Orchid Alliance.

  • Feb. 01, 2026 - Feb. 28, 2026

    March to a Million Meals online campaign to benefit WINK News/WINK Feeds Families and Harry Chapin Food Bank. Join this virtual effort to help provide meals to those in need.

  • Feb. 13, 2026

    Forest Country Club

    Boston Red Sox Celebrity Golf Classic at The Forest Country Club to benefit Golisano Children’s Hospital.

  • Feb. 14, 2026 9:00 a.m.

    North Collier Regional Park

    Step Up With Love: Walk for PD at North Collier Regional Park brings the community together to raise awareness and support for the Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida.

  • Feb. 19, 2026 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

    Naples Lakes Country Club

    Bash for the Bay at Naples Lakes Country Club is a lively evening of dining and celebration, raising support for Friends of Rookery Bay and local conservation efforts.

  • Feb. 19, 2026 5:30 p.m.

    Grey Oaks Country Club

    The Blue Sapphire Gala at Grey Oaks Country Club celebrates 65 remarkable years with an elegant evening of dining and philanthropy, supporting Fun Time Early Childhood Academy.

  • Mar. 24, 2026 11:00 a.m.

    Heritage Palms Golf & Country Club

    Join in for an inspiring fashion show to benefit the Lee Health Cancer Institute, supporting critical programs and care for patients and families affected by cancer.

  • Feb. 21, 2026 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

    Bell Tower

    Join the Human Pink Ribbon event at Bell Tower Shops to benefit Partners for Breast Cancer Care. Raise awareness, celebrate community strength and support the fight against breast cancer.

  • Mar. 26, 2026 6:00 p.m.

    The Alderman House

    CAC Reimagined at The Alderman House benefits the Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida. Enjoy an evening supporting a program that helps children in the community.

  • Mar. 26, 2026 7:00 p.m.

    Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center

    Catalyst Award Dinner at Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center benefits I Will Mentorship Foundation / STEMCAT. Enjoy an evening supporting a local mentorship and STEM program.

  • Mar. 27, 2026 6:00 p.m.

    Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center

    Gala for the Arts at Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center benefits the center’s arts programs. Enjoy an evening supporting local arts initiatives.

  • Mar. 28, 2026 5:30 p.m.

    Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa

    Kings’ Night in Havana Gala at Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa is a festive evening of dining and entertainment, with proceeds benefiting Royal Palm Academy and its educational programs.

  • Apr. 04, 2026 6:00 p.m.

    Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation

    Beer in the Bushes at SCCF benefits the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation. Enjoy an evening supporting a local conservation program.

  • Apr. 14, 2026 12:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

    Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre

    Pace Center for Girls, Lee will honor three local women for their significant impact on the community at the 18th annual Grande Dames Tea on April 14 in Fort Myers.

  • Apr. 18, 2026 10:00 a.m.

    Conservancy of Southwest Florida

    The Earth Day Festival at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida celebrates nature with activities, education, and community engagement, supporting the Conservancy’s conservation efforts.

  • Apr. 25, 2026 5:30 p.m.

    The Luminary Hotel & Co.

    Autism Acceptance Awards at Luminary Hotel & Co. benefits Family Initiative. Celebrate and support a program that makes a difference in the community.

  • May 02, 2026 midnight

    Attend the “Ding” Darling & Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tournament, benefiting the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society. This annual event combines sport and conservation for a great cause.

  • May 03, 2026 7:30 a.m.

    Island Country Club

    The Annual Golf Tournament at Island Country Club is a day of friendly competition and community, with proceeds benefiting the Marco Island Center for the Arts and its programs.

  • Feb. 28, 2026 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

    Burns Lake Campground

    The annual Big Cypress Celebration returns on Feb. 28, 2026, at Big Cypress National Preserve!

  • Mar. 05, 2026 5:00 p.m.

    The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón

    Magic Under the Mangroves at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón offers an enchanting evening celebrating nature, with proceeds supporting the Conservancy of Southwest Florida and its conservation efforts.

  • May 07, 2026 5:00 p.m.

    Island Country Club

    Endless Summer: Surfin’ Safari Soirée at Island Country Club is a lively celebration of coastal culture, with proceeds benefiting the Marco Island Historical Society.