Easterseals Southwest Florida Raises $600,000 at Abilities Shining Luncheon

March 13, 2024 – Sarasota

Easterseals Southwest Florida is proud to announce it raised $600,000 at its annual Abilities Shining Luncheon on March 6. Presented by Ginger Judge, the organization’s signature event was attended by 380 Suncoast guests and served as the organization’s most successful luncheon to date.

“This event marks an incredible beginning to our fundraising efforts for the year ahead. From the youngest to the young at heart and every person in between, our programs and services would not be available without generous support from the community,” said Tom Waters, President and CEO of Easterseals Southwest Florida. “I’d like to thank our event chairs, Sarah Renkliyuz, Taylor Teymuri and Brittany Najmy-Lambiris, honorary chairs, Tammy Karp, Terri Klauber, Barbara Najmy, our Board of Directors and our wonderful partners and sponsors for helping us raise awareness and much needed funds for children and adults living with disabilities.” 

Guests heard about the notable accomplishments from 2023, including becoming a national “Autism Center for Excellence” and expanding the reach of diagnostic and medical services available to the community. The adult and preschool choirs performed “Lean on me” and “I love you” with the help of the teachers and music therapist. The live auction, led by restaurant proprietor Michael Klauber, featured an array of experiential items, ranging from a California Winery Weekend to a unique “Horse Encounter Birthday” at Easterseals Ranch. Everyone was presented with a keepsake to commemorate the event: The Tree of Harmony. In the mixed media collaborative collage, all levels of Easterseals’ K-12 Academy took part throughout the process and demonstrated their ability to work with one another.

The Abilities Shining Luncheon serves as a tribute to the remarkable individuals and transformative programs at Easterseals Southwest Florida, spanning Early Childhood Development, K-12 Education, Veterans and First Responders support, the Autism Center of Excellence, Therapy Services, and Family Support Services with the many partner non-profits who help make all those services possible. 

To learn more about Easterseals Southwest Florida, visit https://easterseals-swfl.org/.