6th Annual MarineMax Yacht Gala raises more than $300,000 for Golisano Children’s Hospital

The 6th Annual MarineMax Yacht Gala raised more than $300,000 at “An Evening Under the Stars,” bringing the total raised since 2016 to more than $1 million for Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida.

“We are so grateful for community supporters like MarineMax Fort Myers who partner with us to raise the necessary funds to advance and expand children’s services in our region,” said Chris Simoneau, chief development, marketing and communication officer for Lee Health. “Real change happens when we work together.”

Emceed by Amanda Hall, weeknight anchor at WINK news, guests heard from Armando Llechu, chief officer of hospital operations and women and children services at Lee Health, about the newest programs and services underway at Golisano Children’s Hospital. The event offered beverages, catered barbecue courtesy of Texas Roadhouse, and a live auction including attractive packages such as a guitar signed by Cliff Williams of AC/DC, a one-week stay on Boca Grande, and a luxury sunset cruise for eight provided by MarineMax Fort Myers.

A Fund-A Need for the hospital’s Little Red Wagon Fund raised $130,000. Donations to the Little Red Wagon Fund are dedicated to advancing innovative programs, technologies and services at the children’s hospital. Located at HealthPark in Fort Myers, the children’s hospital also provides pediatric specialty clinics in Port Charlotte and Naples. Plus, innovative programs are integrating lifesaving health care into local schools and homes. The vision is to bring health care closer to every child in Southwest Florida.

“It has been MarineMax’s pleasure to be part of this vibrant community and to do our part to support the hospital,” said Ryan West, principal/general manager of MarineMax Fort Myers. “We are so thankful for our customers and friends who joined us in giving from their hearts to help ensure local families have access to quality care.”
Join supporters like MarineMax in the mission to raise vital funds that ensure the children of Southwest Florida receive world-class healthcare close to home by visiting GiveGolisano.org.

About MarineMax Fort Myers
Serving the Fort Myers area for more than 25 years, MarineMax is the world’s largest recreational boat and yacht retailer, selling new and used recreational boats, yachts and related marine products and services, as well as providing yacht brokerage and charter services. MarineMax has over 100 locations worldwide, including 77 retail dealership locations, which includes 31 marinas or storage operations. For more information, please visit marinemax.com/FortMyers.
About Golisano Children’s Hospital
Established in 1994, Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida has been named a “Top Hospital” three consecutive years by The Leapfrog Group. It is the only recognized children’s hospital between Tampa and Miami. Lee Health opened the new 134-bed Golisano Children’s Hospital in May 2017, relocating the children’s hospital from the adjacent HealthPark Medical Center. It includes comprehensive pediatric services including a 24-hour pediatric emergency department, hematology-oncology unit, milk lab, Regional Perinatal Intensive Care Center, and Level II and Level III NICU with 70 private rooms. Golisano Children’s Hospital is proud to have been named Soliant’s 2018 Most Beautiful Hospital in the U.S., a recognition determined by popular vote. For more information, visit GolisanoChildrensSWFL.org.