Calusa Sportsman Foundation raises $160,000 through Inshore Benefit

The Calusa Sportsman Foundation’s fifth annual Inshore Benefit raised $160,000 to support a pair of nonprofit organizations serving children and families in Southwest Florida.

The two-day fishing event, which was held at The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village, started with a Captain’s Dinner and raffle on Sept. 5 before the fishing tournament, awards dinner and live auction on Sept. 6.

On Oct. 9, representatives from the Calusa Sportsman Foundation presented two $80,000 checks to Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County and Valerie’s House.

“The funds our community helped raise will go toward program enhancements and necessary renovations that will continue to improve lives of the children and families these nonprofits serve,” said Mike Dannenhauer, founder of the Calusa Sportsman Foundation. “We are truly honored to be a part of these initiatives and humbled to know that our contribution will help make an impact to those around us.”

The mission of Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County is to enable all young people, especially those who need support and guidance most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens. The mission of Valerie’s House is to help children and families work through the loss of a loved one together and go on to live fulfilling lives.

Valerie’s House was the sole beneficiary during the event’s first three years. The Foundation added Boys & Girls Clubs as a beneficiary in 2024. Over five years, the Inshore Benefit has raised $800,000 in charitable support.

“Last year was the first year we were selected as a beneficiary of the Calusa Sportsman Foundation and we are honored they chose us again,” said Denise Gergley, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County. “Our After-school Program and Summer Enrichment Camp continue to grow, so additional support allows us to update facilities like the Park Meadows club and make a positive impact on the children and teens who need it most.”

“The Calusa Sportsman Foundation has been one of the largest supporters to our children and families over the past five years, and we have formed many new relationships with volunteers and supporters through this partnership,” added Angela Melvin, founder and CEO of Valerie’s House.

The Calusa Sportsman Foundation was founded by Mike Dannenhauer, Mark Wiles and Jeff Richards, who lead the organization today along with board members Darin McMurray, Dave Nitsche and Sean Russ.

Event Sponsors

Juniper Landscaping was the Grand Charter Sponsor. Builders Insurance was the Premier Sponsor. Additional sponsors included Wayne Wiles Floor Coverings (Hat Sponsor), Five County Insurance (Shirt Sponsor), Mike Patrick Electric (Awards Dinner Sponsor), All About Closets (Bucket Sponsor), Boone Distributors (Scoring Sponsor), Boyce Solid Surface Solutions (Ruler Sponsor), Better Buildings, Inc. (Beverage Sponsor), Lennar (Buff Sponsor), Hooters (Captain’s Dinner Sponsor), MasterBrand (Raffle Sponsor), The Nunez Law Firm (Towel Sponsor) and Breakline Optics (Auction Sponsor).

Platinum Sponsors included Boatmaster, Daltile, Mohawk Flooring, Proflex, MAB Homes, Miloff Aubuchon Realty Group, Royal Shell, Shaw Floors, Moen and Shoreline Flooring Supplies.

Gold Sponsors included Artichoke & Company, Bay Marine, Cougar Companies, Emser Tile, Summit Fire & Security, Titan Contracting, Boat Day Charters, Cain & Bultman, Finlay Plumbing, Happy Floors, Classic Floors by Ferrazzano and Knox Technology.

Silver Sponsors include Frank R. Jenkins Custom Homes, International Design Trends, Tesoro, TheZenith, Robbins Floors, Stanley Stephens Company and TEC.

Additional sponsors include CALI Flooring, Compass Flooring Distributors, Elysium Tiles, LW Flooring, Pacific Peak, Mohawk Group, Glazzio Tiles, Honc Industries, Karastan, Tarkett and Tarmak USA.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County

Established in 1974, Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County serve children and teens through school-based, neighborhood and community club locations. The nonprofit’s mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens. After-school and summer programs focus on five core areas: education and career, service and leadership, health and wellness, the arts, and sports and recreation. For more information, please visit BGClee.org or call 239-334-1886.