Record-Breaking Charity for Change Gala Raises More Than $400,000

Sold-out event brings community together to support nonprofit’s Character Education curriculum
NAPLES, FL. (November 13, 2025) – Planting Seeds of Humanity, a reimagined fundraising gala, drew a sold-out crowd of impact-driven guests on Nov. 1st at the Naples Grande Beach Resort to support Charity for Change. Charity for Change is a Naples-based nonprofit that provides a Character Education and Mental Wellness program to elementary school-age children, which enhances academics while teaching resiliency and community involvement through charitable activities.

The western-themed gala featured a mechanical bull, shooting gallery, and live country music. Guests enjoyed a lively reception filled with fun activities, a plated dinner, silent auction, live auction, and a “Call for Change” call for support. The night continued with dancing and entertainment from the popular Ben Allen Band. Attendees of the event were treated to an overview of the measurable impact Charity for Change has had in the last year alone. The program is now serving more than 25,500 students from 451 Florida schools. The national reach is even broader with the curriculum being utilized in 20 different states.
“We are grateful for the support from our sponsors and guests as we continue to build the foundational skills of character, generosity and gratitude in our next generation,” said Karen Conley, Founder/President/CEO of Charity for Change. “During a time when our children are struggling with bullying, anxiety, loneliness, and depression in ways that no other generation has, the support of our sponsors plays a crucial role in equipping children with the skills they need to thrive in school, relationships, future careers, and life.”
Charity for Change extends a heartfelt appreciation to the 29 sponsors who supported this event. A special thank you goes to the Humanity Hero Title Sponsors – Soldavini & Caldwell, CPA; Flor’s Cleaning; Sana Sana Medical Aesthetics; Westwood Interior Cleaning; and Xpress Meat Market. ChangeMaker sponsors included Diamond Drywall & Glass and Stickboy Software + IT. Brigid Soldavini served as the Event Chair.

During the Planting Seeds of Humanity gala, the annual Humanity Hero Award was presented to Brigid Soldavini. Charity for Change’s most prestigious honor recognizes Brigid’s remarkable dedication to character and generosity, embodying the spirit of the Charity for Change program. Her unwavering support and vision have been instrumental in helping Charity for Change build a kinder, more successful future for children. By advocating for programming that fosters resilience, character, generosity and empathy, Brigid has empowered countless young minds to grow up caring about each other and the world around them, building a world where bullying is replaced by kindness, understanding, and mutual respect. Her commitment lays the foundation for a legacy of character and compassion that will impact generations to come.

Since its inception in 2008, the Charity for Change Program has centered around building resiliency through the foundational skills of character, generosity and gratitude in an academic setting. The curriculum has impacted more than 160,000 children, instilling nine-character traits and raising more than $155,000 for more than 100 area charities with a vision to create a world free of hate, violence, bullying and division by teaching children to care about each other and the world around them. For information on how to support Charity for Change, visit charityforchange.org.
About Charity for Change
Founded in 2008, Charity for Change brings children together to see past their differences and work together for others in need. Outcomes are proven over an 18-year track record improving children’s behavior and academic performance, while fostering resilience, empathy, and the mental well-being of Pre-K to 5th grade learners. Through character education and charitable activities blended with academics, the organization serves children through its afterschool and summer school programs. Since 2008, the program has impacted more than 160,000 children, instilling nine-character traits and raising more than $155,000 for more than 100 area charities. The goal of Charity for Change is to cultivate confident, compassionate children who become successful learners, contribute to their schools and communities, and who will participate in society as empathetic, employable, resilient, and successful citizens.
For more information about Charity for Change, please visit charityforchange.org. or call 239-592-6787.