Wonder Gardens announces 2022 Enchanted Gala: A Colorful Evening of Wonder Feb. 17

The 6th Annual Enchanted Gala: A Colorful Evening of Wonder will be Thursday, Feb. 17 at 6 p.m. at the Wonder Gardens. Guests will stroll the gardens, enjoy a custom cocktail by Chartreuse with hors d’oeuvres and dinner by Crave Culinaire. The popular event held under a tent in the colorfully lit gardens with roaming exotic birds will include live music, entertainment and a live auction.

“We are excited to see the return of the Enchanted fundraiser that is so critical to the continued success and growth of our Wonder Gardens,” said Connie McIntosh, who is co-chairing the event with her husband Steve. “The gardens have improved so much despite pandemic shutdowns, and there is so much more on the horizon. The gardens are a beautiful destination in downtown Bonita Springs for the benefit of our community and our visitors.”

Due to the pandemic, in 2021, the annual event was replaced with an outdoor live art Masque Soiree. The Wonder Gardens does not receive taxpayer funding or support. Improvements, maintenance, staff and animal care are paid for by admissions, memberships and donations. The pandemic forced Wonder Gardens to close for six months, canceling school field trips and outreach, summer camps and special fundraising events, causing a serious loss in revenue. Still the gardens experienced a record numbers of guests.

Tickets are $250, with patron tickets $325. Sponsors to date include Signature Sponsor Billy the Bee Foundation. Patron party sponsor is FineMark National Bank & Trust; media sponsor is Presstige Printing; event photographer sponsor is Jacke McCurdy; signature cocktail crafter is Chartreuse; photo sponsor is Marjorie Rubacky, and jewelry raffle is from Amoré Jewelers. Other sponsors include Bonita Boarding Kennels & Pet Camp, Brennan, Manna & Diamond, PL and Ewing & Associates. For sponsorships, please contact Development Manager Kevin Miller at kevin@wondergardens.org or 239-992-2591 ext. 206

Members of the Enchanted committee include Kim Beckett, Debi Braendle, Linda Gutshall, Sally Hebeisen, Natascha Kay, Candice Kelber, Jacke McCurdy, Nancy Soldi Peckham, Marjorie Rubacky and Diane Torrisi.

For information on the event and to purchase tickets, visit wondergardens.org/2022-enchanted-gala/.

About Wonder Gardens

The Wonder Gardens, a charitable zoological park and botanical garden in Bonita Springs, is home to rescued birds and reptiles nestled among sprawling banyan trees and plantings. While preserving the best of this site’s 85-year history, the non-profit cares for more than 300 resident animals, is upgrading wildlife enclosures and growing the botanical beauty of the property, while delivering education programs and events and further engaging the community to enjoy this jewel in historic Downtown Bonita Springs. The Wonder Gardens at 27180 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs is one of the few remaining cornerstones of Old Florida, an enduring symbol of the history of the region, as well as a resource for learning about the environment and wildlife. For information, visit wondergardens.org or call 239-992-2591.