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Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County and Valerie’s House will be the beneficiaries of the Calusa Sportsman Foundation’s 2024 Inshore Benefit, a two-day charity event that attracts Southwest Florida’s top anglers.
Proceeds from the first three events supported Valerie’s House and totaled $470,000. This year’s event will be the first time Boys & Girls Clubs is also a beneficiary.
“This is one of Southwest Florida’s signature fishing tournaments, and we’re thrilled the Calusa Sportsman Foundation will be supporting Boys & Girls Clubs in addition to Valerie’s House,” said Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County CEO Denise Gergley. “Both organizations offer programs and services that are critically important in the lives of children and teens, and proceeds from this event will go a long way in helping us accomplish our missions.”
The mission of Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County is to enable all young people, especially those who need us 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.
“The Calusa Sportsman Foundation has made a significant impact on the families at Valerie’s House over the past several years,” said Angela Melvin, founder and CEO of Valerie’s House. “Not only has their team of anglers raised significant dollars for our mission, but many volunteers have found their way to Valerie’s House after learning about us at the Inshore Benefit. The weekend event is always a great time of togetherness and celebration of our community’s generosity, and we are honored to be a beneficiary.”
The fourth annual Inshore Benefit begins with a Captain’s Dinner and raffle on Friday, Sept. 6 at The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village, followed by the fishing tournament, awards dinner and live auction on Saturday, Sept. 7. Earlybird registration is $250 per angler through July 26; after that, the fee increases to $300 per participant. Cash prizes up to $5,000 will be awarded in the Guided Division and Weekend Warrior Division for the anglers who catch one snook, one redfish and one trout with the longest combined length.
For tournament details, registration or sponsorship opportunities, please visit CalusaSportsmanFoundation.org/inshore-benefit.
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.
About Valerie’s House
Valerie’s House opened its first location in Fort Myers, Florida in January 2016 and has served more than 5,000 children and their families from Lee, Collier, Charlotte, and Hendry counties. The organization provides a safe, comfortable place for children to share, grieve and heal together following the death of a close family member. Valerie’s House has three Southwest Florida locations: 3551 Valerie’s House Way in Fort Myers, 819 Myrtle Terrace in Naples and 233 East McKenzie Street in Punta Gorda. Valerie’s House also expanded into Northwest Florida in 2021 with a home in downtown Pensacola. For more information, visit www.valerieshouse.org.
About Calusa Sportsman Foundation
The Calusa Sportsman Foundation is a group of prominent business leaders in the community that have come together to host fundraising events for the avid sportsman. The founding members of this organization are Mike Dannenhauer (Five County Insurance), Mark Wiles (Wayne Wiles Floor Coverings) and Jeff Richards (Better Buildings, Inc.). They are dedicated to creating fun outdoor activities with an overall goal of helping less fortunate residents in SWFL. These lifelong residents share a deep sense of community stewardship that is coupled with a passion for the camaraderie their events provide. We hope that you will join them in support of this great cause.