Skip to main content

FORT MYERS, Fla. (November 29, 2020) – Save the date for LARC’s (Lee Association of Remarkable Citizens) inaugural fundraiser benefiting The Lori Carroll-Collins Scholarship Fund.  The event will take place at Misty Morning Barn in Fort Myers on Saturday, April 17, 2021.  Guests will enjoy gentle breezes flowing through the barn doors, among a backdrop of natural arching oaks, tropical pines and sun-kissed cypress trees.
The evening will include a five-course dinner created by celebrated local chefs Mike and Karen Gavala of G3 Catering and Gloria Jordan of La Trattoria Cafe Napoli.   Renowned chocolatier Norman Love of Norman Love Confections will provide handcrafted desserts.  Kellie Burns of NBC-2 will emcee the event.
Guests will meet sixth-generation winemaker, Clay Mauritson, founder and owner of Mauritson Wines in Healdsburg, California, and enjoy family-crafted wines paired with each course.  In 1998, Mauritson produced his first bottling of Dry Creek Zinfandel under the Mauritson label and, in 2002, he began devoting his efforts full-time to the Mauritson Family Winery project.
His winemaking philosophy is simple: You need exceptional fruit to make exceptional wine. About 300 acres of Sonoma County family vineyards and strong relationships built over the years with other growers have given him access to some of the best fruit that Sonoma County, Dry Creek Valley and Rockpile have to offer. Devoted to making exceptional wines, Mauritson is on his way to becoming one of California’s foremost young winemakers.
The Lori Carroll-Collins Scholarship Fund was established by her family in memory of Carroll-Collins.  A resident of Fort Myers for 35 years, she cared deeply for her community and people in need and led her life by example, when it came to generosity and philanthropy. The fund will help bridge financial gaps and allow individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to access innovative services offered by LARC.
“Lori was an inspiration to many, as she lived her life to the fullest, despite living with a disability,” said her husband, Marc Collins. “She never saw herself as different and fought for equal access for herself and others. Lori spent her life in a wheelchair, but the limitations of her body did not define her life.”
“This fund will light the way for people of all abilities for generations to come,” said Angela Katz, Director of Development and Communications at LARC. “It will allow individuals with disabilities and economic limitations to access services designed to help them reach their full potential.”
Limited tickets are available.  COVID-19 safety guidelines will be followed.
Sponsorship packages are available.
For ticket or sponsorship information visit www.larcleecounty.org, call Angela Katz at (239) 334-6285 x 229 or email [email protected].
 
About LARC
Established in 1954, LARC Inc.’s mission is to empower and support individuals with disabilities and their families to reach their full potential. LARC is a 501(c)3 that provides programs and services for approximately 300 local men and women annually. The nonprofit offers youth programs, vocational training, community residential services, and a vast array of other state-of-the-art community inclusion services on a full-time, year-round basis.  LARC’s main campus is located at 2570 Hanson Street, Fort Myers.  LARC also operates two Residential Group Homes located in Cape Coral and North Fort Myers.

‹‹ Previous Post
The Benefits of Observing Dry January
All Posts Next Post ››
Florida Skin Center Adds Insurance Carriers