The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center Presents Saltwater Cowboy

The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center Presents Saltwater Cowboy

Photos (March 2023 Saltwater Cowboy)

Alex Nara, Cori-Anne Kelly, Travis Kelly, Frank Diaz, Tyler Nara, Melissa Rohrman, Christina Diaz

Melissa Barlow, Deb Mathinos and Kathryn Kelly with kids from The Heights Center’s programs

Armando Llechu and Amy Siewe

Kathleen Bowling, Kathryn Kelly, Gary Katz Laura Katz, Lorraine Wright, Dane Kelly

Event is Friday, October 20 at MarineMax Fort Myers

 (Fort Myers, Fla. –September 13, 2023,) — Bring your salty attitude and join your boat-runnin’, fish-wranglin’, briny friends for a night of great food, drinks, music, and dancing.  The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center presents Saltwater Cowboy on Friday, October 20, from 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. at MarineMax in Fort Myers.   The event benefits The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center and Heights Early Learning programs.  The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center is an organization that works to build strong, self-sufficient families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood of Fort Myers.

“We believe a decent education allows at-risk kids to meet, challenge, and raise the bar on the world’s narrative of them,” said Kathryn Kelly, founder, president, and CEO of The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center.  “Our enriching preschool, charter school, afterschool, and summer camp programs ensure that parents can work while their kids learn, are safe, and have fun.  In addition, our adult and family programs provide opportunities for self-sufficiency.  This event supports our families and is an opportunity for a lot of fun!”

Guests will enjoy an extensive raw bar from The Timbers Restaurant and Fish Market, and signature cocktails.  Jay Johnson of Bubba’s Roadhouse and Saloon will prepare a steak dinner that will be accompanied by fresh Gulf shrimp.   

The event will include a silent and live auction.  Auction items include a Learn to Sail for Two on Captiva courtesy of Offshore Sailing School, an Everglades Python hunt with Huntress Amy Siewe, an in-home dinner with a celebrated local chef, and a custom Gyotaku by artist Charlie Brown.

Live music will be performed by Rudy Cox and Jumping Fences Band.  In addition, guests will have the opportunity to view luxury boats available at MarineMax.

Sponsorships start at $1,250. Individual tickets are $250 per person.

MarineMax is located at 14030 McGregor Boulevard in Fort Myers.

For more information, visit www.heightsfoundation.org/saltwatercowboy or call Annie Campbell at (239) 482-7706 or email [email protected]

About The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center

The Heights Foundation works to build self-sufficient families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood.

Our mission is to support education and wellness, promote family and community development, and provide the benefits of enrichment and the arts.    The Heights Center, supported by The Heights Foundation, is a place for Education, Opportunity, and Enrichment.   Heights Early Learning serves more than 80 babies through 4 years old.   The Heights Center serves 150 children in AfterSchool and SummerCamp.    The Harlem Heights Community Charter School serves 205 children from kindergarten through fifth grade.

Harlem Heights was originally settled as a rural agricultural community.   Approximately 780 children live in a mixture of single-family homes and multi-family apartments.    Demographically, the population is approximately 70% Hispanic, 20% African-American, and 8% Caucasian.    The poverty rate for children in Harlem Heights is more than twice the county average, with family income 40% below the county average.  As a result, families cannot easily access family support services in downtown Fort Myers and benefit greatly from programs within the neighborhood.