HAHarvey Walden
2 weeks agoWonder Gala Raises Nearly $600,000 for Early Childhood Programs
The annual fundraising event raised nearly $600,000 to support life-changing programs for young children and families.
(December 18, 2025) The Florida Center for Early Childhood’s Wonder Gala on December 5, 2025 at The Ora was an unforgettable celebration of generosity, resilience, and community spirit. More than 260 supporters and staff gathered to honor the organization’s mission. Together, they raised nearly $600,000 to strengthen early education, developmental therapies, and mental health services for young children and their families.
Throughout the evening, guests were reminded that the earliest years shape a lifetime—a truth reflected in the stories shared and the moments that unfolded, as families illustrated how timely, compassionate support can change the trajectory of a child’s life and restore a sense of wonder.
One of the night’s most powerful elements was the Wonder Wall, a striking display of faces and stories from children and families impacted by The Florida Center’s programs. This installation invited guests to witness the resilience, hope, and progress made possible by early intervention and community support.
Music and celebration filled the ballroom, as Sarasota Young Voices and the Gulf Coast Homeschool Fine Arts Boys Choir provided a layered choral backdrop during a performance by rising star Allison Nash, who delivered two soulful sets. Later in the evening, Soul Sensations kept the dance floor full with high-energy music. Silent and live auctions and a lively paddle raise, featuring exceptional experiences and getaways, contributed significantly to the evening’s fundraising success.
Referencing Allison Nash’s performance of “Higher Love,” board president Eddie Pérez-Ruberté shared, “The message of the song reminds us that even when the world feels heavy or unfair, there is a love each and every one of us can bring into it—a love that heals, strengthens, and gives hope. Miracles happen here every day.”
The Wonder Gala also reflected the momentum of the past year, during which thousands of children and families received support through early childhood mental health services, school-based therapy, developmental therapies, FASD diagnostic evaluations, family support programs, and early education. Their progress underscores how early, compassionate intervention can restore stability, spark growth, and transform futures.
Proceeds from the evening will directly support The Florida Center’s programs, ensuring more children receive the vital services they need during their most formative years.
Photo Captions: Photos by Rod Millington
Guests and sponsors helped raise nearly $600,000 for The Florida Center’s programs. Quality Enclosures was the gala’s Presenting Sponsor. Shown here: Back row: (left to right): Kelsey Schwartz, Steve Schwartz (President, CEO Southeast & Mid Atlantic, Quality Enclosures), Janine Schwartz, Michael Schwartz (President, CEO, New England, Quality Enclosures), Gina Rouen and Mike Rouen. Front row (left to right): Jeffrey Berndt, Yuliya Crosley, Sasha Rosin and Andrew Rosin.
Board president Eddie Pérez-Ruberté shared moving remarks about courage, hope, and “higher love.”
Guests filled the ballroom for an inspiring evening celebrating resilience, generosity, and community.
The evening’s auctioneer, Jason Alpert, energized the room during the live auction, inspiring generous bidding in support of The Florida Center’s programs.
Rising star Allison Nash delivered two soulful performances at the event.
Members of Sarasota Young Voices and Gulf Coast Homeschool Fine Arts Boys Choir performed for Wonder Gala guests.
Dr. Kristie Skoglund, CEO of The Florida Center for Early Childhood, welcomed guests and reflected on the organization’s impact.
About The Florida Center for Early Childhood
For more than 45 years, The Florida Center for Early Childhood has been the leading provider of therapeutic services, early education, and healthy development for young children in southwest Florida, offering a seamless delivery of services for the whole child and their family. Today, the agency is nationally recognized for its early childhood expertise in various specialties. The Florida Center provides developmental therapies, mental health counseling, Starfish Academy preschool, the Healthy Families home-visiting program, and the state’s only Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Clinic, with locations in Sarasota, Orlando and Pensacola.
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