Diamond anniversary celebration supports SEA STAR Program at Golisano Children’s Hospital
Feb. 24, 2026 – The 10th Annual MarineMax Yacht Gala brought the community together for an unforgettable evening of dockside giving in support of Lee Health. With this year’s celebration, the event has now raised more than $2.5 million over the past decade, reflecting ten years of generosity and impact across Southwest Florida.
Held at MarineMax Fort Myers, this year’s “Under a Million Stars” celebration marked a diamond anniversary on the water. Proceeds from the 2026 gala will benefit the SEA STAR Program (Safety Education Awareness, Sensory Training – Autism Readiness) at Golisano Children’s Hospital, an innovative initiative designed to improve care experiences for children with autism and sensory sensitivities.
The SEA STAR Program equips healthcare teams with specialized sensory training, enhances care environments to reduce overstimulation, and provides tools that help children feel safe and supported throughout their medical visits. From Florida’s first sensory-friendly ambulance to calming enhancements across emergency, inpatient, and outpatient settings, the program is redefining inclusive pediatric care in the region.
“The 10th anniversary of the MarineMax Yacht Gala was a powerful reflection of our community’s heart,” said Justin Brand, senior director of development for Lee Health Foundation. “Because of our advocates’ generosity, children who experience sensory challenges will continue receiving care in environments thoughtfully designed with comfort, dignity, and compassion in mind.”
Guests enjoyed handcrafted cocktails, an elegant dinner, and dancing among a stunning display of yachts. The evening featured live and silent auctions, adding energy and excitement to a night centered on impact.
Throughout the program, attendees heard how SEA STAR is guiding a brighter, more inclusive path forward — ensuring every child, especially those who may feel overwhelmed in clinical environments, receives the thoughtful, individualized care they deserve.
As the MarineMax Yacht Gala enters its second decade, its mission remains clear: to create transformative change for children and families throughout Southwest Florida, one meaningful evening at a time.
For more on supporting SEA STAR and other specialty programs, visit GiveGolisano.org.
About Golisano Children’s Hospital
Golisano Children’s Hospital, a nationally recognized facility for safety and quality care, is one of five acute care hospitals within Lee Health. Established in 1994, Golisano is the only designated children’s hospital in Southwest Florida, with over 500,000 visits a year, serving patients from six surrounding counties. Ranked as a Top Children’s Hospital by Leapfrog, a Solution for Patient Safety network hospital, an Asthma Friendly Hospital and a certified center for children with Autism, Golisano offers over thirty specialty pediatric services in various locations across SWFL. Lee Health opened the current hospital building in May 2017 which includes 135-beds and comprehensive neonatal and pediatric services. For more information, visit GoGolisano.org.