Celebrating 10 Years of Impact for Families and Children in Mental and Behavioral Healthcare
Jan. 29, 2026 –Limited tickets remain available for the March 11 Kids’ Minds Matter Signature Gala in Naples. This year’s theme, “Rise to Shine,” honors a decade of advocates and donors rising to meet the growing needs of Southwest Florida children. It also shines a light on the many lives that have been transformed through the community’s generosity and support.
Just announced, event emcee Kellie Burns will moderate a panel of physicians and young adults sharing personal experiences and discussing individual mental health journeys. Dr. Lance Nelson, Division of Adolescent & Young Adult Medicine at Golisano Children’s Hospital, will provide his expertise to educate guests on the rise of eating disorders in children and outline plans to address the need at Lee Health alongside community partners. He will also explain the correlation between eating disorders and other mental health diagnosis.
According to the National Eating Disorders Association:
- Studies have found that approximately 31% of individuals with anorexia nervosa, 23% of individuals with bulimia nervosa, and 23% of individuals diagnosed with binge eating disorder have attempted suicide.
- Eating disorders have the second highest mortality rate of any psychiatric illness behind opiate addiction.
- 22% of children and adolescents worldwide show disordered eating.
- In a nationally representative US-based study, up to 23% of individuals with Binge Eating Disorder had attempted suicide, and virtually all (94%) reported lifetime mental health symptoms: 70% mood disorders, 68% substance use disorders, 59% anxiety disorders, 49% borderline personality disorder, and 32% posttraumatic stress disorder.
Since 2016, Kids’ Minds Matter has raised money and awareness to improve access to pediatric mental and behavioral health care in our region through Lee Health and Golisano Children’s Hospital, and their community partners. Last year, the event raised a record $2.6 million. This year’s event is chaired by Jelena and Onur Haytac, alongside Kids’ Minds Matter founders Susan Goldy and Scott Spiezle serving as honorary chairs.
The focus of Kids’ Minds Matter for the next decade is to bridge the gap in pediatric behavioral health services, ensuring that children with complex needs don’t have to wait, travel, or go without care. This effort includes hiring and supporting more specialized clinicians who can treat high‑acuity pediatric patients. With community support, we will increase the number of experts trained to care for children facing complex trauma, sexual abuse, eating disorders, severe anxiety and depression, self-harm, suicidal ideation, and co-occurring behavioral health and developmental conditions. Presenting sponsors for this year’s event are Jelena and Onur Haytac and The Robb Family. Impact Sponsors include Dr. Rick & Ellie Klein, FineMark Bank & Trust, a Division of Commerce Bank, Stock Development, Susan Goldy and Scott Spiezle, and the Toler Foundation. Advocate Sponsors are Gabby, Mea, & Jeanne Beaulieu, Jill Kushner Realty, LeeSar, Marty and John Howard, Scotlynn, Suncoast Credit Union, and The Kim Foundation.
The event begins at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11 at Arthrex One in Naples. Registration is $500 per ticket. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Attendees will enjoy a cocktail hour and dinner, followed by the compelling program. For information about the event and to reserve seats, visit KidsMindsMatter.com/Gala.
About Kids’ Minds Matter
Founded in 2016, Kids’ Minds Matter is Southwest Florida’s strategic solution to addressing our region’s mental health epidemic and advancing pediatric mental and behavioral health services. With a focus on developing clinical pathways to screen and treat patients, enhancing public awareness through education, and lobbying for systemic change and sustainable funding, Kids’ Minds Matter fosters collaboration with mental health providers and child advocates, social workers and care navigators, the judicial system, law enforcement, schools and faith-based organizations to improve access to care and meet the needs of the community. Kids’ Minds Matter is managed through Lee Health Foundation and Golisano Children’s Hospital. Visit KidsMindsMatter.com or call 239-343-6950 for more information.