Sponsorship Opportunities and Individual Tickets Available Now
August 20, 2025 – Golisano Children’s Hospital and MarineMax Fort Myers are pleased to announce the 10th Annual MarineMax Yacht Gala, taking place on Friday, February 20, 2026, at MarineMax Fort Myers. This year’s theme, “A Night Under a Million Stars,” promises a magical waterfront evening benefiting the hospital’s SEA STAR Program (Safety Education Awareness, Sensory Training, Autism Readiness).
The SEA STAR Program provides sensory-friendly care for children with neurological and developmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, sensory processing disorders, and more. Since its launch in April 2024, nearly 100% of Golisano team members have been trained in sensory-friendly practices. SEA STAR also introduced Florida’s first sensory-friendly ambulance and established 10 sensory rooms throughout Southwest Florida, complete with dimmable lighting, bubble tubes, tactile therapy tools, and fiber optics, all designed to create a safe, calming environment for patients and their families.
“The unwavering commitment MarineMax has shown to Golisano Children’s Hospital continues to transform how we care for children with sensory and developmental disorders,” said Justin Brand, director of development for Lee Health Foundation. “Partnering with them again this year ensures that every child feels safe, understood, and empowered.”
Since its launch in 2016, the MarineMax Yacht Gala has raised more than $2.2 million to support programs and services at Golisano Children’s Hospital. Guests can look forward to an unforgettable night filled with luxury yachts, gourmet dining, dancing, live entertainment, and inspiring stories of impact.
Sponsorship opportunities are now available at the Title Sponsor ($25,000), Presenting Sponsor ($15,000), Platinum Sponsor ($10,000), Diamond Sponsor ($5,000), and Captains Sponsor ($3,000) levels. Individual tickets are $300 each.
For more information about sponsorships and to get your tickets, please visit LeeHealthFoundation.org/MarineMax.
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.