A community-powered tradition advancing the future of pediatric surgical care in Southwest Florida
December 9, 2025– For the ninth year, 195 Porsches and exotic cars paraded through Fort Myers as part of the Porsche & Friends Parade, raising $469,800 to support the Golisano Children’s Hospital Surgery Center.
The annual event was founded by John and Valerie Petracco on behalf of the Everglades Region of the Porsche Club of America, with participation from the Gulf Harbour Porsche Owners Group, and Porsche Fort Myers. The Iona McGregor Fire District and Lee County Sheriff’s Office provided additional festive support. Carvel, 1280 Financial Services, Terra Nostra Italian Ristorante, Florida Weekly, and Gendron Funeral Home served as key sponsors whose generosity helped drive the event’s record success.
“What moves me most about this event is knowing that every car in that parade represents hope for a child and family,” said Alyssa Kasiewicz, chief nurse and operations executive at Golisano Children’s Hospital. “JP and Val Petracco have built a tradition that brings joy to our patients today and creates better care for them tomorrow.”
This year’s parade once again blended philanthropy with holiday magic. Santa Claus arrived atop a fire truck to lead the convoy of cars, while SWAT team members and Iona McGregor firefighters, dressed as Santa’s elves, rappelled down the hospital walls to surprise patients with window visits and smiles.
For former Golisano Children’s Hospital patient Alba Cuka, the event carries special meaning.
“This is really amazing,” Cuka said. “When I was going through cancer treatment at Golisano, support like this mattered so much. It still does. Knowing this event helps create better care for other kids makes it even more meaningful.”
The planned outpatient pediatric surgery center will feature four operating rooms, two endoscopy suites, and dedicated spaces for pre- and post-operative care. The $40 million, 40,000-square-foot facility will allow up to 80% of pediatric surgeries to be performed on an outpatient basis, reducing wait times and expanding access to advanced, child-focused surgical care.
Since its inception in 2016, the Porsche & Friends Parade has raised more than $2.1 million for Golisano Children’s Hospital. In recognition of this ongoing generosity, a surgical operating room within the new Golisano Children’s Hospital Surgery Center will proudly bear the Porsche & Friends Parade name, honoring the enduring impact of this community-driven tradition.
To support the development of the new pediatric surgery center, visit GiveGolisano.org/SurgeryCenter.
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.