10 Year Celebration benefited expanded access and specialized pediatric mental and behavioral health care in Southwest Florida
More than 260 community leaders, advocates and families gathered March 11 at Arthrex One Conference Center for the 10th anniversary Kids’ Minds Matter Signature Gala, raising more than $2.4 million to expand pediatric mental and behavioral health services across Southwest Florida. Founded in 2016 through Golisano Children’s Hospital and Lee Health Foundation, Kids’ Minds Matter is Southwest Florida’s strategic solution to addressing the region’s mental health epidemic by fostering community collaboration, developing clinical pathways to screen and treat patients, enhancing public education, and lobbying for systemic change and sustainable funding to improve access to care.
Co-chaired by Jelena & Onur Haytac alongside founders Susan Goldy and Scott Spiezle, this year’s “Rise to Shine” themed-event celebrated a decade of impact while casting a bold vision for the future of children’s mental health care in the region. To open the evening, Lee Health Foundation System Director of Development Anne Frazier welcomed guests and reflected on the growth of Kids’ Minds Matter since its founding in 2016. Over the past 10 years, the initiative has expanded from a single outpatient office with three mental health professionals to seven outpatient offices staffed by 45 clinicians, along with inpatient providers and dedicated mental health navigators helping families access care.
Frazier also presented the 2026 Courtnage Courage in Our Community Award to Dr. Larry Antonucci, president and CEO of Lee Health, recognizing his steadfast leadership and commitment to prioritizing pediatric behavioral health services. “Choosing to invest in children’s mental health takes courage and vision,” Frazier said. “Dr. Antonucci has made it clear that when it comes to our children, we will lead.”
A powerful highlight of the evening came from 20-year-old Gabby Beaulieu, who bravely shared her personal journey through depression, bullying, serious health challenges and a suicide attempt as a middle school student. She credited the care and connections made possible through Kids’ Minds Matter with helping her find healing and hope. “Most importantly – I’m still here,” Beaulieu told the audience. “Because of you, kids like me get help, hope and a future. Because of you, children can rise. Because of you, children can shine.”
The program also featured a panel discussion moderated by Gulf Coast News anchor Kellie Burns, physicians, parents and young patients sharing firsthand accounts of the growing need for specialized mental health services – particularly in areas such as eating disorders, trauma and anxiety.
Leaders outlined plans for the next decade, including fully staffing and expanding the region’s first multidisciplinary pediatric eating disorder clinic, increasing outpatient capacity and continuing to grow access points throughout Southwest Florida, including the new Naples clinic slated to open later this year.
Signature Sponsors included Jelena & Onur Haytac and The Robb Family. Impact Sponsors included Dr. Rick & Ellie Klein, FineMark Bank & Trust, a Division of Commerce Bank, Stock Development, Susan Goldy & Scott Spiezle, and The Toler Foundation. Advocate Sponsors included Gabby, Mea, & Jeanne Beaulieu, Jill Kushner Realty, LeeSar, Marty & John Howard, Scotlynn, Suncoast Credit Union, and The Kim Foundation.