The March 12 event supports pediatric mental and behavioral health care services
Tickets are available, but selling fast for the March 12 Kids’ Minds Matter Signature Gala in Naples featuring swimmer Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time.
The swimmer will share how he learned to put equal emphasis on his physical and mental health after living with depression and anxiety for years. The event is designed to increase awareness and education around the mental and behavioral health crisis, and raise necessary funds to expand services for children and families.
The theme for the event is “The Ripple Effect: Creating Circles of Support for Children,” diving deeper into the impacts of supporting children’s mental health on every member of the family as well as the entire community. 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 $2.2 million. Kids’ Minds Matter founders Scott Spiezle and Susan Goldy serve as the 2025 honorary co-chairs, and the event is co-chaired by Debbie and Bill Toler.
Philanthropic support in 2025 will help Golisano Children’s Hospital:
- Expand clinics throughout the Southwest Florida area to serve families close to home.
- Develop an Intensive Outpatient Program for Psychiatric and Psychological Health, which will provide structured therapeutic services to promote long-term well-being for children.
- Expand the Mental Health Navigator program in local schools, supporting at-risk children and their families through mental health challenges.
- Increase awareness of educational programs, classes and training sessions available for families to better understand and manage mental health issues.
The event begins at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 12 at Arthrex One in Naples. Registration is $500 per ticket. For information about the event, sponsorship opportunities and to register, visit KidsMindsMatter.com/Gala.