galas Archives - Diocese of Venice

Galas benefit critical programs serving families, children, and individuals in need

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc. has announced the launch of its 2026 signature event season, featuring five major fundraising events across Southwest Florida. These events play a vital role in funding Catholic Charities’ life-changing programs that provide help, create hope, and serve all.

Proceeds from the 2026 event season support a wide range of essential services, including housing and transitional living programs, behavioral health counseling, emergency financial assistance, food pantry services, and children’s programs.

In most cases, the Catholic Charities galas are elegant black-tie affairs, but no matter what the attire, all of the proceeds will go directly to help those in the community where the event is held. This means that by buying a ticket you could help feed families, teach children to read or even prevent some from becoming homeless. Beginning in early February through March there are several chances to support Catholic Charities in an entertaining and unique way.

“The Catholic Charities event season in the Diocese of Venice is more than a celebration—it is a powerful opportunity for our community to come together in support of neighbors,” said Christopher M. Root, Catholic Charities CEO. “The generosity shown through these events allows Catholic Charities to continue to provide compassionate care and essential services to those who need it the most.”

Bishop Frank J. Dewane emphasized the importance of the support of local residents.

“Without the support of the good people of Southwest Florida at these events, Catholic Charities’ work simply would not be possible,” said Bishop Dewane. “Those living within the 10 counties served by Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice have always answered the call to help those in need by attending these events, and by their sharing of time, talent, and treasure.”

In 2025, Catholic Charities provided services to more than 155,000 individuals, including pantry and food services to 95,000. Further, Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice delivered $3.6 million in direct financial assistance, offered over 4,500 behavioral health services, and helped more than 1,200 families, children, and individuals secure safe housing, strengthening lives and communities across the region.

The 2026 Catholic Charities event lineup includes:

Catholic Charities Ball, 6 p.m., Feb. 7, St. Regis Longboat Key Resort, 1601 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Benefits the programs and services in Sarasota County. Tickets are $500. For more information, call 941-294-9400 or email CCBall@ccdov.org.

Our Mother’s House Wine Tasting Auction and Dinner Dance, 5 p.m., Feb 26, Plantation Golf & Country Club, 500 Rockley Blvd., Venice, to benefit the mothers and children at Our Mother’s House, a 2-year transitional living program located in the heart of Venice, dedicated to empowering single mothers with a child. Tickets $150. For more information, 941-485-6264 or omhwinetasting@ccdov.org.

Venetian Ball, 6 p.m., St. Leo the Great Parish Hall, 28290 Beaumont Road, Bonita Springs, to benefit programming in Lee, Hendry, and Glades Counties. Tickets $250. For more information, call 239-342-1620 or email venetianball@ccdov.org.

Emerald Ball, 5:30 p.m., March 14, Ritz-Carlton Tiburon Golf Resort, 2600 Tiburon Drive, Naples, to benefit the programs and services in Collier County. Tickets are $500. For more information, call 239-455-2655 or email emeraldball@catholiccharitiesdov.org.

Boots & Bandanas, 6 p.m., April 24, St. Paul Parish, 1330 E. Oak St., Arcadia, to benefit programs and services in DeSoto County. For more information, 863-494-1068 or email bootsandbandanas@ccdov.org.

Each event is open to all and offers a unique experience while sharing a common purpose: raising vital funds to support Catholic Charities’ mission and ensure services remain available to those facing hardship.

Tickets for all events are on sale now and may be purchased through the Catholic Charities website at https://catholiccharitiesdov.org/events. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.

For more information about Catholic Charities, its programs, or the 2026 event season, please visit https://catholiccharitiesdov.org/ or contact the development office at 941-294-9400 or development@ccdov.org. You can also read about the impact of Catholic Charities in the annual report at https://catholiccharitiesdov.org/annual-reports.

The 50th anniversary of Catholic Schools Week was a great time to have a celebration. Three Catholic schools within the Diocese of Venice finished the week by hosting elegant galas to support Catholic education on Feb. 3, 2024. An additional school hosted a Gala on Feb. 10.

St. Catherine Catholic School in Sebring held its inaugural gala, themed “A Night in Siena,” at the Grogan Center of Our Lady of Grace Parish in Avon Park. More than 220 took part in the event. Funds raised were designated to go toward adding classroom space in the school at the main campus to accommodate recent growth. During the gala, the school Cantor Club performed and artwork from students was on display.

Founded in 2008, St. Catherine’s is the only Catholic school in the Eastern portion of the Diocese. St. Catherine launched with students in pre-kindergarten-3 through second grade scattered throughout a few buildings near the Parish church. Current enrollment is 213 students, up 115 students in the past few years. Diocese of Venice Superintendent of Catholic Education Jesuit Father John Belmonte attended the Gala and said he was impressed by how much the communities in Highlands and Hardee counties support Catholic education in general and St. Catherine Catholic School specifically.

St. Andrew Catholic School in Cape Coral hosted “A Night of Enchantment” Gala at the Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center in Fort Myers. The evening used this new venue because the gala had outgrown its previous locations as the school has continued its own rapid growth, with more than 635 students at present, nearly double the number from a few years ago. The crowd was entertained by members of the Gulfshore Ballet.

St. Andrew Principal David Nelson said the proceeds from the evening will fund campus security, including the cost of having a Lee County Sheriff’s Schools Resource Officer present for the 2024-2025 Academic Year.

The third Gala on Feb. 3 took place in support of the St. Ann School Foundation at the Naples Jet Center. Bishop Frank J. Dewane was the guest of honor, and the theme for the evening was “Swingin’ Into the Sixties.” The St. Ann School Foundation supports the work of St. Ann Catholic School, which has also undergone tremendous growth to more than 475 students, up nearly 200 students in the past few years. The Gala proceeds will go toward student scholarships and enrichment programs for the students.

Marking its 70^th anniversary, the St. Joseph Catholic School “Heritage of Faithfulness” Gala took place on Feb. 10 at the IMG Academy Golf Club, in Bradenton. As with the other Catholic schools, St. Joseph has seen growth of 29% in the past four years, from 224 students to 319. Money raised during the celebration will go toward supporting and expanding the many opportunities offered to the students. Festivities for the evening included live music, silent auction, photobooth, as well as an awards presentation. Dr. William and Karen Soscia were recognized as honorary chairs; James and Marla Doss were presented the Soaring Eagle Award; Angelina “Angel” Colonneso, Esq received the Outstanding Alumni Award, and the Class of 2002 were recognized as the Top Alumni class with donations and attendees. A video presentation about the history of the school was offered, with congratulatory remarks from Bishop Dewane.

As was seen at each of the galas, the enthusiasm for Diocesan Catholic schools knows no boundaries, with many stepping up to help support the tremendous growth seen by Diocesan schools in recent years.

Tag: galas

Catholic Charities kicks off 2026 event season

Galas benefit critical programs serving families, children, and individuals in need

Galas support Catholic schools