Gala moves dream of strong families toward reality

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Smiles and greetings from our royal helpers welcomed guests to the 2025 Night of a Million Dreams gala Thursday, February 20, at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón.

The evening featured great food, heartfelt moments, and a fun performance of dueling pianos that had the whole room laughing and dancing.

Our 2025 gala theme, Once Upon a Time, reflects our shared commitment to writing a better future for vulnerable children in our community. This meaningful work is only possible through the generosity of those who support our mission.

One family who has flourished through our program took the stage to share their story: Angelee and her three boys, Israel, Adonis, and Addison, who stole hearts dressed on-theme as royal princes.

Israel helped escort guests to the Grand Lawn Ballroom for the Night of a Million Dreams gala Thursday, February 20, 2025, at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón.
Images by LionStar Photography

When asked why he’s proud of his mother, 10-year-old Israel said loud and clear, “I’m most proud of my mom for finishing school and getting her medical assistance license.” The audience erupted in applause.

Peter Rivera, president of title sponsor Gaea Landscaping, also spoke at the event, sharing an emotional story about why he gives.

“My reason is sitting right there,” Peter said as he pointed to his mom in the audience. His family had struggled when he was growing up in Fort Myers, but his parents instilled generosity in their children.

After the gala, Peter’s mom, Maria Ramos, said, “He helps because somebody helped me.” Giving back has always been important to her. “I always thank you God for everything.”

When asked why they give, many in attendance cited Better Together’s proactive approach and its giving a hand up rather than a handout.

“They save families before they reach a tipping point … It’s a smart strategy,” Chris Wilson said, his wife, Lorraine Wilson, adding, “I’ve been to one million of these, and this has been by far the best one I’ve ever been to.”

The auction raised $482,600, bringing the total raised to $621,050, an amount that will help Better Together keep hundreds of children out of foster care by empowering parents to provide the safe, loving homes children need.

If you missed the gala but would like to contribute, additional donations will be accepted through our website:

Donate Now

To get started as a volunteer, take the first step here:

Volunteer

The event was chaired by Chadd and Andrea Hodges and Christian and Kelli Spilker.

Additional sponsors include DeAngelis Diamond as Storyteller Sponsor; Gulfshore Life and Naples Press as Media Sponsor; Collier Enterprises, LeeCorp Homes, and Wilson & Johnson as Royal Knight Sponsors; Collaboratory, HBK CPAs & Consultants, Trinity Commercial Group, and Summit Church as Timeless Tale Sponsors; Florida Department of Children and Families, Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP, Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A., Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Metz, Husband & Daughton PA, Potter Homes, and TaxSavers as Golden Apple Sponsors; Grasmeier Business Consulting, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Priority Marketing, Pulte Homes, Roof Right, and RYAN Healing Center as Wishing Well Sponsors; and Boatman Ricci, Edison Business Advisors, Estate Landscaping & Lawn Management/Triple J Grassing & Mulching, and Waste Pro as Fund A Dream Sponsors.