Naples' "Paddle Season" Shatters Records with Over $45 Million Raised for Nonprofits

A Historic Run for Local Philanthropy

Naples’ annual winter gala season, often referred to as "paddle season," proved to be a record-breaking period for local nonprofit organizations. The season, which typically runs from November through March, saw a massive infusion of donations, with various nonprofits collectively raising more than $45 million during the stretch between November 2024 and March 2025. This significant achievement underscores the generosity and deep commitment of the Naples community to supporting crucial local causes, with many organizations setting new fundraising benchmarks for their events.

Momentum Builds for the Cultural Campus

Among the most high-profile and successful fundraising efforts is the Capital Campaign for the Gulfshore Playhouse Cultural Campus. Philanthropic and business leaders within Naples have demonstrated their commitment to the arts, significantly boosting the campaign to create a state-of-the-art facility. A recent surge of support included eight individual donors committing more than $14 million in new, multi-million dollar gifts to the Capital Campaign. This wave of generosity has pushed the total amount raised for the Cultural Campus to just over $33 million. The ongoing support for the Cultural Campus is positioning the project to become an iconic landmark at the entry point to downtown Naples.

The new facility is planned to be the Baker Theatre and Education Center, designed as a cutting-edge hub for performing arts. The center will feature two new theaters: a larger 350-seat Mainstage Theatre and a more intimate 125-seat Studio Theatre. Beyond its direct artistic and educational mission, the new Cultural Campus is projected to have a considerable economic impact on the region. Analysts anticipate the completed facility will generate more than $20 million annually in local economic activity, creating a substantial benefit for the surrounding business community and downtown area.

Gala Events Drive Annual Fund Success

In addition to the large-scale capital campaign support, individual gala events played a critical role in supplementing the annual operational funds for Naples' charitable groups. Gulfshore Playhouse's own major event, The Loverly Gala, successfully raised over $1.4 million for the Annual Fund for Artistic Excellence. The Edwardian-themed event provided a memorable experience for attendees, transforming The Ritz-Carlton Beach Resort into a scene of opulence and extravagant decoration reminiscent of London’s historical streets. The evening included various entertainments, such as lively horse races, emotional tributes from donors recognizing the importance of the organization, and a show-stopping performance by stars from the 2016 Gulfshore Playhouse production of My Fair Lady. The success of events like The Loverly Gala confirms the continued importance of in-person performing arts and the community's willingness to support the arts through lively, memorable experiences. The funds raised are essential for supporting the ongoing artistic programming and daily operations that allow the Playhouse to deliver high-quality theatrical productions and educational programs year-round.