Youth Haven, Collier County’s only emergency and residential shelter for abused, neglected and homeless children and teens ages 6 to 21, will host its annual Starry Nights Gala from 5:30 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, March 21, at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón. The signature fundraising event brings together community leaders, philanthropists and supporters for an evening of transformation, with proceeds benefiting vulnerable youth throughout Southwest Florida who depend on Youth Haven for home, hope and healing.

Guests will enjoy an unforgettable night under the stars featuring a cocktail reception, gourmet dinner, live entertainment by Powerhouse Next Generation, dancing, and both silent and live auctions. The evening’s attire is black-tie optional.

“Starry Nights is more than a gala; it’s a powerful demonstration of our community’s commitment to children and teens who have experienced hardships and trauma,” said Linda Goldfield, chief executive officer of Youth Haven. “The generosity shown through this event ensures we can continue to provide safety, stability and life-changing programs for the youth who depend on us. Every child at Youth Haven is a shining star. Support from our community helps illuminate their path to a brighter future.”

The 2026 Starry Nights Gala will be led by event chairs Rufino Hernandez, Dr. Deborah Houk, Christine Lublin and Sheliah Wall. Jacki and Max Guinn are the honorary chairs. With a longstanding tradition of community leadership and philanthropic support for the event, past honorary chairs include Elizabeth and Stanley Star in 2025, Amy and John Quinn in 2024, Jill and Steve Miller in 2023, and Sandi and Tom Moran in 2022.

WINK News Anchors Corey Lazar and Taylor Petras will emcee the evening, alongside television personality Courtney Hansen. Star Sponsors for the 2026 event include Fitzgerald Family Foundation, Jacki and Max Guinn, and Pamela and James Curley. Media Sponsors include Gulfshore Life, Gulfshore Business and The Naples Press.

A variety of sponsorship opportunities are available for individuals, families and businesses wishing to make a meaningful impact, including:

• Star Sponsor, $50,000 – Press release recognition, king’s table seating for 24 guests, tableside champagne service, stage recognition at event, large star on the “milky way” double-page ad in the print program, logo/name on website, signage, social media, and inclusion in event eblasts;
• Dream Sponsor, $35,000 – King’s table seating for 16 guests, tableside champagne service, stage recognition at event, large star on the “milky way” single-page ad in the print program, logo/name on website, signage, social media and inclusion in event eblasts;
• Home Sponsor, $25,000 – Preferred seating for 10 guests, stage recognition at event, medium star on the “milky way” single-page ad in the print program, logo/name on website, signage, social media and inclusion in event eblasts;
• Hope Sponsor, $15,000 – Preferred seating for eight guests, stage recognition at event, small star on the “milky way” half-page ad in the print program, logo/name on website, signage and social media;
• Healing Patron, $10,000 – Preferred seating for six guests, quarter-page ad in the print program, logo/name on website and signage;
• Heart Patron, $7,500 – Preferred seating for four guests, quarter-page ad in the print program, logo/name on website and signage; and
• Courage Patron, $3,000 – Preferred seating for two guests, recognition in the print program, and logo/name on website and signage.

Sponsorship must be secured and print-ready art must be received by Feb. 28 to be included in the print program. Volunteer opportunities are also available. For questions or more information, please contact Katie Schweikhardt, director of development, at 239-687-5175 or Katie.Schweikhardt@youthhavenswfl.org.

Individual tickets are $750. To learn more about sponsorships, purchase tickets or explore ways to support the event, visit starrynights.youthhavenswfl.org.

Youth Haven serves as a dedicated community partner and regional leader in providing a safe haven for children and teens in need throughout Southwest Florida. For more information or to schedule a tour, visit youthhavenswfl.org or call 239-774-2904.

About Youth Haven

For more than five decades, Youth Haven has served as a sanctuary in Southwest Florida, providing home, hope and healing to children and teens experiencing abuse, neglect and oftentimes, homelessness. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and Collier County’s only emergency and residential shelter for boys and girls ages 6 to 21, Youth Haven provides far more than shelter, delivering comprehensive programs including therapeutic services, trauma-informed holistic care, foster and transitional housing, and enrichment initiatives that help every child realize their potential and have a bright future. Youth Haven is accredited by the nationally recognized Council on Accreditation, licensed by the Florida Department of Children and Families, and is a partner of Children’s Network of Southwest Florida. Rated 4-star (excellent) by Charity Navigator and Platinum by Candid/Guidestar, Youth Haven is a beneficiary of the Naples Children Foundation. For more information or to schedule a tour, please visit youthhavenswfl.org or call 239-774-2904. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.