Calusa Sportsman Foundation raises $177,000 through Inshore Benefit

FORT MYERS, Fla. - Oct. 15, 2024 - PRLog -- The Calusa Sportsman Foundation's fourth annual Inshore Benefit raised $177,000 to support a pair of nonprofit organizations serving children and families in Southwest Florida.

The two-day fishing event, which was held at The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village, started with a Captain's Dinner and raffle on Sept. 6 before the fishing tournament, awards dinner and live auction on Sept. 7.

On Sept. 30, representatives from the Calusa Sportsman Foundation presented $88,500 checks to Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County and Valerie's House, with the two nonprofits splitting the proceeds.

"These funds that our community has helped achieve will go towards renovation projects and program enhancements that will allow growth and additional opportunities to the children and their families they serve," said Mike Dannenhauer, founder of the Calusa Sportsman Foundation. "We are truly honored to be a part of these initiatives and humbled to know that our contribution will help make an impact to those around us."

The mission of Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens. The mission of Valerie's House is to help children and families work through the loss of a loved one together and go on to live fulfilling lives.

Valerie's House was the sole beneficiary during the event's first three years. The Foundation added Boys & Girls Clubs as a beneficiary in 2024. Over four years, the Inshore Benefit has raised $645,000 in charitable support.

"We were ecstatic to be selected as a new beneficiary of the Calusa Sportsman Foundation, which over the years has generated incredible support for charitable causes in our community," said Denise Gergley, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County. "Our After-school Program and Summer Enrichment Camp continue to grow, so securing additional support allows more children and teens to access programs that will help them reach their full potential."

"The Calusa Sportsman Foundation has been one of the largest supporters to our children and families over the past three years, and we have formed many relationships, including volunteers and connected with new Valerie's House families thanks to this partnership," added Angela Melvin, founder and CEO of Valerie's House.

The Calusa Sportsman Foundation was founded by Mike Dannenhauer, Mark Wiles and Jeff Richards, who lead the organization today along with board members Darin McMurray, Dave Nitsche and Sean Russ.