Wonder Gardens Enchanted Gala generates support and donations for projects outlined in master plan

BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. - Feb. 20, 2025 - PRLog -- The 8^th Annual Enchanted Gala, Wonder Gardens' signature fundraising event, was a great success and a large step forward in achieving major goals outlined in the Wonder Gardens' master plan, including new exhibits, habitats and educational opportunities.

Held Feb. 13 at the Wonder Gardens, funds raised at the event will be used for developmental projects, such as a hurricane resistant Flamingo Night House and expanded orchid gardens; habitats for new residents of the Wonder Gardens, including kinkajous and sloths; and the daily costs of care for the resident reptiles and birds.

The 2025 gala was themed "An Enchanted Oasis" and featured welcome cocktails courtesy of Chartreuse Cocktail Lounge, exciting live and silent auctions, dinner by Artichoke and Company and live music by DiscoMania. While enjoying the beautifully lit gardens, attendees got a glimpse of the progress at the Otter Grotto and learned about major projects and educational opportunities in need of funding. After learning about the potential for sloth encounters at the Wonder Gardens, Jim Oberweis, a gala attendee and longtime supporter of the Wonder Gardens, generously pledged $40,000 for an estimated $80,000 future habitat for kinkajous and sloths.

"The annual gala is always an exciting and fun event, and having the opportunity to showcase our plans for new exhibits and enhanced guest experiences made the evening even more special," said Neil Anderson, president and CEO of Wonder Gardens. "We were able to transport our audience to the future to see the new Flamingo Night House area, thanks to a special 3D rendered video by Lombardo Luxury Build Group, the company designing and building the exhibit. Allowing our guests to visualize our plans makes a real difference, and we're so thankful."

Sponsors of the event included FineMark National Bank & Trust, Gulfshore Life, Chartreuse Craft Cocktail Lounge, Lombardo Luxury Build Group, North Bonita Country Club, Art Box Collective, Donna Flammang, Marjorie Rubacky and Fast Signs/Monarch Graphics.