Faces of Pace Celebration & Gala Set to Benefit Pace Lee

August 16, 2023
Pace Celebration

Pace Center for Girls, Lee will host its Faces of Pace Celebration & Gala this fall to recognize those who have played an integral part of the center’s mission to change the lives of girls and young women. Set for 6-10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, the evening will include messages from founding members and alumni of Pace Lee as well as dinner, a live auction, dancing and live music by Bay Kings Band. The event will be held at the Caloosa Sound Convention Center & Amphitheater, located at 1375 Monroe St. in Fort Myers.

“This exciting event gives us the opportunity to showcase the power of our transformative programs through Pace, while reinforcing our commitment to empowering girls as they achieve their full potential for a better future,” said Jennifer Cellitti, executive director of Pace Center for Girls, Lee. “This year, we are looking forward to honoring those who have been integral to the success of our mission — the Faces of Pace. Their courageous stories and contributions are a testament to our collective impact over the past 16 years, and we hope to leave guests inspired by the strength and resilience of our Pace community.”

A range of sponsorship opportunities are still available for the gala, including the Creating Partnerships sponsor at $10,000, Invest in the Future sponsor at $7,500, Focus on Strengths sponsor at $5,000, Honor the Female Spirit table sponsor at $1,500 and in-kind sponsorships.

The signature event is led by co-chairs Noelle Casagrande and Lt. Angelo Vaughn with honorary chair Sandy Stilwell Youngquist. B&I Contractors is the gala’s title sponsor.

“With the generous contributions of sponsors and attendees, we can ensure that every girl and young woman has the chance to succeed and find their own voice,” said Noelle Casagrande, co-chair of the Faces of Pace Gala. “Angelo and I are thrilled to co-chair the Faces of Pace Gala alongside Sandy as our honorary chair, as we bring the community together for a special evening in support of Pace Lee.”

The fundraising event supports Pace Lee in providing girls and young women an opportunity for a better future through education, counseling, training and advocacy. Programs are based on the belief that all girls and young women, regardless of race, ethnicity or socioeconomic status, should be uniquely supported to become the best versions of themselves through a path of healing and recovery. Through Pace Lee, 100% of students improved their academic performance, 100% had no involvement with the juvenile justice system within one year of exiting the program and 95% were either in school or gainfully employed after leaving Pace Lee.

For more information, visit PaceCenter.org/Locations/Lee or call 239-425- 2366