NAPLES – Guadalupe Center raised $1.2 million at Be Flamazing, a flamingo-themed gala that will enable the nonprofit to enhance and expand its educational programs in Immokalee.

Be Flamazing was held Jan. 16 at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort in Naples and included a catered dinner, auction, jump-up and live entertainment, as well as opportunities to meet students whose lives are being impacted through philanthropic support. The live auction featured a fully customizable Italian excursion and other vacation packages, opulent jewelry, high fashion and more.

Proceeds from Be Flamazing will help support Guadalupe Center’s mission of breaking the cycle of poverty through education for the children of Immokalee.

“The support from sponsors and guests of Be Flamazing will help provide an education that transforms the lives of local students,” said Dawn Montecalvo, president of Guadalupe Center. “Nearly half of Immokalee families live in poverty, but education is helping to provide endless opportunities for students in our programs, including a college education and the chance for a rewarding, stable career.”

Guadalupe Center operates a nationally accredited Early Childhood Education Program, After-school Tutoring & Summer Enrichment Program and college preparatory Tutor Corps Program.

The nonprofit’s gala has become one of Southwest Florida’s highest-grossing annual philanthropic events.

Be Flamazing’s presenting sponsor was the Moglia Family Foundation on behalf of Amy & Paul Heuerman. TD Ameritrade was the Diamond Sponsor, and Moorings Park Grande Lake-London Bay Development Group, Merrill Private Wealth Management, Seminole Casino Hotel and Waterside Shops were Platinum Sponsors. Gold sponsors included Fifth Third Bank, Heatherwood Construction and JPMorgan Chase & Co. Ficarra Design and Naples Trust Company were the Silver Sponsors.

Gulfshore Life and Naples Daily News were Media Sponsors, and Auction Package Sponsors included Celebrity Cruises, Crown Jewelers of Naples, Phifer Pavitt Winery, Preferred Travel, Roberto Coin, Saks Fifth Avenue and Waterside Shops. Gulf Coast International Properties was the Patron Party Sponsor.

Additionally, Annual Corporate Sponsors provided support for the gala and other events throughout the year. These included Carter, David Corban Architects PLLC, Huntington Private Bank, Life in Naples, Northern Trust, Priority Marketing, Synovus, Spotlight News and Tastebuds Custom Catering.