Thanks to passionate guests, sponsors and auction bidders, the 2013 Magic Under the Mangroves™ fundraiser was a smashing success for the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. On March 7, 2013, 430 guests helped raise over $ 938,000 in net income to support Conservancy programs, announced Jeannie Smith, who has been the chairwoman for both the 2012 and 2013 events. Northern Trust was the presenting sponsor of the event.

"The results from Magic continue to exceed our expectations," according to Andrew McElwaine, Conservancy of Southwest Florida president and CEO. "We extend our heartfelt thanks to a very long list of individuals and organizations contributing to this success: our sponsors, our patrons, auction donors, our past Magic chairs, our volunteers, the Board, the Magic Committee and the leadership of Magic chairwoman, Jeannie Smith."

Event Chair Jeannie Smith said, “The Magic Committee and Board members worked tirelessly to secure unique auction items and introduce new friends to the Conservancy. Their enthusiasm, tenacity and passion for the Conservancy mission are truly beyond compare."

As part of the event, the Conservancy presented its prestigious annual Eagle Award.

"The Eagle Award is the highest honor presented annually by the Conservancy at Magic to recognize an individual or group whose work and actions protect the natural environment and quality of life in Southwest Florida," according to John Fumagalli, Northern Trust President.

Conservancy of Southwest Florida 2013 Eagle Award recipients who were honored at Magic on March 7, 2013 were: Dr. Damien Lin, St. Francis Animal Hospital; Dr. Tonya Loreman, Sabal Palm Animal Hospital; Dr. Erik Madison, Emergency Pet Hospital of Collier County; Dr. Jeffrey Noble, St. Francis Animal Hospital; Dr. Frank Ogden, Bonita Veterinary Hospital; and Dr. Christi Warren, Animal Eye Doctors.

Over 200 people cruised to Keewaydin Island to attend the Magic Under the Mangroves™ Patron Party celebration on February 10, 2013 at the private Keewaydin Club.

This year’s Cuban-inspired party is the precursor to the March 7, 2013 "Magic" main event, raising funds for the Conservancy of Southwest Florida to protect the water, land and wildlife in the region. "Magic" Patrons enjoyed Latino inspired food, assorted wines, tropical fruit flambé and rum punch. The menu included Latino inspired delicacies, including a Cuban “sundae:” pulled pork, layered with rice and black beans and topped with mango chutney.

Mother Nature cooperated perfectly with beautiful weather and a spectacular sunset. The event was co-sponsored by Sabadell Bank and Michael G. Lawler/Premier Sotheby’s International Realty.

2013 Magic Committee