Magic Under the Mangroves 2010March 4th Fundraiser Raised over $400,000 The March 4, 2010 "Magic Under the Mangroves" was a smashing success for the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. More than 450 guests attended and helped raise over $400,000 for Conservancy programs. This total includes $45,000 raised for "Fund-a-Vet," an initiative to shorten the timeline to hire a staff veterinarian for the Conservancy Wildlife Clinic.
"Our goal exceeded our expectations and represents a significant increase compared to the previous $375,000 record set in 2009," according to Andrew McElwaine, Conservancy of Southwest Florida president and CEO. "So many people deserve the credit for this success: our sponsors, our patrons, our past Magic chairs, the Magic Committee and our Magic Chairwoman, Nancy White."  "We are so proud of all the work done by the Magic Committee. They worked hard to secure unique silent and live auction items, promote the event and introduce new friends to the event and the Conservancy," White said. "Their enthusiasm, endless hours of hard work and their tenacity helped us exceed our goal."
 During "Magic Under the Mangroves," the Cap d'Antibes site at Pelican Bay was transformed into an eco-friendly paradise with earth-friendly décor, sustainable fabrics and materials, low-energy lighting, recycling and waste reduction. Native plants added to the ambient atmosphere in the tents.
 As part of the event, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida announced Ellin Goetz as its 2009 Eagle Award winner. The prestigious 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.
Goetz, a former Conservancy board chair and current member of the Chairman's Advisory Council, has demonstrated a sustained commitment to conservation of the area's natural resources. Past recipients of the Conservancy Eagle Award include Marjorie Stoneman Douglas, Clyde Butcher, Kathy Spalding, Dorothy Blair and Lavern Gaynor.  Magic Chair Nancy White expressed her appreciation for the presenting sponsors, Northern Trust and Gulf Bay. Northern Trust was a returning sponsor and Gulf Bay's new sponsorship provided the incredible Cap d'Antibes location for the Magic event. Gulf Bay's support was enhanced by the partnership with the Pelican Bay Foundation to help the event run smoothly.
Betty Maclean Travel, Gulfshore Life and new sponsors added to the event's success. U.S. Trust Bank of America Wealth Management supported the event with a patron-level sponsorship. The support provided by the local media community, Gulfshore Life, The Pelican Bay Post, NBC-2, Florida Weekly, and Comcast increased the cache' and awareness of the fundraiser. New supporters of Magic included Wachovia as an auction catalog sponsor and the Miami Dolphins. The Miami Dolphins VIP Experience item in the Live Auction received the highest bid of the evening and one of the highest bids in Magic history. The Live Auction was hosted by Naples Mayor Bill Barnett and NBC-2 Anchor Reporter Kellie Burns. The momentum for the event started at the Magic Patron Party on February 21, sponsored by BNY Mellon. Guests previewed the live auction items at a private club on Keewaydin Island during the event. Proceeds from the event will be used for Conservancy initiatives to protect our water, our land, our wildlife and our future in the region. While the "Saving Southwest Florida" Capital Campaign has tremendous momentum, Magic funds provide a significant portion of the annual Conservancy operating budget. Next year's "Magic Under the Mangroves" gala fundraiser is planned for March 3, 2011. 
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