Celebrating Resilience and Hope: The Florida Center’s Second Annual Wonder Gala
Friday, December 5, 2025 at The Ora

This year’s fundraiser honors the courage of children and families, the compassion of a community, and the life-changing work of The Florida Center.

(October 20, 2025) The Florida Center for Early Childhood announces its second annual Wonder Gala, the organization’s signature fundraising event benefiting the region’s youngest children and their families. The celebration takes place Friday, December 5, 6:30 p.m., at The Ora, 578 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. Individual tickets are $375, with a variety of sponsorship opportunities available. To learn more or to purchase tickets, click here or call 941-371-8820.

The Wonder Gala will feature moving stories from families whose lives have been transformed through The Florida Center’s programs, offering an intimate look at the profound difference comprehensive care and dedicated guidance can make. Guests will also encounter the Wonder Wall, a striking display of portraits and narratives honoring children and families who have found hope and healing with the center’s help. Together, these stories illuminate not only the obstacles families have faced, but also the resilience, joy, and brighter futures made possible through community generosity and The Florida Center’s unwavering commitment to early childhood wellbeing.

Guests will enjoy a gourmet feast by Michael’s On East, an open bar, a silent auction, and a high-energy paddle raise. The evening also features an electrifying performance by rising vocalist Allison Nash and dancing to Soul Sensations, rounding out a celebration that blends elegance with impact.

According to Dr. Kristie Skoglund, CEO of The Florida Center, the Wonder Gala is more than a fundraiser—it is a celebration of hope and shared commitment.

“Each year, this evening renews our belief in what’s possible when a community comes together,” said Skoglund. “The Wonder Gala gives us a chance to honor the families who inspire us every day and to ensure every child receives the support they need to grow, heal, and thrive.”

All proceeds from the event will benefit The Florida Center’s critical programs, including early education, developmental therapies, mental health services, and support for families navigating challenges such as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders.

Courtesy Photos:

• A student at The Florida Center’s Starfish Academy preschool proudly dresses as a firefighter—just one of the many ways children learn through imaginative play. The Wonder Gala, taking place December 5 at The Ora, helps fund programs like Starfish Academy that foster growth, healing, and discovery.
• Creativity and joy shine through at The Florida Center’s Starfish Academy, where art, play, and learning build confidence every day. Proceeds from the Wonder Gala on December 5 support early education and therapeutic programs that nurture children’s development.
• Rising vocalist Allison Nash will deliver a powerful live performance at The Florida Center’s Wonder Gala on December 5, inspiring guests with her soulful voice and heartfelt energy.
• The Wonder Wall is a signature feature of The Florida Center’s Wonder Gala—a moving installation of portraits and stories that honor families who have found hope and healing through the Center’s life-changing programs.
• Guests at The Florida Center’s Wonder Gala on December 5 will dance the night away to Soul Sensations, a dynamic band known for bringing irresistible rhythm and soul to the dance floor.
• Therapists and teachers at The Florida Center use play-based learning and therapy to help children express emotions and build trust. Funds raised at the Wonder Gala ensure that every child receives the care they need to thrive.

Click here to learn more and order your tickets and sponsorships.

About The Florida Center for Early Childhood

For more than 45 years, The Florida Center for Early Childhood has been the leading provider of therapeutic services, early education, and healthy development for young children in southwest Florida, offering a seamless delivery of services for the whole child and their family. Today, the agency is nationally recognized for its early childhood expertise in various specialties. The Florida Center provides developmental therapies, mental health counseling, Starfish Academy preschool, the Healthy Families home-visiting program, and the state’s only Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Clinic, with locations in Sarasota, Orlando and Pensacola.