By Katrina Salokar | EastLeeNews.com
Bell bottoms, disco vibes, and community spirit filled the room Saturday night as supporters gathered at The Club at Gateway for the 2nd Annual Celebrity Waiter/Waitress Dinner benefiting Lehigh Community Services. More than just a themed fundraiser, the evening brought together local leaders, volunteers, sponsors, and residents for a night focused on helping neighbors in need while celebrating the spirit of community.
Held on April 18, the “Groovy 70’s” themed event welcomed guests beginning with a cocktail hour before attendees were seated for dinner and opening remarks led by emcee Josh Green. Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed dinner service, music, a silent auction, wine pull, raffle drawings, and interactive games that kept the atmosphere lively from start to finish. Attendees arrived dressed in everything from full 1970s-inspired outfits to business casual attire, adding to the fun and festive environment.
Among the community leaders, elected officials, business professionals, and notable guests serving or attending the event were Matt Caldwell, Lee County Property Appraiser; John Talmage, Director of Lee County Economic Development; Amanda Cochran, candidate for Lee County Commissioner District 5; Ruth A. Anglickis, President of Landex Corp.; Butch Swank of Goodlad & Swank Insurance; Fred Elliott, Carrie Chase, Alex DeStefano, all of Belle Realty in Labelle and Coldwell Banker Preferred Properties in Lehigh; Jerika Mungillo, Director of the LaBelle Downtown Revitalization Corporation; Jill Cabai, County Court Judge Group 1; Ethan Frizzell, Major and Area Commander for The Salvation Army of Fort Myers; and Katy Hoover, Commissioner at Lehigh Acres Municipal Services Improvement District, along with many other volunteers and supporters from across Southwest Florida.
Dinner selections included Chicken Cordon Bleu, Salmon, and Prime Rib, with proceeds from the evening benefiting Lehigh Community Services, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization and United Way partner agency serving families and individuals throughout the Lehigh Acres community.
The event committee thanked the many volunteers, celebrity servers, sponsors, donors, auction contributors, and attendees who helped make the evening a success. Organizers said the event continues to grow as both a fundraiser and a community tradition.
“This event is about neighbors helping neighbors while creating a memorable evening people genuinely enjoy being part of,” organizers shared. “The support shown by the community helps Lehigh Community Services continue assisting local families through difficult times.”
In addition to the entertainment and fundraising activities, the event highlighted the importance of community partnerships and local involvement in supporting emergency assistance, food programs, and other outreach services provided by the organization.
Lehigh Community Services is located at 201 Plaza Drive, Suite 3, Lehigh Acres, and continues to serve the region through a variety of support programs aimed at improving quality of life for residents facing hardship.
More information about the organization and future events can be obtained by calling 239-369-5818.
