LARC (Lee Association of Remarkable Citizens) announces sponsors of the 2nd annual fundraiser benefiting The Lori Carroll-Collins Scholarship Fund. Sponsors include Richard and Vicki Pitbladdo, Dwayne Bergmann Interiors, Gulf Star Marina, Marc Collins, Diana Willis of Trinity Commercial Group, Siesta Pebble, Lee Health, and L J Zielke.

Her family established the Lori Carroll-Collins Scholarship Fund in memory of Carroll-Collins. A resident of Fort Myers for 35 years, Lori cared deeply for her community and people in need and led her life by example when it came to generosity and philanthropy. The fund helps bridge financial gaps and allows individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to access innovative services offered by LARC.

“We are so grateful for the support of our event sponsors,” said Angela Katz, LARC Executive Director. “Lori’s scholarship fund is offering hope to those seeking to maximize their independence and employment success and may have no other means to get the support they need. Lori’s fund has already provided five individuals with scholarships for programs including Supported Employment, Adult Day Training, and System Navigation. Every recipient is a success story.”

“Born This Way” is Saturday, March 19, 2022, at Misty Morning Barn in Fort Myers. Guests will enjoy gentle breezes flowing through the barn doors, among a backdrop of natural arching oaks, tropical pines, and sun-kissed cypress trees. The April 2021 event raised $214,000.

The evening will include a five-course dinner created by celebrated local chefs, including Mike and Karen Gavala of G3 Catering. News anchor Kellie Burns of NBC-2 and Southwest Florida writer, actor, and director, Stephanie Davis will emcee the event. Local businesswoman and entrepreneur Diana Willis will chair the event. Marc Collins, Lori’s husband, is the honorary chair.

Guests will meet sixth-generation winemaker Clay Mauritson, founder and owner of Mauritson Wines in Healdsburg, California, and enjoy family-crafted wines paired with each course. In 1998, Mauritson produced his first bottling of Dry Creek Zinfandel under the Mauritson label, and, in 2002, he began devoting his efforts full-time to the Mauritson Family Winery project.
His winemaking philosophy is simple: You need exceptional fruit to make outstanding wine. About 300 acres of Sonoma County family vineyards and strong relationships built over the years with other growers have given him access to some of the best fruit that Sonoma County, Dry Creek Valley, and Rockpile have to offer. Devoted to making exceptional wines, Mauritson is on his way to becoming one of California’s foremost young winemakers.

Individual tickets are sold out. Limited sponsorships that include tickets are available. Donations to the scholarship fund can be made online for those unable to attend at www.larcleecounty.org. For more information, visit www.larcleecounty.org, call Angela Katz at (239) 334-6285 x 210, or email [email protected].