FORT MYERS, Fla. - In a testament to the support from FGCU Athletics' alumni, donors, friends, and sponsors, the 11th annual Night at the Nest, the department's premiere fundraising event, set a new record of $716,000 in net revenue.  All net proceeds directly support Eagles' scholarship needs.

The gala, which was held on Dec. 3, sold out for the fifth consecutive year, not counting when the event was forced to be held virtually in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"This was our finest Night at the Nest and we are so thankful for the incredible support of FGCU Athletics by the Southwest Florida community," Associate Athletics Director for Advancement Graham Diemer said. "The impact made by our corporate sponsors, attendees, auction item donors, bidders and volunteers is nothing short of amazing. The success of N@N continues to have a huge positive effect on the opportunities and experiences we are able to provide our tremendous student-athletes."

The total revenue raised for this year's Night at the Nest surpassed the previous record established in 2019 of $675,000 (the virtual auction last year produced $448,000).  Since the inaugural event, held in 2010, and due primarily to the generosity of companies and individuals from Southwest Florida, the Night at the Nest has now generated in excess of $5 million dollars total.

Approximately 300 marquee live and silent auction items accounted for nearly $535,000, bolstered by online bidding available for those not in attendance. In addition to the auction items, the event generated $95,450 in donations, $91,200 in admission revenue and $83,500 in sponsorship revenue.

"Our success was once again greatly enhanced by our chairman, Dr. Bob 'Doc' Ryan, and the Eagles Club Board of Advisors," said Diemer. "We are able to continually raise the bar because of the collective continued commitment to make this a first-class and successful fundraiser."

Night at the Nest has grown each year from 300 attendees in that inaugural 2010 gala to its 800-person capacity since 2018.

"We are very appreciative of the continued remarkable leadership provided by Doc Ryan, Graham Diemer and Matt Ring, coupled with everyone internally and externally who was involved with making Night at the Nest another phenomenal success from both friend and fundraising standpoints," said Director of Athletics Ken Kavanagh. "On top of the record amount of resources, it was truly a wonderful evening for all who celebrate the Green and Blue. In turn, we are deeply thankful for all of those who have and continue to support us as we daily pursue providing an enhanced experience for our student-athletes."

Dr. Ryan, of Bonita Bay, who is the Assistant to the AD for Special Events, was again the Night at the Nest Chairman. The Eagles Club Board of Advisors, the official booster club organization of FGCU Athletics, in addition to FGCU administrators, staff, coaches and student-athletes all play an integral role in organizing, promoting and contributing to the overall operation.

"This is always a very special event and it is amazing to see how it has grown over the years thanks to truly generous local community that has embraced FGCU," said Dr. Ryan. "It is fantastic to witness those friends and family members from Southwest Florida, who have adopted FGCU as their own, making such impactful contributions. Every year those profits are used to reward student-athletes with scholarships and that is a lifetime impact for those individuals. I thank everyone who took part in the event and look forward to another successful Night at the Nest come next December 2."

Additionally, Lois Thome - one of Southwest Florida's most well-known media personalities as the co-anchor of WINK News' 5, 6 and 7 p.m. broadcasts - once again served in terrific fashion as the emcee, as did longtime local celebrity Jay Severson as the record breaking auctioneer.
 

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