This past Saturday, March 7, we celebrated a truly unforgettable milestone 30th Annual Storybook Ball at the Caloosa Sound Convention Center. The night was filled with wonder, laughter, and a touch of Oz as our community came together to support Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Southwest Florida and the families we serve. Guests stepped into a world inspired by Wicked, where the magic was everywhere you looked, from towering Glinda and Elphaba stilt walkers and whimsical poppy girls to munchkins roaming the room, dazzling singers, a glamorous champagne wall, a yellow brick road, and so many enchanting surprises throughout the evening. It was a night where hearts were lifted, friendships were celebrated, and generosity truly defied gravity.

Most importantly, the evening honored 30 years of RMHC SWFL serving families and children in need through our three core programs, providing comfort, care, and hope when it matters most. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, we can continue to ensure that families stay close to their children during medical care.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made the night so special: those who attended, sponsored, donated, volunteered, sang, danced, bid in the auction, and simply showed up ready to celebrate and make a difference. Your support and energy are what make this event so meaningful year after year. We are also incredibly grateful to the partners who helped bring the magic to life: Luminary Hotel, Caloosa Sound Convention Center, OneCause, Winspire, Pzazz Productions, Citrus Circus, Total Entertainment, Encore Productions, auctioneer Nick Rodriguez, Dipp Photobooth, DJ Ryan, Violinist Jordan, and Singer Mark Sanders.

How could we forget all our generous and dedicated sponsors who truly made this milestone celebration possible and whose generosity continues to change the story for families in our community? Thank you to the following sponsors:

Defying Gravity Sponsor

• Arch Management

For Good Sponsor

• Heisner Enterprises

The Wizard and I Sponsors

• Aubuchon Group
• Grampy’s Charities (thank you for letting previous RMHC families sit at your table!)
• Suncoast Credit Union

Dancing Through Life Sponsor

• Alex King Premier Plus Realty, Co.

Flying Monkey Sponsors

• Cameratta Companies
• Golisano Children’s Hospital – Lee Health
• Nisbet Enterprises Inc.
• Le Belle Vie Aesthetics
• Martin Brower (2)
• Premier Women’s Care of SWFL
• Orchid Realty International
• The Cedar Chest
• The Cugliotta Family Foundation
• The Rocque Family Foundation & Beverly Rocque Fewster
• Turano Florida Bun
• The Jandik Family
• The Ryckman Family

Friend of Oz Sponsors

• Colina Law
• Floridian Carpentry
• Healthcare Network
• U.S. Sugar

Wine Sponsor

• Carey Randall

Guest Takeaway Sponsor

• Norman Love Confections

In-Kind Sponsors

• Cape Coral Cultural Park Theater
• Fort Myers Theater
• Kane Construction Management
• Kevin Healy Construction
• Suffolk Construction
• Southwest Florida Wine Company

A special thank you to everyone who generously donated items to our auctions. Your contributions helped make the night even more impactful. HUGE thank you to our incredible volunteers and Storybook Ball committee, whose dedication and hard work help bring this event to life every year. And to our amazing RMHC SWFL staff and board, thank you for your passion and commitment to serving families across Southwest Florida every single day. After 30 years, one thing remains clear: when this community comes together for families and children in need, there’s truly no place like home.