Manatee Children's Services · 50th Anniversary

Waves of Hope Gala: Cheers to 50 Years

Saturday, February 20, 2027 · Mote SEA LIFE Aquarium

Fifty years of protecting children, strengthening families, and building safer communities in Manatee County. Sponsorships and tickets are open now. Brand sponsorships are exclusive, one company per level, so the first yes takes it.

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Sponsorship opportunities

Put your business behind 50 years of this work

Brand sponsors gain visibility, recognition, and a real connection with an audience that values community. Every level below includes logo placement, program recognition, and social media, and the bigger levels add naming rights, speaking time, and premium hospitality. Each brand level is exclusive to one company. Purchases are handled directly by Manatee Children's Services.

Want help choosing a level, or want me to walk it in for you? Call or text me at (941) 941-5150.

Brand sponsors

One company per level, no exceptions. Logo placement, program and podium recognition, social media, and hospitality.

Tidal Wave 50th Birthday Presenting Sponsor
$20,000

Event titled "Presented by" your brand on all materials, a speaking opportunity, podium recognition all evening, and a premium VIP table for 20.

Reserve this sponsorship
Harbor of Hope 50th Birthday Venue Sponsor
$12,000

Official Venue Sponsor on all collateral and signage, acknowledgment during welcome remarks, half-page program ad, VIP table for 10.

Reserve this sponsorship
Open Water Sponsor
$10,000

The Official Guest Experience Sponsor. A branded activation guests engage with all evening, plus a VIP table for 10.

Reserve this sponsorship
Golden Tide VIP Happy Hour Brand Sponsor
$8,000

Launch the evening with an exclusive toast for VIP sponsors.

Reserve this sponsorship
Ripple of Hope Mission Moment Brand Sponsor
$7,500

The sponsor behind the most powerful moment of the night: the video stories that show 50 years of impact.

Reserve this sponsorship
Manta Ray Photography Brand Sponsor
$7,000

Capture the memories of a milestone evening.

Reserve this sponsorship
Manatee Celebration Decor Brand Sponsor
$6,000

Set the scene for the entire celebration.

Reserve this sponsorship
Tarpon Auction Brand Sponsor
$5,000

Help guests raise their paddles and create waves of generosity.

Reserve this sponsorship
First Wave VIP Valet Brand Sponsor
$5,000

A seamless, welcoming arrival for every guest.

Reserve this sponsorship
Vintage Waves Wine Sponsor
$4,000

Toast 50 years of hope and healing.

Reserve this sponsorship
Coastal Cheers Beer Sponsor
$4,000

Keep the celebration flowing with refreshing coastal brews.

Reserve this sponsorship
Sweet Tides Dessert Sponsor
$4,000

End the evening on a sweet note.

Reserve this sponsorship
Redfish Media Sponsor
$2,500

Amplify the message of hope across our community.

Reserve this sponsorship

Table sponsors

Reserve a full table with premium seating and program acknowledgement. The easiest way to bring your team or your clients.

Sunset Legacy Premium Table Sponsor
$10,000

Preferred seating near the stage, sponsor mention in opening and closing remarks, wine service at the table.

Reserve this table
Ocean Current Table Sponsor
$6,000

A steady wave of support that strengthens families and carries healing forward.

Reserve this table
Coastal Celebration Table Sponsor
$2,500

Bring your team or your clients together for a night that celebrates hope and healing.

Reserve this table
Dockside Table Sponsor
$1,000

Anchor your support in a night that brings the community together for children who need healing.

Reserve this table
Tickets

Just want to be in the room?

Dinner, drinks, music, a silent auction, and experiences throughout the evening. Dress code is birthday sparkle and shine.

Coral Ticket Sponsor
$350

Two gala tickets. Support healing at a personal level while joining a community dedicated to protecting children.

Get tickets
Stingray Ticket Sponsor
$250

One gala ticket. An accessible way to be part of the wave of support that protects children and strengthens families.

Get tickets

See every option and buy at MCS

Why I am involved

I spent 28 years showing up on people's worst day.

In the fire service you meet families at the moment everything goes wrong, and you learn that some of what you are called to was years in the making. The earlier somebody steps in, the better the ending. That is the whole idea behind Manatee Children's Services, which is why I serve on their board and raise money for them year round, not just at the gala.

MCS has spent 50 years on treatment, prevention, intervention, and residential programs for Manatee County families. The blue pinwheel you see on this page is the national symbol of child abuse prevention. It stands for the childhood every kid is supposed to get.

50 years
Serving Manatee County families
12,000+
Children and families served each year
501(c)(3)
Independent local nonprofit

Gala night details

  • WhenSaturday, February 20, 2027, 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
  • WhereMote SEA LIFE Aquarium
  • DressBirthday sparkle and shine
  • The nightDinner, drinks, music, silent auction, and experiences throughout the evening
  • QuestionsCall or text me at (941) 941-5150 and I will get you an answer
Watch last year's galaVideo from the MCS gala, on Facebook

More about the organization at manateechildrensservices.com. Prefer email? [email protected].

Manatee Children's Services, Inc. is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. This page is maintained by Tony Fitzgerald, who serves on the MCS board of directors, to support the organization's work; it is not an official Manatee Children's Services website, and MCS does not endorse or sponsor any mortgage product or service. Sponsorship levels, benefits, ticket prices, and availability are set by MCS and are subject to change; confirm current details and complete all purchases on the MCS event page. Sponsorship packages include advertising and hospitality benefits, so they may not be fully tax-deductible; MCS can provide the correct acknowledgment. Donations and ticket purchases are processed by MCS and its partners, not by this site. Matching funds are administered by the Louis and Gloria Flanzer Philanthropic Trust and are subject to its terms and availability. Nothing on this page is mortgage advertising.

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