News Release: 9/9/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Party Hearty for Charity celebrates 10 years of giving back to Southwest Florida
Gala to benefit eight Southwest Florida nonprofits
NAPLES, Fla. (Sept. 9, 2026) — Party Hearty for Charity Foundation, Inc. will host its 10^th and final commemorative gala on Saturday, Oct. 24 from 5-9 p.m. at the Hilton Naples. Gala proceeds will be equally divided among eight nonprofits including, Big Brother Big Sisters of the Sun Coast, Dress for Success SW Florida, Fostering Success, Warrior Homes of Collier, Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida, Path 2 Freedom, National Alliance on Mental Illness Collier County (NAMI) and NAACP’s ACT-SO program.
Party Hearty for Charity Foundation, Inc., began when husband and wife Daniel and Barbara Melvin wanted to celebrate their birthdays and wedding anniversary by giving back to the community. What started as private gatherings with friends and family turned into an open community celebration, that has continued to grow each year. In the past 10 years, the annual event has raised over $150,000 for nonprofits.
“This gala has given us a platform to make change in our community,” said Daniel Melvin. “We are so grateful to everyone who has made this possible over the years. This final party gives us another opportunity to come together, have fun and make a difference. This is not the end, but the start of a new chapter.”
This year's gala is themed “A Night in Black and White.” It will feature a cocktail hour, gourmet dinner, live and silent action led by auctioneer Shannon Livingston, and live entertainment provided by Daniel Melvin, Spotlight Entertainment and DJ Executive.
Akita Cannon and Carlotta Smith serve as the event’s co-chairs. Cannon is a retired financial manager and currently serves as a guardian ad litem for the 20^th Judicial Circuit Court, advocating for children involved in the court system. Smith owns Carlotta's essential services and serves on multiple nonprofit boards.
Gary Price, founding city manager of Bonita Springs and Trish Leonard, CEO and founder of TLC Marketing & Creative Services, Inc., serve as the event's honorary chairs.
For more information on tickets and sponsorships visit partyheartyforcharity.org.
About Party Hearty for Charity Foundation
Party Hearty for Charity Foundation, Inc., is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit, founded in 2006 by CEO Daniel Melvin. It hosts an annual charity gala, Party Hearty for Charity, to raise funds for nonprofits across Southwest Florida and beyond. For more information visit partyheartyforcharity.org, call 239-218-4863, email partyheartyforcharity@gmail.com or follow it on Facebook.
 
Media Contact:
Daniel Melvin
CEO & Co – Founder
danielthepromoter@gmail.com
239-218-4863
 
Barbara Melvin
President & Co-founder
bmr_melvin@yahoo.com
239-248-8474