Guadalupe Center gala inspires with Immokalee student's journey

The Ritz-Carlton Tiburón buzzed with excitement as supporters gathered for the Illuminate the Future – Elevate Gala, benefiting the Guadalupe Center. The event raised critical funds to support education programs for students in Immokalee.

The gala spotlighted student success, featuring a heartwarming story from Immokalee High School senior Yaneli Morales-Velasquez, who just received her first college acceptance letter from her dream school North Central College in Illinois. 

"When I seen the acceptance letter, I literally screamed, jumped up and down, and I was like, oh my gosh, and they offered me a presidential scholarship and they gave me like $30,000 for my four years," said Morales-Velasquez.

Morales-Velasquez shared how programs at the Guadalupe Center helped shape her confidence and direction, from participating in after-school programs as a child to now giving back as a tutor.

"The Guadalupe Center has helped me to open doors to that goal and has inspired me and has honestly helped me to believe in myself when I didn't believe in just myself," said Morales-Velasquez.

Her dream is to become a cardiologist and one day bring care back to her community in Immokalee.

"I hope to inspire any student or any community member to hear my story and how I grew my confidence, how I grew my strength, how I'm also independent as myself," said Morales-Velasquez.

The Elevate Gala exists to support education programs serving more than 2,000 students in Immokalee, from early childhood through college readiness.

"You know, you can quote data, you can talk about impact, but when you hear it directly from someone who has impacted, it's more meaningful," said Dawn Montecalvo, CEO of the Guadalupe Center.

The evening was emotionally charged, as Yaneli's story moved many in attendance. The upcoming Naples Winter Wine Festival also plays a key role in bringing agencies together to support the center.