Pace Center for Girls, Lee has announced its Faces of Pace Gala on Saturday, Oct. 21, from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Caloosa Sound Convention Center & Amphitheater, at 1375 Monroe St. in Fort Myers.

The gala will feature dinner, dancing and a spirited live auction with proceeds benefiting Pace programs and services. Recognizing all the Faces of Pace who have played an integral part of the center’s mission to change the lives of girls and young women, the evening will include messages from founding members of Pace Lee as well as updates from Pace leadership.

The signature event is led by co-chairs Noelle Casagrande and Lt. Angelo Vaughn with honorary chair Sandy Stilwell Youngquist. B&I Contractors has been named the title sponsor of the gala.

“With more than 15 years of impact in Lee County, we are proud to have helped more than 1,000 at-promise young women find their voice and transform their lives for the better,” said Jennifer Cellitti, executive director of Pace Center for Girls, Lee. “The many Faces of Pace include courageous young women who have overcome incredible hurdles as well as dedicated volunteers, donors and supporters who helped make these achievements possible. We look forward to bringing the community together for this time of celebration.”

A range of sponsorship opportunities are now available for the gala, including the Creating Partnerships sponsor, Invest in the Future sponsor, Focus on Strengths sponsor, Honor the Female Spirit sponsor and in-kind sponsorships.

The fundraising event supports Pace Lee in providing girls and young women an opportunity for a better future through education, counseling, training and advocacy. Programs are based on the belief that all girls and young women, regardless of race, ethnicity or socioeconomic status, should be uniquely cared for, supported and encouraged to become the best versions of themselves through a path of healing and recovery. Through Pace Lee, 100% of students improved their academic performance, 96% had no involvement with the juvenile justice system within one year of exiting the program and 89% were either in school or gainfully employed after leaving Pace Lee.

For more information, visit PaceCenter.org/Locations/Lee or call 239-425-2366.

About Pace Center for Girls, Lee

Pace Center for Girls, Lee, envisions a world where all girls and young women have power, in a just and equitable society. Founded in 1985, Pace provides free year-round middle and high school academics, case management, counseling, and life skills development in a safe and supportive environment that recognizes and deals with past trauma and builds upon girls’ individual strengths. Dedicated to meeting the social, emotional, and education needs of girls, Pace has a successful and proven program model that has changed the life trajectory of more than 40,000 girls and is recognized as one of the nation’s leading advocates for girls in need. For more information on Pace Center for Girls, Lee, call 239-425-2366 or visit www.pacecenter.org/locations/lee.