Go Wild for "Ding" - Wings of Renewal: Flower Power

This spring, Go Wild for "Ding" invites you to step into a legacy reimagined. Inspired by the hopeful spirit of the 1960s and 1970s, Wings of Renewal: Flower Power Edition celebrates a time when communities united around peace, environmental stewardship, and the belief that positive change was possible. Those decades shaped a conservation movement that continues to influence how we protect wildlife and wild places today. At the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, that legacy lives on through habitat restoration, environmental education, pollinator conservation, and the next generation of stewards who will shape the future. Together, we'll honor where we've been and celebrate where we're going. Sponsorships are now open and include guaranteed seating for this limited‑capacity event. Your support fuels pollinator gardens, Pocket Refuges, spoonbill habitat protection, water‑quality research, and environmental education across Sanibel. Tickets go on sale soon, and seating is extremely limited. Sponsors secure their seats early and help lift the wings of renewal this spring. Attire Encouraged: Flower Power Coastal Chic Celebrate the joy, creativity, and environmental spirit of the 1960s and 1970s. Guests may choose: • Coastal chic with floral accents • Vintage-inspired fashion • Bohemian elegance • Flower Power attire • Full 60s or 70s-inspired ensembles Whether subtle or bold, we invite guests to embrace the spirit of renewal, community, and creativity that defined these decades. This is a night where conservation meets creativity. Where spoonbills, butterflies, and wildflowers remind us that renewal is not just a theme, but a movement. Together, we will celebrate the resilience of the Refuge and lift the next horizon of conservation into view. Why Your Sponsorship Matters Your sponsorship fuels renewal across the Refuge and the community. Butterfly and Pollinator Gardens Your support expands native pollinator habitats that feed butterflies, bees, and birds. These gardens restore ecological balance and bring color and life back to Sanibel. Pocket Refuges at Local Schools Your sponsorship helps create small, powerful learning gardens where students discover how pollinators sustain life. These spaces inspire curiosity, stewardship, and a lifelong connection to conservation. Spoonbill Conservation The roseate spoonbill symbolizes resilience. Your support protects the habitats and water quality this iconic species needs to thrive. Habitat Restoration Mangroves, seagrass beds, freshwater flows, and coastal ecosystems depend on ongoing restoration. Your sponsorship strengthens these critical systems. Water‑Quality Research Healthy water is the foundation of the Refuge. Your support advances research that protects the estuary and the wildlife that depends on it. Environmental Education Thousands of students and visitors learn about conservation through Refuge programs. Your sponsorship ensures these programs continue to grow. Your sponsorship signals a shared conviction that renewal and the future of the Refuge must be actively nurtured. A Legacy Reimagined. Inspired by the Spirit of the 1960s & 1970s and built for the Future of Conservation. A time when a generation dared to imagine a better future. The 1960s and 1970s sparked a movement rooted in community, stewardship, and a belief that protecting the natural world was everyone’s responsibility. Those decades gave rise to some of the most important conservation efforts of our time. They inspired people to think differently about wildlife, water, habitats, and our shared responsibility to future generations. At the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, that Spirit continues today. Wings of Renewal: Flower Power Edition celebrates that era’s optimism, creativity, and environmental awakening while looking boldly toward the future. This year’s gala is a vibrant tribute to renewal, resilience, and the enduring belief that together we can create lasting change. As a sponsor, you become part of that legacy. You help expand Butterfly and Pollinator Gardens that bring color and life to our community. You help establish Pocket Refuges at local schools, where students experience nature firsthand. You help protect roseate spoonbills, restore habitat, advance water-quality research, and inspire the next generation of environmental stewards. Most importantly, you join a community of leaders who believe the future is worth investing in. Sponsorships are tax-deductible, and proceeds from Wings of Renewal support ongoing conservation and education efforts at the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. We see each sponsorship as a true partnership. It’s a mutual investment in nature, community, and the future we’re shaping together. Whether you’re a business looking to align with a cause-driven audience or an individual passionate about preserving wild spaces, your contribution leaves a lasting impact. The Benefits of Sponsorship Beyond supporting a cause that matters, sponsors receive meaningful visibility and recognition before, during, and after the event, including: • Guaranteed seating at this limited-capacity event • Recognition across DDWS communications channels • Listing on the DDWS website • Recognition in Ding on the Wing • Inclusion in Go Wild communications • Social media recognition • Event-night recognition opportunities • Exclusive sponsor experiences at select levels Most importantly, sponsorship positions your organization, business, or family among a community of supporters committed to preserving Sanibel’s natural treasures and the surrounding region. Sponsorship levels range from $750 to $10,000+, each with tailored benefits outlined in the following pages. Sponsorships can encompass a blend of both cash and in-kind contributions. If you have questions while reviewing the sponsor packet or would like to explore meaningful collaboration, please contact Event Manager Angeli Chin at 239-286-5500 or via email at [email protected]. Thank you for considering becoming a steward of Wings of Renewal. We would be honored to have you by our side as we Go Wild for “Ding. A Night Inspired by the Past. A Future Built Together. SPONSORSHIP LEVELS All sponsors may choose to remain anonymous. THE RENEWAL VISIONARY — $25,000+ Where leadership lifts the horizon. Renewal Visionaries rise like the first spoonbill at dawn.