Trends come and go – but there’s one trend around Southwest Florida that I can’t help but notice. Having covered galas, events and fundraisers for close to 30 years around these parts, I’m noticing that area residents are starting to get younger. And I’m not talking due to Botox, fillers or skinny shots – I’m talking about the fact that a new generation is starting to lead the call right here in what used to be known as God’s waiting room.
Gen Z has arrived in The Fort
I’ve observed it at several events this past season – attendees look younger, they dress younger – and the way I can really tell they’re younger is that after I take their photos, I ask their names. For women, there is a plethora of Ashleys, Taylors and Kaitlyns – and for the guys, we have plenty of Joshes, Jordans and Justins. I checked, and these were among the most popular names in 1992, which puts these folks in their early to mid-30s, meaning that here on a peninsula filled with retirees and snowbirds, they’re literally babies. And yet, they seem to be a different breed of Gen Z. They love to dress up, go out to events with their significant others and generously support the nonprofits of their community. Back in 1916, when I was in my 30s in Fort Myers, I was always getting hit up by the dowagers of Lee County, wondering where they could get new blood to support various charities. Unfortunately, back then, you couldn’t force it – and besides, there just weren’t a lot of younger couples/families moving here. But as job opportunities have grown, housing has become more plentiful, and more schools keep popping up every day, we’re definitely seeing a Gen Z boom and I’m loving it.
So welcome Taylor & Josh, Ashley & Jordan, and Kaitlyn and Justin – and thank you for getting out there and showing up for your community. Ultimately, it’s going to make Southwest Florida a better place for your kid — Emma, Charlotte, Grace, Liam, Jackson and Ethan.
A fundraiser and a cause – Reimagined
I was happy to pop into the historic Alderman House in downtown Fort Myers recently for Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) Reimagined: Written in the Stars. It was a beautiful evening under a clear and starry sky as I milled about the terrace during cocktail hour, taking photos of some truly lovely and generous young couples supporting CAC’s mission to create a safe and nurturing space for children affected by abuse and neglect. I was happy to see Shane Spring, Stefanie Ink and Colton Ferry, Jonathan and Amy Gabel, Erika and Trevor Whitley, Brooke Tooley, Zach Mascarelli, Adam and Rachel Bentham, and slew of others sipping, mingling, and supporting a fabulous cause.
Somewhere that’s green
One of the most fun fundraisers I’ve been to lately was Florida Repertory Theatre’s Annual Gala & Extravaganza at Caloosa Sound Convention Center recently. The theme was green and based on Florida Rep’s big hit currently on stage, “Little Shop of Horrors.” There were live performances from ultra-talented cast members as well as student conservatory members. And yes, someone did dress up like the creepy dentist! Otherwise, there was greenery and man-eating plants everywhere. Board Member Sunny Lubner looked divine in a long pink flowered gown, Producing Artistic Director Greg Longenhagen was basically wearing a large green shrub, Dave Elias of NBC-2 looked dapper in a green tuxedo, attorney Jane Lane adorned herself with some vines and a man-eating plant necklace, Florida Rep supporter Rob Lopes was the Steve Martin-esque scary dentist, while his wife Kathleen wove purple and green flowers through her hair. And emcees Elyse Chengarry and Channing Frampton of Gulf Coast News looked terrific with Elyse in a sparkling, slinky, green pantsuit and Channing Frampton’s tie and pocket square matching his co-anchor’s beautiful ensemble.
It was a much-needed record-breaking night for Florida Rep – and once again, it was so nice to see lots of Gen Z’s in green supporting the arts in Southwest Florida…