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Naples, Fl – David Lawrence Centers, Collier County’s only comprehensive, not-for-profit mental health and addiction recovery treatment center serving children, adults and families, is pleased to announce that husband and wife philanthropic duos Jill and Michael Basden and Joyce and Bill O’Meara will lead the 50th Anniversary Puttin’ on the Ritz with a Twist Gala committee. This signature, annual fundraiser will be held in the main ballroom at the Ritz-Carlton Naples, Beach Resort on January 13, 2017 at 6:00 p.m.

The Puttin’ on the Ritz with a Twist Gala will honor David Lawrence Center’s golden anniversary in first-class style. It will be a celebration of five decades of lives saved, families healed, a community nourished and the thousands of donors who made it happen along the way. The theme is a nod to the past with a modern twist that will showcase the Center’s and the community’s resilience, versatility and history of excellence.

Father Michael Basden and his wife Jill will serve as Co-chairs. Michael is a retired Episcopal priest who served as the Rector of Trinity-by-the-Cove Church in Port Royal for 16 years. Jill is currently a full-time elementary educator with the Community School of Naples. Having spent the last 20 years in Naples, the Basdens have been exposed to the vast opportunities in this community for making a difference in the lives of others. They have been steadfast supporters of David Lawrence Centers in a variety of capacities including having previously served as the Gala Honorary Co-Chairs in 2008 and on the gala committee for many years.

The Basdens shared, “We have been drawn to David Lawrence Center’s services for those suffering from mental illness and addiction for many years. We have witnessed firsthand when an individual is successfully treated an entire network of people benefit, including the community-at-large. It is our honor to share our time, talent and treasure with David Lawrence Centers .”

Bill and Joyce O’Meara will serve as Honorary Co-Chairs. After serving as a pilot in the United States Army for seven years, Bill spent his 25-year career in the high-tech industry in Silicon Valley, California where he was instrumental in the establishment of three successful private companies which went public as well as C-Cube Microsystems, which he took public as President and CEO.

Upon retirement, he and his wife Joyce moved to Naples 22 years ago, where they have served in leadership capacities for several not-for-profit organizations including the Boys and Girls Club, Artis Naples, Naples Community Hospital, Shelter for Abused Women & Children and David Lawrence Centers where they, along with their children, previously served as Gala Honorary Co-Chairs in 2009. Bill and Joyce are also one of the original founders of the Naples Winter Wine Festival, and have contributed significantly to the success of its charity the Naples Children and Education Foundation.

The O’Mearas said, “It is our privilege to serve as Honorary Co-Chairs at this year’s gala in support of David Lawrence Center’s efforts to provide a solution to mental health problems in our community. We have personal experience with a family member having received life-changing support at DLC. We are committed to the concept that helping even one person find wellness helps us all.”

Under the leadership of the Basdens and O’Mearas, the committee is puttin’ their heart and soul into this important milestone with an elaborate, fun and contemporary vibe that will make donors feel treated like gold. This memorable evening includes dinner, dancing and live entertainment by renowned, fan-favorite Big Swing and the Ball Room Blasters.

David Lawrence Center’s annual gala, a premier event in Naples, is a critical component of the Center’s efforts to provide comprehensive mental health and addiction recovery services in Southwest Florida.

The cost to attend is $550 per person and $1,500 per patron. Sponsors and patrons will also be treated to an invitation to a Golden Soiree the week prior to the gala hosted in the O’Meara’s private residence.

For sponsorship and ticket information, contact Darcy Taylor at (239) 354-1445 or visit DavidLawrenceCenter.org

Southwest Florida nonprofit David Lawrence Centers is a national leader in providing world-class mental health and addiction recovery solutions for children, adolescents and adults. The Center’s innovative, integrated treatment includes inpatient, outpatient, residential, and community-based services – a comprehensive system of care funded by community and government support. Each year, David Lawrence Centers creates life-changing wellness for more than 9,000 people through over 220,000 treatment sessions. To learn more, please call (239) 491-7602 or visit www.DavidLawrenceCenter.org.