Stars Academy - Port Charlotte

11/24/2025

🌟 A heartfelt THANK YOU to Garry Overbey and the entire team at Florida Weekly for the incredible article on Stars Academy and our upcoming “Art Under the Stars” event! 🙏 Your support means the world.

We are so grateful for the spotlight on our work—bringing art, community, and transformation together in Charlotte County—and helping these “stars” of our community shine brighter each day. ✨

The article beautifully captures our mission and the heart behind what we do. Thank you for helping us share our story and for uplifting the voices of so many talented artists and supporters.

To Garry, Florida Weekly, and everyone who’s a part of this journey—your belief and collaboration fuel our passion and purpose. Let’s continue to make magic happen together! 💙🧡

https://www.floridaweekly.com/articles/charlotte-county-ae-arts-and-entertainment-news/helping-these-stars-to-shine/

Art can transform lives — as artists will tell you. However, artists and art lovers alike can make a very real difference in the lives of several local families by supporting “Art Under the Stars,” an auction and gala that funds scholarships at Stars Academy in Port Charlotte. Local artists .....

11/20/2025

🌟💛 A HUGE Thank You to Our Art Under the Stars Sponsors! 💛🌟

We are beyond grateful to the incredible businesses and organizations who have already stepped up to support Art Under the Stars and the mission of Stars Academy — helping families who live or work in Charlotte County access high-quality early learning and the scholarships that build strong, stable futures.

✨ With heartfelt appreciation, we thank:
Lee Health
Kia of Port Charlotte
Gulf Coast Partnership
M.O.M.I. Collective
Nolan Family Insurance Agency
Charlotte Behavioral Health Care
Port Charlotte Sunrise Kiwanis Events
Crews Banks & Trust

Your generosity is helping us create a night where imagination comes alive — and where art becomes opportunity for our community’s youngest children.

Because of you, we can continue supporting families as they pursue work, education, and long-term sustainability. Your partnership is truly changing lives.

🎨💫 Want to join this amazing group of community champions?

We’re still welcoming sponsors who want to make an impact, celebrate creativity, and help build strong foundations for local families through early learning scholarships.

If your business or organization would like to sponsor or support Art Under the Stars, please contact:

Kelly Hunter, Director of Development & Marketing
📞 941-626-0220 x 4
📧 kelly.hunter@gulfcoastpartnership.org
OR visit: https://www.stars-academy.org/template-pages/event/art-under-the-stars-fundraiser

✨ Together, we’re creating a brighter, more imaginative future for Charlotte County’s children.

11/20/2025

🌙✨ Art Under the Stars: Where Creativity Becomes Opportunity ✨🎨

Stars Academy was created in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian to ensure that families who live or work in Charlotte County have access to high-quality early learning and dependable childcare. In our first year, we welcomed 92 children, celebrated our first VPK graduates, and provided essential scholarships that help parents pursue employment, further their education, and build long-term stability for their families.

Art Under the Stars is our signature immersive art auction fundraising gala that fuels this mission — a night where imagination, community, and purpose come together to open doors for our youngest learners.

This event isn’t just about art or fundraising.
It’s about giving local children the strong start they deserve and supporting families with the tools and resources they need to thrive.

🎨 Artists: Showcase imaginative work that transforms the space and sparks wonder - all mediums welcome!

🖼 Collectors: Discover meaningful pieces that directly support early learning scholarships.

💛 Philanthropists & Sponsors: Invest in an evening where your contribution creates real, lasting impact for local families.

If you believe in creativity, community, and expanding opportunity for our children, we invite you to join us under the stars on Saturday, March 14, 2026 — where imagination becomes impact and every contribution lights the way forward.

For more information visit https://www.stars-academy.org/template-pages/event/art-under-the-stars-fundraiser OR contact Kelly Hunter, Director of Development & Marketing at (941) 626-0220 x 4 or kelly.hunter@gulfcoastpartnership.org.

Together We Can!

11/15/2025

⭐ We Are Grateful ⭐

Our hearts are full at Stars Academy.
Every giggle, every milestone, and every tiny “I did it!” reminds us why we love what we do.

We are grateful for the families who trust us, the teachers who inspire us, and the little stars who fill our classrooms with wonder. ✨💛

We’re thankful for tiny handprints on big dreams… for curiosity that sparks new adventures… and for the magic that happens here every single day.

We are especially grateful for our donors and supporters — the champions who make it possible for more children to learn, grow, and shine right here in Charlotte County. Your generosity fuels our Stars Academy Scholarship Fund, ensuring that families can access high-quality early learning now, when it matters most.

💛 This season, we invite you to join us in the spirit of giving.
Your support helps parents stay employed, strengthens kindergarten readiness, and opens opportunities for our youngest learners. Even a small gift creates a big impact for a child who needs a bright start.

✨ Give today. Grow a future. Help a child shine.
www.stars-academy.org

Thank you for being part of our Stars Academy family — together, we’re building strong foundations for our community’s future. 🌈⭐

11/10/2025

Nov. 10 | A strong cold front is moving through the state, bringing very windy conditions, hazardous marine conditions, and potentially record-setting low temperatures for Charlotte County.

Cold Weather Shelter Open
📍 Charlotte CARE Center (1476 Kenesaw St., Port Charlotte)
📞 Pre-register by calling 941-627-4313
🕗 Arrive by 8 p.m.
Shelter will be open Monday, Nov. 10 and Tuesday, Nov. 11 nights.

Forecast for Charlotte County:
Monday evening (11/10) → Tuesday morning (11/11)
• Minimum Temperature: 36°
• Minimum Wind Chill: 29°

Tuesday evening (11/11) → Wednesday morning (11/12)
• Minimum Temperature: 40°
• Minimum Wind Chill: 36°

High Surf and Rip Current Advisories remain in effect through Tuesday night.

11/03/2025

🎨 Call for Artists! 🌟
We’re looking for talented artists to showcase their work at Art Under the Stars, a live art auction and gala supporting the Stars Academy - Port Charlotte Scholarship Fund. Whether you’re a painter, sculptor, photographer, fashion designer, or mixed-media creator—we want to see your art shine!

✨ Participate in our online, silent, or live auctions and help make a difference through creativity.
📅 Confirm your participation by November 30, 2025.
📩 For details or to sign up, contact kelly.hunter@gulfcoastpartnership.org

10/24/2025

Congratulations to our look at winner of the Basket giveaway Kiley Jordan. Thank you to everyone who liked shared and commented on our Stars Academy pages. Your support mean so much to us. Stay tuned for more fun events and giveaways coming soon!! Kiley Jordan

10/23/2025

Stars Academy Child Care Director Maria Guerrero and Assistant Director Crystal Woodard attended Boys and Girls Fall-O-Ween festival in Port Charlotte

10/23/2025

PORT CHARLOTTE — Tickets are on sale for Art Under the Stars, a new art auction and fundraiser set up by the Gulf Coast Partnership to benefit the Stars Academy