Stars Academy - Port Charlotte

01/21/2026

✨ CALLING ALL ARTISTS, CREATIVES, VOLUNTEERS & COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS ✨

Art Under the Stars is more than an event—it’s an immersive, community-powered celebration of creativity with a purpose. This signature evening brings together local, regional, and national artists, live and silent art auctions, interactive installations, and a room full of people who believe in the power of art to change lives.

🎨 Artists – We’re seeking painters, mixed-media artists, photographers, and creatives of all kinds who want their work showcased in a high-energy, gallery-style experience while supporting a meaningful cause.

🙌 Volunteers – From event support and guest experience to art handling and behind-the-scenes magic, volunteers are essential to bringing this night to life.

🤝 Sponsors – Sponsorship opportunities are still available for businesses and individuals who want visibility, community impact, and alignment with an inspiring mission.

🎁 Auction & Raffle Donations Needed – We are also seeking gift baskets, gift cards, experiences, and other unique items for our raffle and silent auction. Donated items help us maximize fundraising impact while highlighting generous local businesses and supporters.

🌌 Projection Mapping Needed! – We are actively searching for someone skilled in projection mapping to help create a truly unforgettable, immersive environment. If this is you—or you know someone—please reach out!

💛 Why it matters:
Art Under the Stars benefits the STARS Academy Scholarship Fund, helping ensure children and families have access to high-quality early learning opportunities—because creativity, education, and opportunity should never be out of reach.

📩 Interested or want more information?
Artists, volunteers, sponsors, donors, and projection-mapping creatives—please contact Kelly Hunter, Director of Development and Marketing - at (941) 626-0220 x 4 or kelly.hunter@gulfcoastpartnership.org.
We’d love to share how you can be part of this extraordinary night.

Let’s come together under the stars and create something beautiful—for our community and for our children. ⭐

Tickets can be purchased at: https://www.gulfcoastpartnership.org/about/events

01/13/2026

Stars Academy is enrolling.

12/16/2025

🎄✨ It’s beginning to look a lot like… a Christmas Door Showdown! ✨🎄

Our STARS Academy classrooms have transformed into a winter wonderland of creativity — and NOW it’s your turn to be the judge!

💥 VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE DOOR! 💥
❤️ “Love” the photo of the door you want to win
🔁 Bonus points for sharing the post with friends and family!

Our students and teachers poured their hearts into these cheerful creations — let’s show them some love! 💛💫

Voting closes January 5, 2026 — may the most festive door win! 🎁🌟

WINNER ANNOUNCED TUESDAY, JAN. 6TH!!!

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. 🌈⭐