Kelly and Mike Assaad, Christa Mangiello and Kevin Bush to co-chair the 10th Annual STAR Gala

A decade of celebration, generosity and life-changing impact will take center stage as STARability Foundation hosts its 10th Annual STAR Gala, presented by STOCK Development, on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2027, at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón.
Celebrating the theme “Your Generosity. Our Impact. Their Future.”, this year’s Gala will be led by co-chairs Kelly and Mike Assaad and Christa Mangiello and Kevin Bush, longtime Naples residents and community advocates with a shared commitment to STARability’s mission. The milestone event arrives at a defining moment in STARability’s history as the organization reflects on a decade of Gala impact and looks ahead to its anticipated move to a transformative new campus in 2027.
What began four decades ago as a small group of parents seeking opportunities for their loved ones has grown into one of Southwest Florida’s leading nonprofits serving individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. Today, STARability provides innovative programs that create pathways to employment, education, independence, social connection and meaningful community involvement.
The 10th Annual STAR Gala will celebrate that journey while helping propel the organization toward what comes next.
“This 10th anniversary is so much more than a milestone for our Gala; it is a celebration of how far our STARs, families and entire organization have come and the extraordinary possibilities ahead,” said Karen Govern, CEO of STARability Foundation. “As we prepare for our future campus and a new era of growth, we are incredibly grateful for the community that has believed in our STARs and helped us dream bigger. Together, we are building a future where even more individuals can discover their abilities, pursue their goals and live lives filled with purpose and belonging.”
Following a sold-out 2026 celebration that raised more than $3.8 million, STARability’s largest fundraising event of the year will once again bring together hundreds of supporters committed to advancing opportunities for people of all abilities. The evening will feature a cocktail party, silent and live auctions, dinner and dancing, with proceeds supporting STARability’s growing programs and services.
For Kelly and Christa, the 10th anniversary marks a return to Gala leadership, having previously served as event chairs and continuing their longstanding support of STARability.
Mike, a Naples native, and Kelly, originally from Alabama, have been married for more than 20 years and have two children, twins Cooper and Maddy. Kelly is a passionate advocate for children through her involvement with various nonprofits. Mike is founder, owner and president of Waterside Builders Inc. Together, they are passionate about raising awareness and expanding access to programs and services for people with autism.
“Mike and I are deeply honored to co-chair the 10th Annual STAR Gala and help celebrate such an important milestone for STARability,” said Kelly Assaad. “The Gala has always been an extraordinary reflection of this community’s generosity, and we look forward to bringing everyone together for an unforgettable evening in support of the STARs and their futures.”
Kevin Bush and Christa Mangiello traded New Jersey for Naples in November 2016 and have been building here ever since. Kevin is the founder and former CEO of ESS and today serves as managing director of Bush Family Partnerships, founder and CEO of CPL Landscape Maintenance & Construction, and founder and chairman of Leadline Inc. Christa spent her career as a corporate executive in financial services before turning her focus to community advocacy; she now directs the philanthropic arm of Bush Family Partnerships and sits on the boards of numerous local nonprofits. Married more than 10 years, the couple has two children, Ryan and Sophia, both students at The Community School of Naples. Their connection to STARability began at a STAR Gala more than five years ago and has deepened every year since.