Advance Solar Takes the Lead in Nurturing Nature by Supporting Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium This Friday

Fort Myers, FL – Advance Solar, Southwest Florida's oldest and largest local solar company, is celebrating its 41st anniversary with a special event to benefit the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium (CNCP). This exciting evening of celebration and community engagement will be held on November 15 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Advance Solar's headquarters, located at 2431 Crystal Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33907.

The event, “41 Years Under the Sun”, will feature a Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting, live music, carnival games, whiskey tasting, and an array of food and drinks—including beer, wine, champagne, and soft drinks. Guests will also have the opportunity to participate in a Chance Auction, with over 30 exclusive items up for bidding to support CNCP’s educational programs and wildlife conservation efforts. Notable auction items include guided tours, unique local experiences, and specialty packages donated by local businesses, all aimed at raising funds to further CNCP’s mission. In addition, attendees will be able to enjoy a Lizard Exhibit featuring baby gators, offering a fun and educational experience for families and wildlife enthusiasts.

The event is part of Advance Solar’s commitment to nurturing nature and supporting the local community. As a leading player in renewable energy, Advance Solar recognizes the importance of protecting the environment for future generations, and they are proud to partner with CNCP in their efforts to educate and inspire the public about the natural world.

"Advance Solar has always been dedicated to sustainability and the health of our environment," said Eric Raddatz, Executive Director of CNCP. “By supporting the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, they are not just celebrating their anniversary—they are helping us nurture nature and create a lasting impact on the community’s connection with the natural world. This partnership will support our ongoing environmental education programs and help ensure that future generations will continue to enjoy the beauty and wonder of Southwest Florida’s wildlife and ecosystems."

Why It Matters:

The “41 Years Under the Sun” event also supports CNCP’s Nurture Nature Campaign, an initiative designed to enhance and expand the center’s environmental education, conservation programs, and outreach efforts. Funds raised from the event, including proceeds from the auction, will directly benefit CNCP’s educational programs, animal exhibits, and habitat restoration efforts.

Since its founding in 1969, the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium has been a cornerstone of environmental education in Southwest Florida, welcoming over 25,000 visitors annually. The center features diverse exhibits, including a natural history museum, live animal exhibits, bird aviaries, and serene nature trails. It is also home to the only public planetarium within a 90-mile radius of Fort Myers.

The Nurture Nature Campaign will allow CNCP to continue providing high-quality educational programming, restore key infrastructure such as boardwalks and animal habitats, and enhance the visitor experience. These efforts are essential to CNCP’s long-term sustainability, ensuring that it remains a valuable resource for the local community for years to come.

“We believe that reconnecting with nature is vital to our physical, mental, and emotional well-being,” said Raddatz. “Through the Nurture Nature Campaign and events like this, we aim to engage our community and inspire a lifelong passion for conservation. We invite everyone to come out, have fun, and help us ensure that future generations have the opportunity to experience the wonders of nature firsthand.”

What:

• 41st Anniversary Celebration for Advance Solar

• Chance Auction with over 30 items to benefit CNCP

• Lizard Exhibit featuring baby gators and live animal encounters

• Food, Drinks, Music, and Games for the whole family

• Whiskey Tasting and more!

When:

• November 15th, 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Where:

• 2431 Crystal Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33907

To Learn More & Donate: For more information about the event, the Nurture Nature Campaign, and how to support CNCP’s mission, please visit www.calusanature.org.

About Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium:

Founded in 1969, the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium serves as Southwest Florida’s premier destination for environmental education. Located on a 105-acre sanctuary, CNCP is dedicated to fostering a lifelong connection between the community and nature through its exhibits, educational programs, and outreach efforts. The center is home to a variety of live animal exhibits, nature trails, and the region’s only public planetarium. CNCP is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and all donations are tax-deductible.

About Advance Solar: Advance Solar is the largest and oldest solar company in Southwest Florida, specializing in providing energy-efficient solutions to residential and commercial customers. With a focus on sustainability, Advance Solar continues to lead the way in renewable energy by helping local businesses and residents reduce their environmental impact.