Fort Myers, FL — July 22, 2026 — A decade after the Club Blu tragedy that has forever impacted the Southwest Florida community, A Mother’s Love Legacy Foundation, Inc. will host an exclusive invitation-only gala honoring the life and legacy of Stef’an “Dee” Strawder and all those affected.
The commemorative gala will bring together community leaders, elected officials, survivors, supporters, partners, volunteers and invited guests for an evening of reflection, remembrance, inspiration, and celebration. The event will honor the lives forever impacted, while recognizing the Foundation’s ongoing mission of healing, community unity, while encouraging acts of compassion and service throughout the Southwest Florida community.
Founded by Stephanie White following the heartbreaking loss of her son, Stef’an “Dee” Strawder, A Mother’s Love Legacy Foundation was created to transform unimaginable grief into meaningful action. Over the past decade, the Foundation has formed to become a beacon of hope, advocacy, and community empowerment by providing support, fostering unity, and inspiring positive change.
“We have transformed profound personal loss into a mission of service that honors the memories of all those affected by the Club Blu tragedy,” said Stephanie White, Founder and President of A Mother’s Love Legacy Foundation. “This Gala is an opportunity to remember those we lost, celebrate their lives that continue to inspire us, foster community solidarity, raise awareness for our cause, and reaffirm our shared commitment to building safer, stronger and more compassionate communities.”
The evening will also feature remarks from D’sean Archilles, who will pay tribute to his brother, Sean Archilles, another young life lost in the Club Blu tragedy. His message will reflect the shared journey of healing, remembrance, and the importance of preserving the legacies of those taken far too soon.
Keynote Speaker Attorney Joe North, founder of The North Law Firm, will deliver the Honorary Announcements. Attorney North, who represented the families of the Club Blu victims, has remained a steadfast advocate and pillar of support for the families.
This gala will display the mission of A Mother’s Love Legacy Foundation as it continues to transform tragedy into hope through education, outreach, mentorship, and community engagement. By carrying forward Stef’an “aka Dee” Strawder’s legacy, the Foundation empowers future generations, strengthens community and inspires others to stand united against injustice.
Event Information:
**Media Coverage Invite**
Saturday, July 25, 2026 – 6pm
INVITATION ONLY (not open to the public)
Doubletree By Hilton (Bell Tower Shops)
13051 Bell Tower Drive
Fort Myers, FL 33907
About the Foundation:
Stef’an (aka Dee) Strawder/ A Mother’s Love Legacy Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to honoring the life and legacy of Stef’an “Dee” Strawder by transforming tragedy into hope through education, outreach, mentorship, advocacy, and community engagement. Founded by Stephanie White following the loss of her son in the 2016 Club Blu tragedy, the Foundation continues to promote healing, unity, compassion, service and positive change throughout Southwest Florida.
Media Contact:
Kendra Sutton
KD Sutton Creative Marketing Solutions
239.910.6414
kendra@kdsuttoncreativesolutions.com
For additional information about Media Access, contacts or the commemorative gala, members of the media are encouraged to contact Kendra Sutton.
Date Posted: July 23, 2026
