FORT MYERS – It was a battle for the ages at Bay Street Yard as the stars came out to raise money for United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades on Nov. 19. The family-friendly competition raised $37,805.53 for the 2025-2026 annual campaign.

The celebrity mixologists, made up of community officials and local business leaders, supported the “United is the Way” fundraising campaign under the leadership of co-chairs Carolyn Rogers (Team Princess Leia) and Will Prather (Team Han Solo). They served up drinks and competed against each other to see who could raise the most money. A third team joined the friendly competition this year, as Team Jedi Council, consisting of members of last year’s Team Hans and Team Franz, serving up the evening’s signature cocktail, the “Galactic Storm,” sponsored by Wicked Dolphin.

When the battle concluded, Team Princess Leia was victorious, raising $5,647.28. The total raised for the night from tips and proceeds was $12,805.53. Along with donating the space, staff and resources for the event, Bay Street Yard also pledged an additional $25,000 to the annual campaign. In the end, the entire community was the winner.

The goal for this year’s “United is the Way” campaign is $11,512,716, which will provide vital funding to support over 90 United Way Partner Agencies.