Golden Retriever Rescue of Southwest Florida is throwing open the gates to Hammond Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2026, for GoldenFest XVI, a free, all-day fundraiser packed with more than 100 vendors, dock diving and agility demonstrations. Running from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Lee Health Sports Complex in Fort Myers, the event is free to attend and free to park, and it welcomes well-behaved leashed dogs of every breed, not just Goldens.
According to grrswf.org, GoldenFest is a fundraising event that helps the rescue take care of Golden Retrievers and Golden mixes in need, and this year marks its 16th go-round. The lineup includes a raffle, live music and entertainment, pictures with Santa, pony rides and a petting zoo, plus a Golden Corral play area for dogs and bounce houses for kids, per the group's event page. Other nonprofit rescues, shelters and humane societies are welcome to join at no cost.
A Rescue Built on Five People and $500
Golden Retriever Rescue of Southwest Florida was founded in 2009 and describes itself as an all-volunteer, foster-based nonprofit based in Bonita Springs. As reported by Florida Weekly, the organization began with five volunteers who each chipped in $100, starting with just $500 in the bank. Founder and vice president Alesia Galuppo has said the rescue's mission comes down to helping dogs in need, while Florida Weekly reported that more than 1,530 dogs have found families through the rescue.
The dogs that end up with the rescue arrive from all directions, the Florida Weekly account notes: families navigating divorce, medical crises, relocation, foreclosure and financial hardship, as well as referrals from social media, veterinarians, shelters, groomers, pet sitters and other rescues. Two recent cases illustrate the range of need. Maximus was found at a boat ramp in Estero before being surrendered to the rescue, while Mickey was found on a road on Pine Island and is being treated for heartworm disease.
Senior Dogs, Retired Breeders and a Dog Who Found Fame
Beyond emergency intake, the rescue runs ongoing programs including Golden Years for retired breeding dogs and Seniors for Seniors, which matches older adults with senior dogs, along with foster-to-adopt placements that typically last a few weeks before a permanent home is confirmed. The rescue places dogs with families across southwest and central Florida, the Florida Weekly report states.
One dog, Ryder, came to the rescue on Dec. 1, 2025. The rescue's Facebook page has reached more than 52,000 fans.
The organization also keeps a weekly presence at the Vanderbilt Farmers Market in North Naples, where president Dennis Guyitt has run the rescue's booth for five years. Guyitt has called the market a community connection for the rescue and described GoldenFest as a staple for dog lovers across southwest Florida. Cliff Smith, chairman of the rescue's fundraising committee, is also associated with GoldenFest.
Volunteers and Adopters Behind the Scenes
Volunteers like Darrell Flick, who with his wife Beth has adopted five rescue Golden Retrievers, including Bella (who joined the family in 2017 and is now 10) and Chance (adopted in 2024 at age 8), have said the work brings them real enjoyment and fulfillment. Glenn and Jen Breton adopted Sadie and Layla through the rescue; Jen Breton has managed the Vanderbilt Farmers Market for 14 years. Cathy Cottrill also serves as the rescue's intake coordinator.
The financial toll of that medical care adds up fast. The rescue has incurred veterinary bills exceeding $40,000 this year, Florida Weekly reported, and a separate case detailed by The News-Press showed how steep individual bills can run: a dog named Hope, treated for a broken pelvis and fractured femur after coming to the rescue from Lee County Domestic Animal Services, racked up vet bills topping $20,000 before going to a foster home with Cliff and Roxanne Smith of Fort Myers, described as eight-time adopters from the organization.
Wider Shelter Pressures Across the Region
The need for events like GoldenFest comes against a backdrop of rising shelter pressure in the region. Statewide, Florida's 152 known animal shelters admitted 351,455 dogs and cats in 2025, about 1% fewer than the year before, according to the University of Florida's Florida Shelter Animal Census.
Anyone looking to connect with the rescue outside of GoldenFest can reach the organization by phone at 239-369-0415 or by email at [email protected]. GoldenFest XVI remains the group's signature fundraiser, and with free entry, free parking and activities ranging from first responder exhibits to a Calendar Girls dance troupe performance, organizers are hoping this year's crowd matches the scale of the cause.
