Naples Children & Education Foundation Sets Sights on the Future

Naples Children & Education Foundation Sets Sights on the Future with a Vision for Funding All Seven Strategic Initiatives at 2020 Naples Winter Wine Festival

The Naples Children & Education Foundation (NCEF) today announced that its annual Fund a Need at the 2020 Naples Winter Wine Festival will celebrate the past 20 years of accomplishments and lead the way for the next 20 years and beyond. The vision for “Fund the Future” is that every dollar raised during a special call to action auction lot will go to support NCEF’s seven strategic initiatives focusing on the well being of the whole child.

Founded by NCEF, the Naples Winter Wine Festival enters its 20th year and ranks as the most successful international charity wine auction in the world raising more than $191 million for children’s causes. At the 2020 Festival, guests will have a chance to show their support through a live auction on Saturday, January 25th, while supporters across the country who are unable to attend the Festival will be able to participate in an online auction starting Monday, January 20th.

“Each of our collective impact models and initiatives provides underprivileged and at-risk children in Collier County with the chance to succeed and grow into strong and resilient adults,” said Joe Masterson, NCEF Trustee and Grant Committee Chair.“Our Fund the Future call to action will help us continue NCEF’s blueprint for success and transform the local community.”

Research shows that children’s experiences in their earliest years affect how their brains work, the way they respond to stress and their ability to form trusting relationships. During these years, the brain undergoes its most dramatic growth, setting the stage for social and emotional development. Meanwhile, children begin to understand their own feelings and those of others.

Since its inception, NCEF has become the single largest source of funding for essential services for at-risk and underprivileged children in Collier County. Through its annual grants and strategic initiatives, NCEF has impacted more than 45 of the most effective nonprofits in the community, providing 275,000 children with the services and resources to live happier, more fulfilling lives.

NCEF has broadened its role over the years from traditional grant-making to local charities on an annual basis by adding seven strategic initiatives to fill gaps in basic children’s services and develop long-term, collaborative solutions. These strategic initiatives address gaps in the areas of early learning, healthcare, hunger, mental health, oral health, out-of-school time and vision.

“Emotional, cognitive, social and physical development are interrelated and influence each other, which is why all our initiatives are so necessary to provide children with the opportunities that physical and mental health afford,” said NCEF Chief Executive Officer Maria Jimenez-Lara.

Here are some examples of how contributions to “Fund the Future” can last a lifetime:

  • $25,000 provides eight mobile food pantry distributions to areas of the county considered “food deserts” for 1,100 children;
  • $25,000 puts 90 at-risk high school students on target for on-time graduation;
  • $10,000 provides mental health assessments for 80 children in need;
  • $10,000 provides 50 children with complete health screenings;
  • $5,000 provides literacy materials for an early childcare center;
  • $5,000 provides 75 children with dental sealants to prevent decay;
  • $1,000 provides 4,000 meals for families in need;
  • $1,000 provides 20 children two pairs of eyeglasses (one for school/one for home).

For more information or to make a donation, please visit www.nwwfonlineauction.com.

 

About Naples Children & Education Foundation

The Naples Children & Education Foundation (NCEF), the founding organization of the Naples Winter Wine Festival, is improving the educational, emotional and health outcomes of underprivileged and at-risk children. Through its annual grants and strategic initiatives, NCEF has impacted more than 45 of the most effective nonprofits in the community, providing 275,000 children with the services and resources they need to excel. NCEF’s unique approach, which emphasizes collaboration between organizations and bridges public and private resources, has become a blueprint for how to transform a community, one issue at a time.

About Naples Winter Wine Festival

The Naples Winter Wine Festival (NWWF), one of the world’s most prestigious charity wine auctions, offers a weekend of unforgettable memories. Guests enjoy world-class food and wine during intimate dinners in private homes and are invited to bid on once-in-a-lifetime travel and wine experiences during an electrifying live auction. Since its inaugural event in 2001, the NWWF has raised more than $191 million, making a profound difference in the lives of hundreds of thousands of children.

For additional information on the Naples Children & Education Foundation or the Naples Winter Wine Festival, contact Lisa Juliano at lisa@napleswinefestival.com or 239-514-2239.

 

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