Page 95 - January_2016_Life_In_Naples_Magazine

“The program is all-encompassing,” she said. “We match students Thursday, March 3, 2016
with volunteer mentors who are very involved in the children’s lives 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
through high school and college. We also prepare students for ACT
and SAT, writing and public speaking and help them find financial SAVE THE DATE
aid and scholarships.” 8th Annual Fundraising Luncheon

Tutor Corps students also earn college scholarships by tutoring The Ritz Carlton Golf Resort
children in the center’s after-school program. 2600 Tiburon Drive
Naples, FL 34109
London Bay Homes President and CEO Mark Wilson was so
impressed during his visit to Guadalupe Center, he shuttled his senior Keynote Presentation
management team to Immokalee.
Dr. Jonah Berger is a New York Times and
“These are children who are overcoming major disadvantages, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of
circumstances most of us could never imagine, and through sheer Contagious: Why Things Catch On.
willpower and determination are beating the odds,” Wilson said. “I
knew we could help financially and in so many other ways.” Why do some things catch on while
others fail? What makes online content go
The company is among the business sponsors for “aqua.” viral? And why do some products, ideas,
“Mark and the London Bay Cares committee have really and behaviors get more word of mouth than others?
embraced Guadalupe Center,” said Sabra Smith, human resources
director and a committee member. “We’ve already outlined a plan to Berger reveals the behavioral science behind word-of-
increase our involvement, host events to bring attention to the center mouth and social transmission. His keynote examines how
and financially support the program’s growth. Several employees consumers make decisions, how ideas diffuse, and how
are interested in being Tutor Corps mentors. We’re also planning a social influence leads people to imitate what others are
career day to introduce students to job opportunities and educational doing. Berger will relate this to how youth make decisions
requirements in homebuilding, architecture and construction.” about using drugs and alcohol and how community
London Bay employees raised $1,100 for school supplies and members can influence our children’s choices.
several donated filled backpacks during an afternoon Christmas in
July fundraiser. The company also provided paid summer internships Honored Guest
to Tutor Corps students Alan and Israel Cuevas. Israel learned Shawn McGrail
the nuances of the construction process and became an expert in Underage Drinking
permitting, earning the Hero Award for helping the team complete Prevention Advocate
17 permits in a week.
Working in accounting, Alan mastered data entry, monthly Auctioneer Master of Ceremonies
financial reports and “caught everyone up in their job duties,” Smith Mayor Patrick Nolan
said. “He completed his tasks and asked for more with a smile on his John Sorey FOX 4 News Team,
face.” City of Naples Anchor
“We plan to grow the intern program next summer,” she added.
“Alan and Israel were wonderful and worked hard. They were Individual Tickets - $125 • Table Sponsorships Available
professional and always willing to take the next step. We were Purchase Tickets by Calling (239) 552-1300 or
impressed by their maturity and ability to seamlessly become part of email info@drugfreecollier.org or buy online at
our team.” www.drugfreecollier.org.
Southwest Florida’s leading luxury homebuilder is also partnering
with Gulfshore Life to host “The Best New Restaurants”at Mediterra
the following evening of “aqua,” with proceeds benefitting Guadalupe
Center. Chefs featured in the magazine will serve small plates in
several newly completed model homes.
“Mark Wilson and London Bay have really taken a vested interest
in our students,” said Oppenheim. “They are setting an example we
hope other businesses will follow.”
Ametek Foundation, Arthrex, City Mattress, David Meyer Trust,
JP Morgan, Luma Capital and TD Ameritrade are additional “aqua”
sponsors.
Businesses, families and individual philanthropists have the
opportunity to support “aqua”through six levels of sponsorship ranging
from $1,000 to $25,000,which includes tickets and acknowledgement
in the official “aqua”program. Individual tickets are available for $500.
For more information about the Guadalupe Center and “aqua”,
visit www.GuadalupeCenter.org or call 239.657.7158.

Life in Naples | January 2016 95