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COLLIER COUNTY PHILANTHROPIST OF THE YEAR
EVA SUGDEN GOMEZ,
and others to be honored during National Philanthropy Day
A ssociation of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) honors both individuals
and organizations whose actions have made a positive contribution in the
lives of those in our communities through their dedication to philanthropy.
AFP’s Everglades Chapter will honor its 2016 Philanthropist of the Year, Eva
Sugden Gomez, as well as many worthy volunteers and other recipients who make a
difference in our community as a result of their generosity.
2016 PHILANTHROPIST OF THE YEAR: EVA SUGDEN GOMEZ
A member of a well-known philanthropic family, Eva’s relocation to Naples
in 1996 began a long and distinguished tradition of thoughtful and generous
benevolence spanning many organizations and serving numerous individuals. Eva
is a dedicated patron of the arts, a strong proponent of Florida’s environmental
preservation and supporter of educational advancement for youth. Eva’s continued
involvement with FGCU, Conservancy of Southwest Florida, The Guadalupe
Center, Champions for Learning, The Naples Players and many other organizations
has granted opportunities for countless men, women and children in our community.
2016 OUTSTANDING PHILANTHROPIC ORGANIZATION:
COLLIER’S RESERVE COUNTRY CLUB
Through the dedicated resolve of residents and members at Collier’s Reserve
Country Club, much is being accomplished to benefit Habitat for Humanity. Their
2016 annual fundraising event surpassed budgeted goals, bringing their 13-year total
giving to Habitat for Humanity to well over $1.5 million. Collier’s Reserve Country
Club volunteers participated in a holiday gift drive and, working closely with the
Community Contribution Tax Credit Program, have donated more then 6,000
hours of volunteer labor, making it possible for hard-working families to purchase
affordable homes. Past recipients of their support include The Shelter for Abused
Women and Children, Baby Basics, Laces of Love, Pace Center for Girls and Naples
Equestrian Challenge.
2016 OUTSTANDING PHILANTHROPIC YOUTH:
DANIEL GONZALES-VASQUEZ
A rising Senior at Immokalee High School, Daniel Gonzales-Vasquez is
motivated to help others by their obvious need and humble appreciation. A key
participant in The Immokalee Foundation’s Career Development program, Daniel
often logs in more hours than is required through his high school, making it clear
that his involvement goes beyond expectation. The son of a single mother, Daniel
observes the hard work of others and strives to make things better for those less
fortunate, whether it be distributing clothing and food, or registering over 400 hours http://afpeverglades.afpnet.org/content.cfm?Con
teaching catechism classes at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Upon
graduation in 2017, Daniel will become certified in early education and hopes to
open his own early childcare business for migrant families.
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2016 OUTSTANDING FUNDRAISING
EXECUTIVE: BARBARA OPPENHEIM
Their consummate director and advocate for a
decade, Guadalupe Center’s Barbara Oppenheim’s
tenure is a study in tremendous growth and expansion
for the future of children and families in Immokalee.
Programs and enrollment increased an astonishing
390 percent in that period of time, and the Center
now provides services to more than 1,100 students.
To accommodate such growth, Barbara captained a
successful $11 million capital fundraising campaign
culminating in the Early Childhood Education Center.
A graduate of Greater Naples Leadership and former
member of the Board of Fun Time Early Childhood
Academy, Barbara is also active in numerous
organizations. She is a member of the Subcommittee
on Education for the District School Board of Collier
County, the Future Ready Collier Management Team
and the GPS Leadership Team for Out of School
Time Initiative. Barbara is also a dedicated 12-year
volunteer at the Naples Winter Wine Festival.
COME AND JOIN US!
WHAT: National Philanthropy
Day Celebration
WHERE: Hodges University,
2655 Northbrooke Drive, Naples
WHEN: 5-7p.m. Nov. 10, 2016
TICKETS: $60pp; Purchase tickets at
tentItemID=54401&navItemNumber=5336
Life in Naples | November 2016