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The Immokalee Foundation’s annual

Charity Classic raised record-breaking $2.6 million 2020 is looking better than ever.

by Noemi Y. Perez

uests at The Immokalee Foundation’s annual Charity
Classic events generously donated $2.6 million to support
Gthe career-oriented educational programs provided by the
foundation to the youth of Immokalee. The new initiative,
“Career Pathways: Empowering Students to Succeed,” allows
students to learn about in demand professions and the educational
path needed to achieve their goals, whether through a college degree
or professional credentials.
The Charity Classic Celebration gala took place November 8th
at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples, and featured students participating in
the foundation’s programs who shared their educational and career
goals for the future. Charitable bidders then raised paddles to donate Eric, Aida, Sandra, Diego, Juana Lopez Reynoso and Joel Garcia
funds to support programming that begins in elementary school and
soccer player at Ave Maria University who wants to become a
continues through middle school, high school, and post-secondary
veterinarian; Aida will be off to college next year and plans to study
education.
entrepreneurship; and Diego is a high school student who has
Charity Classic Celebration co-chairs were Barbara and
already earned his OSHA certification and is considering becoming
Dale Morrison and Janet and Jerry Belle. Sunny Sapiente chaired
a software engineer.
the Pro-Am tournament. The Charity Classic Pro Am featured
Lopez Reynoso watched as the siblings each introduced
philanthropic amateur golfers who played with some of the
themselves and talked about their educational progress; the proud
top names in professional golf on November 11 at the
mother then thanked the generous foundation donors who made
Old Collier Golf Club. Together, the 2019 events raised a
her children’s education possible.
record-breaking amount of funding that will directly benefit the
“The Garcia family is a living example of how education and
foundation’s educational programming.
career training go hand-in-hand in creating bright futures for these
“This year’s theme was ‘The Magic of Immokalee’ for a reason,”
students,” said Dale Morrison. “For Barb and me, helping
said Barbara Morrison. “Our event committees, donors, and staff,
The Immokalee Foundation establish a dedicated effort for
together with the foundation’s amazing students, demonstrate the
internships has been one of the most rewarding endeavors we
magic of education every day. We are so grateful for the generosity
have enjoyed in our many years of philanthropy.”
of those who believe in creating Career Pathways for these deserving
students.”
The Presenting Sponsor, Kelly Tractor, proudly supports the foundation’s
Guests at the gala were introduced to the five siblings of the
educational programs that help the youth of Immokalee gain financial
Garcia family. After their mother, Juana Lopez Reynoso, overheard
independence. Additional sponsors included BCB Homes,
other mothers talking about The Immokalee Foundation while Bascom Palmer ranked #1 in ophthalmology for the 18th time.
Success Circle Sponsor; BMO Wealth Management,
working in the agricultural fields, the siblings were encouraged by
Collier Enterprises, entech, IBERIABANK and Synovus, Pathways
their parents to take advantage of foundation programs. Today, In their annual survey ranking America’s Best Hospitals, U.S. News & World Report has once again
Circle Sponsors; and Florida Weekly, Gulfshore Life/D’Latinos magazines
Joel is a graduate of FGCU with a degree in civil engineering ranked Bascom Palmer as the nation’s best in ophthalmology. This marks the 18th time America’s
and Naples Daily News, Media Sponsors.
who works for leading ophthalmologists have recognized Bascom Palmer Eye Institute of the University of Miami
Forge Engineering Health System as the best in the country for patient care, education and vision research. For more
in Naples; Eric will than five decades, Bascom Palmer has been making life-changing discoveries in every field of
graduate from Cornell The Immokalee Foundation provides a range of education programs ophthalmology. Now our dedicated team of doctors, scientists and educators is focused on 2020 and
University in May that focus on building pathways to professional careers through support, beyond. To schedule an appointment or learn more, please call 1-800-329-7000.
with a bachelor of mentoring and tutoring, and life skills development leading to economic
science in hotel independence. To learn more about The Immokalee Foundation,
administration; its signature events, volunteering as a career panel speaker or host,
Sandra is a becoming a mentor, making a donation, including the foundation in
biochemistry your estate plans, or for additional information, call 239-430-9122 or
major and visit www.immokaleefoundation.org.
Dale and Barbara Noemi Y. Perez, executive director of The Immokalee Foundation, Miami • Palm Beach Gardens • Naples • Plantation • Coral Gables
Morrison, Alex and can be reached at noemi.perez@immokaleefoundation.org.
Diamond Galvan bascom palmer.org
52 Life in Naples | January 2020

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