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Naples Winter Wine Festival 2023 is a Concerto

“In Perfect Harmony” of the Very Best in Wine and Food
STARability Foundation presents

he Naples Children & • Originally from West Virginia, Nena and Bill Beynon have
Education Foundation been full-time residents of Naples since 1998. Bill is President
T (NCEF), founders of the and CEO of Capital Wealth Advisors, where he leads a team of STAR Award to Driftwood Garden Center
Naples Winter Wine Festival over 40 professionals focused in the areas of wealth management
(NWWF), announced the NWWF and estate planning. Nena’s career was in elementary education,
will return to The Ritz-Carlton Golf serving 23 years in the classroom. Nena and Bill have enjoyed their
Resort, Naples on February 3-5, 2023. involvement in many non-profits since moving to Naples, both
With the theme “In Perfect Harmony,” the festival will showcase the as active volunteers and board members. Their philanthropy has
finest wines, exquisite cuisine and incredible auction lots to benefit focused in the areas of children, education, hunger, cancer research TARability Foundation has announced the return of its STAR Officer and Trailblazer Academy Director. “Our partnerships
children in need. and military veterans. The Beynons attended the NWWF for the Award initiative and recently presented the first one since with organizations such as Driftwood are vital to our mission
The 23rd annual NWWF comes following the record-breaking first time in 2016 and immediately fell in love with its mission. Sthe pandemic to its dedicated vocational partner, Driftwood of providing all individuals with intellectual and developmental
event in 2022, and anticipation for another hugely successful festival • With homes in both Naples and Columbus, Ohio, Libby Garden Center. The award was presented to Driftwood owners Craig disabilities with access to programs, resources and opportunities to
is already building under the leadership of the 2023 NWWF and Rick Germain are passionately involved in a number of Hazelett and Josee Tardif by employee and Trailblazer Academy lead meaningful and productive lives.”
Co-Chairs Nena and Bill Beynon, Libby and Rick Germain, and charitable organizations in both locations. Rick has over 40 years participant Nicole (Nicki) Moynihan. Driftwood Garden Center is family-owned and operated, with
Julia and Robert Heidt, Jr. For 2023, the festival moves to the first of progressive growth in the automotive industry within various The award recognizes local businesses that employ STARability two locations in Naples and Estero. They are a full-service nursery
weekend of February, which is one week later than usual. manufacturer environments and currently directs the Germain participants, including those enrolled in the Trailblazer Academy, a offering custom landscape design, water gardening, florist, pottery,
This year’s theme “In Perfect Harmony” reflects the amazing Automotive Partnership with multiple dealerships in Naples and community-based program focused on providing vocational training, and over an acre of shade houses full of every plant or flower
ensemble of award-winning chefs and world-renowned vintners Columbus. Libby is an alum of The Ohio State University and life skill development, and recreational experiences for individuals imaginable. The team at Driftwood takes pride in supporting
who come together each year to deliver a concerto of elegant and supports the university in a number of capacities by serving on The with intellectual and developmental disabilities. other local businesses and charities, donating their time, goods
exclusive vintner dinners in private homes around Naples followed Ohio State University Foundation Board. She also has become Driftwood has been a loyal supporter of STARability since and services to over 200 area charities each year, in addition to
by the exciting live auction featuring the very best wines and unique very involved with Ohio State’s Comprehensive Cancer Center, 2017. “As our relationship with STARability grew over the years, we STARability Foundation.
experiences to exotic destinations around the globe. The James. The Germains have supported the NWWF since 2017. wanted to further develop the partnership and establish our business For nearly four decades, STARability Foundation has been
“Plans for the 2023 Naples Winter Wine Festival are coming “This past year’s NWWF was an amazing success as we raised as an inclusive employer,” said Hazelett. “It felt like a natural next shining a light on abilities, not disabilities. Formed by a small
together quickly with everyone working in perfect harmony to an incredible amount of money for essential children’s services in step to support their work and do our part to set an example for community of caring parents, STARability has become one of
present some of the most extraordinary wines, travel packages and our community,” said Bill Beynon, 2023 NWWF Co-Chair and other businesses in the community.” Southwest Florida’s leading nonprofits. Today, the organization
one-of-a-kind experiences found nowhere else in the world,” said NCEF Grant Committee member. “Our team is excited to take STARability was able to match candidate Nicki, who had related is opening a world of possibilities to ages 14 and older by
2023 NWWF Co-Chair Libby Germain. “We will be staying true to on this challenge, building upon the 2022 event and bringing work experience and an interest in a paid position in horticulture, offering a variety of inclusive programs focused on vocational
our promise to the community that every dollar raised during our live everyone together again in 2023 for another impactful weekend.” as a seasonal Garden Assistant at Driftwood in 2020. She works training, continuing education, teamwork, social engagement
auction under the big tent will benefit underprivileged and at-risk Ticket packages for the 2023 Naples Winter Wine Festival closely with her coworkers and a job coach to complete her tasks, and community involvement. Their compassionate team
kids in Collier County.” start at $15,000 per couple for a Double Magnum package and which include deadheading, weeding, pricing, cleaning, and more as supports people with disabilities by providing life-transforming
$35,000 for two couples to experience a Jeroboam Package. For assigned. Nicki also works as a Garden Bud at THRIVE*ability: A opportunities that emphasize teamwork and a connection to
additional information, please visit: Community Garden Project, supported by STARability and the City the community while strengthening awareness and respect for
napleswinefestival.com/about-the-festival. of Naples Parks and Recreation. individual abilities.
About Naples Winter Wine Festival “At STARability, we feel blessed for the opportunity to make
The Naples Winter Wine Festival, one of the world's most prestigious successful employment matches that benefit both the business and To learn more about the services and program offerings available,
charity wine auctions, offers a weekend of unforgettable memories. our STARs,” said Madison McNally, STARability’s Chief Program please visit STARability.org.
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
The Co-Chairs of the 2023 NWWF bring the perfect event in 2001, the NWWF has raised nearly $244 million, making a
combination of professional and philanthropic experience both profound difference in the lives of hundreds of thousands of children.
in Naples and abroad. Here is some background on this year’s About Naples Children & Education Foundation
leadership team: The Naples Children & Education Foundation, the founding
• Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Julia and Robert Heidt, Jr. organization of the Naples Winter Wine Festival, is improving the
are active philanthropists through the Heidt Family Foundation and educational, emotional and health outcomes of underprivileged and
have supported a wide range of initiatives, including St. Vincent at-risk children. Through its annual grants and strategic initiatives,
DePaul and Cristo Rey School, Bethany House Services, Lindner NCEF has impacted more than 50 of the most effective nonprofits in the
Hope House, the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San community, providing more than 275,000 children with the services
Diego and the Heidt Hope House, part of the Boys Hope Girls and resources they need to excel. NCEF's unique approach, which
Hope Cincinnati “Building Hope” Initiative. Robert Heidt is Chief emphasizes collaboration between organizations and bridges public
Craig Hazelett and Josee Tardif, Josee Tardif, Nicki Moynihan and Driftwood Garden Center’s STAR Halley Kretschmer STARability
Executive Officer of Wellington Orthopedic and Sports Medicine, and private resources, has become a blueprint for how to transform a owners of Driftwood Garden Center, Craig Hazelett Award from STARability Foundation vocational services manager and
where he has practiced as a physician since 1982 and served as the community, one issue at a time. receiving STAR award from Nicki Nicki Moynihan
team physician for the Cincinnati Bengals for nearly three decades. Moynihan, Halley Kretschmer, and
For additional information on the Naples Children & Education
Julia Heidt serves on the Board of Trustees for the Scripps Family Madison McNally.
Foundation or the Naples Winter Wine Festival, contact Lisa Juliano
Office. The Heidts have supported the NWWF since 2017.
at lisa@napleswinefestival.com or 239-514-2239.
44 Life in Naples | August, September, October 2022 Life in Naples | August, September, October 2022 45