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Path nders rallies

Naples Stars in support

of Pathways Early

Education Center of

Immokalee

ast season, Pathfi nders hosted an evening of tempting high-quality, early learning programs. Multiple studies have shown
tangos, sizzling salsas, and jiving jitterbugs for its inaugural that when students are engaged in early education programs, they
LDancing with the Naples Stars event. Chaired by Judy are more prepared to enter kindergarten with stronger language,
Tedder and Sarann Kraushaar, the competition attracted hundreds math, and cognitive abilities. By giving every child access to
of guests to cheer on Naples Stars – key government,community, nurturing and stimulating environments, Pathways is helping
and business leaders – who were paired with professional dancers. Immokalee’s future leaders adapt for a lifetime of learning.
It was more than a prize driving the dancers to compete Th ousands of children have passed through Pathways’ doors to
though, their goal was to change the path for some of Immokalee’s achieve success in school and careers, breaking the cycle of poverty
most at-risk children. Th ey were rallied to support the event by that impacts over half of the families in Immokalee. However, the
members of Pathfi nders, an auxiliary support group with a goal of waiting list for a child to enter the school can be a year or longer.
raising awareness and much needed tuition assistance for Pathways More than 500 children are currently waiting to gain access to the
Early Education Center of Immokalee. language-rich environment, where they learn to work cooperatively
Proceeds from Dancing with the Naples Stars and Pathfi nders’ with a diverse peer group.
future events will give Immokalee’s future leaders access to Learn more at www.PathwaysEarlyEducation.org.

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