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NAPLES CHILDREN & EDUCATION FOUNDATION

Invests Over $22.6 Million in Support of

At-Risk Children in Collier County

he Naples Children & Education Foundation (NCEF), “Each NCEF Initiative organization and Blueprint Partner
the founding organization of Naples Winter Wine Festival exemplifies the highest levels of efficacy and accountability,”
T(NWWF), has invested over $22.6 million in close to 50 said NCEF Chief Executive Officer Maria Jimenez-Lara.
non-profit agencies supporting underprivileged “These private and public charitable organizations
and at-risk children in Collier County. collaborate to optimize funding, avoid duplication
This tremendous investment in future and develop innovative programs to deliver high-
generations includes funding traditional grants of quality programs and services to children in our
$5.6 million and $11.7 million for NCEF multi- community.”
year strategic initiatives that fill fundamental gaps For a complete listing of non-profit agencies
in local children’s services, plus another receiving 2022-2023 funding and dollar amounts,
$5.3 million in funding for future grants and visit www.NaplesWineFestival.com.
strategic initiatives.
“The 2022 NWWF was an amazing success as About Naples Winter Wine Festival
we welcomed everyone back under the big tent for The Naples Winter Wine Festival, one of the
an in-person celebration and raised the highest world's most prestigious charity wine auctions, offers
proceeds ever,” said John Walter, 2022 NCEF a weekend of unforgettable memories. Guests enjoy
Grant Committee Chair. “We are pleased that world-class food and wine during intimate dinners
every dollar raised in our live auction goes right in private homes and are invited to bid on once-in-
back into the community, improving the lives of a-lifetime travel and wine experiences during an
the most vulnerable children in Collier County.” electrifying live auction. Since its inaugural event
This year, the number of organizations in 2001, the NWWF has raised nearly $245 million,
receiving traditional grants totaled 34, plus 15 making a profound difference in the lives of hundreds
other agencies that help fill critical needs in the of thousands of children.
community by taking part in NCEF’s multi-partner,
multi-year strategic initiatives focusing on the well-being of About Naples Children & Education Foundation
the whole child. Initiatives receiving funding this year include early The Naples Children & Education Foundation, the founding
learning, hunger, mental health, oral health, out-of-school time organization of the Naples Winter Wine Festival, is improving the
and vision. educational, emotional and health outcomes of underprivileged and
NCEF's unique approach, which emphasizes collaboration at-risk children. Through its annual grants and strategic initiatives,
between organizations and bridges public and private resources, NCEF has impacted more than 50 of the most effective nonprofits
has become a blueprint for how to transform a community, one in the community, providing more than 275,000 children with the
issue at a time. Each NCEF beneficiary is fully vetted and many services and resources they need to excel. NCEF's unique approach,
utilize that process as a “Good Housekeeping Stamp of Approval.” which emphasizes collaboration between organizations and bridges
The Blueprint Partner program builds upon that process. public and private resources, has become a blueprint for how to
transform a community, one issue at a time.

Life in Naples | May, June, July 2022 47