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participate through an online auction from Friday, January 23rd Oral Health: 80 percent of children screened through the
to Tuesday, February 3rd. NCF Pediatric Oral Health Initiative had tooth decay due to a
NCF recognizes a child’s ability to learn and thrive is lack of treatment.
deeply connected to their health and well-being. It’s about Vision: Up to 85 percent of Title I* and at-risk students have
nurturing the whole child- ensuring they have access to undiagnosed or untreated vision problems, affecting how they
essential healthcare that supports not only their physical learn, grow and thrive.
health, but also their academic success, emotional growth (*Title I refers to schools with high numbers or high
and future potential. That’s why, for this year’s Naples Winter percentages of children who are disadvantaged)
Wine Festival, the Foundation is placing a special emphasis on Primary Health Care: 65 percent of Collier County Public
children’s healthcare through its annual Fund a Need initiative. Schools students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, showing
“Every day in Collier County, children face heartbreaking that over half of children come from low-income families facing
health challenges,” said 2026 NWWF Co-Chair Nena barriers like limited awareness, transportation and access to care.
Beynon. “Without a foundation of good health, there is no “Donations to our 2026 Fund a Need will open the door to
future.” essential care – primary, oral, vision and mental health services
Together, we can fill in the gaps and provide the essential that catch problems early and restore children’s well-being,” said
resources that children in Collier County need to overcome the Sue Bieker, NCF Trustee and 2026 Grant Committee Chair.
current realities they face. Here are some startling statistics: “With our patrons’ generosity, barriers come down and every
Mental Health: From 2017 to 2022, there was a 100 percent child has the chance to grow up as the true Picture of Health.”
increase in suicide deaths among Collier County children aged Every dollar raised through “The Picture of Health” auction
10–19. lot will go to support NCF’s strategic initiatives to focus on the
future of children in our community. To learn more about NCF’s
impact in supporting local children, visit
www.napleschildrenfoundation.org. For additional information
on the Naples Winter Wine Festival or to make a donation, visit
www.napleswinefestival.com.
For additional information on the Naples Winter Wine Festival,
contact Lisa Juliano, SVP, Naples Winter Wine Festival & Event
Production, at lisa@napleswinefestival.com or 239-325-2972.

About Naples Children Foundation
The Naples Children Foundation, the founding organization of the
Naples Winter Wine Festival, creates transformational change and
improves educational, emotional and health outcomes for vulnerable
children in Collier County. Through its annual grants and strategic
initiatives, NCF has impacted nearly 90 of the most effective
nonprofits in the local community, providing 385,000 children
with the services and resources they need to succeed. Through bold
investments, collaborative partnerships, and data-driven solutions,
NCF supports programs that ensure every child can thrive. NCF’s
unique approach, which bridges public and private resources, has
become a blueprint for how to transform a community –
one issue at a time.

About Naples Winter Wine Festival
The Naples Winter Wine Festival (NWWF), one of the
world's most prestigious charity wine auctions, offers a weekend of
unforgettable memories. Guests enjoy world-class food and wine
during intimate dinners in elegant, private homes and other landmark
settings throughout Naples and are invited to bid on once-in-a-lifetime
travel and wine experiences during an electrifying live auction. Since
its inaugural event in 2001, the NWWF has raised more than $336
million, making a profound difference in the lives of hundreds of
thousands of children in Collier County.

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