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Gift Education
Giving the
of

by Dawn Montecalvo

Teachers are the foundation of every child’s success story.
At Guadalupe Center, our educators are more than just
teachers--they are mentors, nurturers, and life changers. For
over 25 years, Ms. Sandy, one of our early childhood educators,
has exemplified this dedication. Growing up in Immokalee,
Sandy overcame the challenges of a migrant lifestyle, finding her
passion in early childhood education. She chose to give back to
the community she loves, impacting generations of students–
even her own grandchildren, three of who attended our
nationally accredited Early Childhood Education Program.

In mid-November, Guadalupe Center—one of 41 organizations
in Southwest Florida—received an extraordinary $3 million
unrestricted gift from entrepreneur, philanthropist, and civic
leader Tom Golisano, the founder of Paychex. This
transformative gift, to be distributed over five years, will directly
uplift our Early Childhood Educators and expand our Tutor Corps
program. Guadalupe Center’s Board of Trustees approved
designating this gift to invest in the educators whose dedication
shapes the futures of Immokalee’s youngest learners and to
expand opportunities for middle and high school students.

This funding provides critical support to Early Childhood
Educators, like Ms. Sandy, starting in January 2025. In Collier
County, where the cost of living continues to rise, these
adjustments are more than financial support. They are a
statement of gratitude, recognition, and respect for the educators
who shape our community’s future. To date, over 250 Guadalupe Center alumni have graduated
from college, pursuing careers as doctors, teachers, and leaders.
Studies affirm that higher wages for educators lead to stronger A survey reveals they are 55% more likely to earn a degree and
retention, better classroom outcomes, and lasting community 25% more likely to earn $70,000+ annually, highlighting the life-
benefits. By investing in our teachers, we are investing in changing impact of education and community support. Results
Immokalee’s children, families, and future. This gift ensures like this remind us why these programs are essential—and why
that our classrooms remain places of joy, learning, and gifts like Mr. Golisano’s are so impactful.
inspiration—where seeds of potential grow into flourishing
dreams. For over four decades, Guadalupe Center has empowered more
than 2,000 students annually. Dedicated educators have made
Mr. Golisano's gift will also allow us to strategically expand our our mission to create pathways to prosperity through education
Tutor Corps Program. A new Tutor Corps Coordinator will help possible. Ongoing support from generous donors ensures that
expand the program’s reach, offering academic support, socio- we can continue and expand our mission to impact future
emotional development, and paid work-study opportunities to generations.
more middle, high school, and college students. This program is
critical, as it prepares students for life beyond the classroom, Together, we can honor the dedication of all early childhood
equipping them with the skills, confidence, and experience educators, invest in our children, and build a brighter future for
needed to succeed. our community.

About the Author

Dawn Montecalvo is President and CEO of
Guadalupe Center. To learn more, please visit
GuadalupeCenter.org or call 239-657-7711.

Life in Naples | February 2025 47