Page 16 - May-June 2025 Life In Naples Magazing

Naples Children & Education Foundation
Invests a Record Over $34 Million
in Organizations Supporting Underprivileged
and At-Risk Children in Collier County

NAPLES, FL (March 17, 2025) – The Naples Children & To lay the foundation for the new Early Learning Program,
Education Foundation (NCEF), the founding organization of NCEF commissioned the Florida Chamber Foundation to
the Naples Winter Wine Festival, has invested a record over conduct a comprehensive study, identifying critical needs, strategic
$34 million in close to 50 non-profit organizations supporting recommendations and best practices. Guided by this data-
underprivileged and at-risk children in Collier County. This driven approach, funds will support such things as infrastructure
includes $8 million to drive enrichment and expansion of early improvements, staff salaries and program enhancements.
learning opportunities. “This significant investment in early learning aims to close
Each year, NCEF supports local non-profits through the persistent gaps in early childhood education and marks the start
proceeds of the Naples Winter Wine Festival. This year’s of a transformative initiative to create lasting impact for children
investment in future generations includes funding traditional grants and families in our community,” said Maria Jimenez-Lara, Chief
of $6.7 million and $16.5 million for NCEF multi year strategic Executive Officer of NCEF.
initiatives that fill fundamental gaps in local children’s services, plus About Naples Children & Education Foundation
another $2.9 million in future projects and strategic initiatives. The Naples Children & Education Foundation (NCEF), the
In addition to funding traditional grants and multi year strategic founding organization of the Naples Winter Wine Festival, is
initiatives, NCEF has invested $8 million in a new Early Learning improving the educational, emotional and health outcomes of
Enrichment and Expansion Program to drive systemic change in underprivileged and at-risk children. Through its annual grants
Collier County, ensuring more children in the community have and strategic initiatives, NCEF has impacted close to 90 of the
access to high-quality education. most effective nonprofits in the local community, providing
“Our supporters showed an incredible amount of generosity at 350,000 children with the services and resources they need to excel.
th
the 25 anniversary Naples Winter Wine Festival, allowing us to NCEF's unique approach, which emphasizes collaboration between
have a further profound and sustaining impact on underprivileged organizations and bridges public and private resources, has become
and at-risk children in our community,” said Stephanie Pezeshkan, a blueprint for how to transform a community, one issue at a time.
2024-25 NCEF Grant Committee Chair. “By investing in the most About Naples Winter Wine Festival
effective organizations, we ensure that our dollars drive meaningful The Naples Winter Wine Festival (NWWF), one of the world's
change, improving lives and strengthening communities for the most prestigious charity wine auctions, offers a weekend of unforgettable
long term.” memories. Guests enjoy world-class food and wine during intimate
This year, a total of 32 non-profit organizations received dinners in elegant, private homes and other landmark settings
traditional grants, plus 17 additional agencies that help fill critical throughout Naples and are invited to bid on once-in-a-lifetime travel
needs in the community by taking part in NCEF’s multi-partner, and wine experiences during an electrifying live auction. Since its
multi-year strategic initiatives focusing specifically on early learning, inaugural event in 2001, the NWWF has raised more than $336
healthcare and out-of-school time. million, making a profound difference in the lives of hundreds of
NCEF's unique approach, which emphasizes collaboration thousands of children in Collier County.
between organizations and bridges public and private resources, has For additional information on the Naples Children & Education
become a blueprint for how to transform a community, one issue Foundation or the Naples Winter Wine Festival,
at a time. Each NCEF beneficiary is fully vetted and many utilize contact Lisa Juliano at lisa@napleswinefestival.com or 239-514-2239
that process as a “Good Housekeeping Stamp of Approval.” The
Blueprint Partner program builds upon that process.

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