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A Community United:

Wine, Women & Shoes

Raises $568,000 for

Naples Cancer Advisors

by Nikki Audia

here are moments possible. The organization provides free second opinions,
when a community biomarker testing, patient navigation, and support groups,
Tcomes together in a way helping patients and families navigate one of the most
that is impossible to ignore difficult journeys of their lives.
— moments when purpose, Biomarker testing has become one of the organization’s
compassion, and generosity fill most impactful initiatives, allowing physicians to better
the room. This year’s Wine, understand the genetic makeup of a patient’s cancer and
Women & Shoes Naples event was exactly match them with the most effective treatments available. By
that. expanding access to this critical testing, Naples Cancer Advisors
Now in its third year, the event has quickly become one of is helping bring cutting-edge cancer care to patients right here in
Naples’ most anticipated philanthropic gatherings. This year, Southwest Florida.
the community showed up in an extraordinary way, raising Equally important are the support groups and community
$568,000 for Naples Cancer Advisors — more than double programs offered to patients and caregivers, ensuring no one faces
what was raised the year before. cancer alone.
But beyond the impressive numbers, what made the day so Every dollar raised at Wine, Women & Shoes goes directly
memorable was the feeling in the room. back into the community — expanding services, supporting
From the moment guests arrived, it was clear this was patients, and ensuring that cancer care remains accessible locally.
not just another fundraiser. A lively red-carpet experience “This event represents what happens when a community rallies
welcomed attendees as interviewers asked guests fun but around a cause that touches so many lives,” said Nikki Audia,
meaningful questions about cancer awareness and whether they Director of Philanthropy & Community Engagement for Naples
were familiar with the mission of Naples Cancer Advisors. For Cancer Advisors. “Everything about the day was intentional
many, it became an opportunity to learn about an organization — from the vendors to the experiences — because every detail
that is quietly changing the landscape of cancer care in represented someone’s story and someone’s fight.”
Southwest Florida. With the momentum of this year’s success, Naples Cancer
At the heart of the afternoon was Peter Busch, the beloved Advisors is already looking ahead to its next major event.
master of ceremonies whose humor and charm set the tone for On November 14, the organization will debut a brand-new
the day. Busch opened the event with a few of his signature dad signature event, The Million Dollar Shot — an elegant evening
jokes — quickly winning over the crowd and filling the room designed to bring the community together once again in support
with laughter. of cancer patients and their families. The event will continue the
But the event soon shifted from lighthearted celebration to organization’s mission of raising critical funds to expand services,
something far more powerful. increase access to biomarker testing, and ensure that patients in
When cancer survivors took the stage, the atmosphere our community can receive the care and guidance they need close
changed instantly. One by one, they stood before the audience to home.
— living reminders of why the work of Naples Cancer Advisors If Wine, Women & Shoes proved anything this year, it’s
matters so deeply. that when Naples comes together for a cause, the impact can be
In that moment, the room fell silent. extraordinary.
Many guests wiped away tears as survivors were honored, Because at the end of the day, this event wasn’t just about wine,
each story representing courage, resilience, and the impact of fashion, or fundraising.
access to the right care and support. It was a reminder that It was about hope, resilience, and the power of a community
behind every statistic is a person, a family, and a community determined to change lives.
standing beside them.
There truly wasn’t a dry eye in the room. https://helenwerner.smugmug.com/
Throughout the event, every element was thoughtfully Wine-Women-and-Shoes-2026/
curated to reflect the mission of Naples Cancer Advisors. Each
participating vendor was intentionally selected — either a local https://kamilemickevicius.pixieset.com/
Naples business or an organization with a personal connection winewomenandshoesnaplescanceradvisors/
to cancer. The result was a marketplace and experience that felt
deeply personal and community driven. https://vivianalealphotography.pixieset.com/
Naples Cancer Advisors is a nonprofit dedicated to ensuring
patients receive the most informed and personalized cancer care
22 www.LifeInNaples.net