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Wilson & Johnson Private Foundation Commits $500,000 to Better Together

to Help Southwest Florida Families Grow and Find Long-Term Stability

he Wilson & Johnson Private Foundation is pleased Wilson further encouraged matching funds and at the end
to announce that it has committed $500,000 to Better of the evening several families were kind enough to match the
T Together to help the non-profit organization establish $500,000 donation, meaning the endowment fund will start with
an endowment dedicated to helping Southwest Florida families in $1 million plus.
crisis stay together, grow and find long-term stability. Wilson’s daughter, Whitney Schadler, noted that these
The commitment came during Better Together’s annual “Night additional contributions will significantly extend the impact
of Million Dreams” gala on February 27, 2026 in the Grand of this visionary gift. “An endowment means sustainability,”
Lawn Pavilion of The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón. With the Schadler said. “It means stability. It means that when a desperate
theme Made to Flourish, the evening featured stories of hope, parent reaches out years from now, someone will answer them.”
generous giving, live and silent auctions, and wild dueling pianos. About the Wilson & Johnson Private Foundation: Founded
Founded in 2015, Better Together is a Naples-based nonprofit in 2023, the Wilson & Johnson Private Foundation is a private
that helps parents who are going through a hard time to keep family foundation that primarily funds charitable activities
their kids out of foster care, find work and address the root causes through grants. Over the years, it has supported local nonprofits
of their struggle so they can reunite as a family with the tools and benefitting children, the environment, cancer research and
support system to thrive. The nonprofit’s programming has rapidly women’s initiatives. It also is involved in the community through
expanded to reach families in six regions of Florida, which span support of local events and initiatives.
48 counties across the state. About Better Together: A privately funded and professionally
In announcing the commitment to establishing the Better supported organization, Better Together is made up of volunteers
Together endowment, George A. Wilson, Trustee of the Wilson who believe helping people help themselves is the best way to
& Johnson Private Foundation, said, “Better Together proves restore dignity and bring families together. Through the Better
that with the right support system, families can overcome crises. Families program, families are offered a preventive alternative
Thank you for matching the commitment. Thank you for believing to foster care while they get the help they need. To date, the
in this vision, and thank you for standing behind the work of program has kept 98% of children served out of foster care. The
Better Together.” Better Jobs program addresses the 76% of families that come to it
because of economic hardship tied to unemployment. In addition
to community job fairs, the program offers job seekers coaching,
guidance, support and encouragement through local church
partners.

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