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The Garcia Family's five siblings are
all Immokalee Foundation alums.

Your Legacy. Their Future.

The Immokalee Foundation:
The Power of Family

by Noemi Y. Perez,
President and CEO,
The Immokalee Foundation

ince 1991, The Immokalee Foundation has been preparing first part-time jobs. Not many organizations invest in students like
the next generation of leaders through a 100% focus on us, but The Immokalee Foundation took a chance on our family, and
Seducation, career readiness, and professional development now we've all blossomed into successful professionals."
for students in Immokalee — from kindergarten through Generational wealth is a common attribute of life on the Gulf
postsecondary education. Coast; however, through increased education, career attainment, and
Over 16,000 of Immokalee's best and brightest have received elevated income potential, financial independence and career success
educational support during this time. However, what's equally are finding their way inland to Immokalee.
Are you ready to create a legacy of exciting is the benefit to the entire family. Four other siblings ultimately represent our four Career
EDUCATION, EMPOWERMENT and HOPE Twins Abigail and Emili were accepted into The Immokalee Pathways. Ariana is studying exercise physiology at Florida State
Foundation in sixth grade and are now active in our Postsecondary University (Healthcare), Gerardo is a Golf Pro in Estero (Education
for Immokalee’s youth? Program. As our students receive support until they walk in the & Human Services), Giovanni is pursuing a degree in management
door at their first professional job, it's common for a young person at FGCU (Business Management & Entrepreneurship), and Oscar
Consider making a planned gift to The Immokalee Foundation and to be with us for 10 years or more. is a project manager at GradyMinor, a full-service engineering firm
Abigail is attending Sante Fe College and hopes to become a in Fort Myers (Construction Management & Engineering).
• Empower students in Immokalee—from kindergarten through criminal justice lawyer. Emili is a student at Florida SouthWestern The short- and long-term outlook for all family members—
postsecondary education—with customized, out-of-school State College, and laying the groundwork for her desired career in grandparents, parents, and siblings—has received a giant boost
learning and professional development programs. education. The common thread? Both professions will enable the through equal access to education and professional development.
sisters to pay it forward and help others—a common goal found in
"The Immokalee Foundation has had a tremendous impact
• Ensure that we can meet the growing demand of young people Immokalee Foundation students. on my family, and it continues to do so," observed Giovanni.
Our primary challenge: Immokalee's families suffer
Use our online planning tool kit and gift in Immokalee who depend on our life-changing programs. intergenerational poverty and very low educational attainment. "They have provided my older brothers mentorship and resources
throughout their college journeys, helping them graduate and move
illustrator. This free, no-obligation tool Immokalee's per capita income is $17,927, ranking it 477th out of into their careers. Now, they're offering me and my younger sister
will help you explore options and find • Impact the future workforce of Southwest Florida by preparing 485 communities in Florida. the same support. We've achieved things we once thought were out
the charitable gift that’s right for you. students for well-paying, in-demand professional careers. The Immokalee Foundation is in the business of changing this of reach. As a family, we are forever grateful for the support and
Calculate deductions, tax savings and • Build upon 33 years of creating Pathways to Success for disheartening statistic—in many ways, one family at a time. opportunities given us. The Immokalee Foundation has become like
Although Immokalee is commonly associated with being home
a second family, guiding us to reach our full potential."
other benefits instantly! Immokalee Foundation students. to a hardworking community of farm workers, housekeepers, About The Immokalee Foundation
landscapers, drivers, and laborers, many Immokalee Foundation About The Immokalee Foundation: For over 33 years, The Immokalee
Did you know that your planned gift can also provide you families represent a changing professional landscape. Foundation has been providing new pathways to success and financial
greater tax savings and help preserve wealth for you and your Today, the five Garcia siblings, Aida, Diego, Eric, Joel and independence through robust programming that prepares students for
family? Call us to discuss the planned giving option that is right Sandra, run the gamut with careers in the Military, business well-paying, in-demand professional careers in four specific Career
Pathways: Business Management & Entrepreneurship, Education
administration, civil engineering, and veterinary medicine.
for you. "The impact of The Immokalee Foundation on my family is & Human Services, Engineering & Construction Management and
Let’s Start Today! truly transformative," said Aida. "They opened doors to numerous Healthcare. To learn more about The Immokalee Foundation, become a
mentor, host an intern, volunteer as a career panel speaker or host, donate,
opportunities for all of us, providing financial assistance, life-long
immokaleefoundation.myplannedgift.org Contact Lisa Marquette, Director of Planned Giving at mentors, and crucial guidance in navigating college and even our or include the Foundation in your will, please call 239-430-9122 or
visit immokaleefoundation.org
239.430.9122 or lisa.marquette@immokaleefoundation.org Life in Naples | January 2025 65