Naples Children & Education Foundation
- - The Naples Children & Education Foundation (NCEF) was established in 2000 with the vision of making a profound and sustaining difference in the lives of children in Collier County.
    About The NCEF
- - Explore the Naples Children & Education Foundation
  - - Foundation Trustees
    - 7 Strategic Initiatives
    - Grant Recipients
    - Make a Donation
- Close
Naples Winter Wine Festival
- - NWF 2025 Logo
    The Naples Winter Wine Festival is ranked among the top 10 arts and entertainment events for wealthy Americans. This ranking by the Luxury Institute is based on exclusivity, quality and prestige.
    About the Festival
- - Explore the Naples Winter Wine Festival
  - - 2025 Vintners
    - 2025 Chefs
    - 2025 Sommeliers
    - 2025 Auction Lots
- Close
News & Galleries
- - Press Inquiries
    Lisa JulianoSVP, Naples Winter Wine Festival & Event Production
    239-325-2972
    
    Clay ConePR Consultant, Cone Communications
    239-398-9268
    For the press
- - Explore Our News & Galleries
  - - Mar. 182025
      NCEF awards over $34M to nearly 50 non-profits in Collier County
    - Mar. 182025
      A record year of grants by Naples Children & Education Foundation: $34 mill...
    more updates
- Close
Donate

In the News & Press

make a donation

Mar. 052008

NAPLES WINTER WINE FESTIVAL PROCEEDS OF $17.3 MILLION AWARDED TO CHILDREN’S CHARITIES

Dec. 282007

GRANTS OF $10.8 MILLION AWARDED FOR IMMOKALEE CHILDREN’S INITIATIVES BY THE NAPLES CHILDREN AND EDUCATION FOUNDATION

Dec. 262007

AUCTION LOTS FULFILL FONDEST PASSIONS AT 2008 NAPLES WINTER WINE FESTIVAL

Dec. 172007

THREE VERY SPECIAL AUTOMOBILES TO SET HEARTS RACING

Sep. 072007

WORLD’S MOST ESTEEMED VINTNERS SAY “YES” TO LEADING CHARITY WINE FESTIVAL

Aug. 242007

SEVENTEEN NATIONALLY ACCLAIMED CHEFS TO CREATE THE ULTIMATE WINE-AND-DINE EXPERIENCE

Jul. 262007

WORLD’S LEADING CHARITY WINE AUCTION ADDS HOLLYWOOD GLAMOUR TO FANTASY AUCTION LOTS

May. 022007

WORLD’S LEADING CHARITY WINE FESTIVAL TO BE HELD JAN. 25 – 27 IN NAPLES, FLA.

Launched in 2012, the Legal Aid for Collier Kids P

Launched in 2012, the Legal Aid for Collier Kids Project provides free legal services to protect abused, neglected, abandoned and special needs children in Collier County. With NCEF’s support, @legalaidservicecolliercounty ensures at-risk children receive the safety, health and educational resources they deserve.
This life-changing program helps children by:� 🔹 Securing safe placements for those in dependency & foster care� 🔹 Providing legal custody for non-parental caregivers� 🔹 Protecting victims of domestic violence, child abuse & sexual violence� 🔹 Ensuring special needs children receive the support they are legally entitled to in school
Through the power of the legal process, this program transforms lives and provides a pathway to safety and stability.
#NCEF #NWWF #itsALLforthekids #ChildAdvocacy #ChildAbusePreventionMonth #support

As we come together to celebrate, let's remember t

As we come together to celebrate, let's remember the importance of family, unity and gratitude. We wish you a wonderful Passover celebration, filled with joy and meaning.

Over 2,500 children and families received life-cha

Over 2,500 children and families received life-changing care to heal from abuse-related trauma through the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collier County (CAC).
As the only entity in the area able to provide medical diagnoses of child abuse, forensic interviews and safe custody exchanges, @caccolliercounty plays a critical role in protecting and advocating for vulnerable children.
With NCEF’s support, CAC provides essential medical and social evaluations, case management, trauma-focused therapy and counseling to the most severely abused and traumatized children in our community.

Congratulations to Emeritus Trustee Jerry Starkey

Congratulations to Emeritus Trustee Jerry Starkey for being recognized as one of this year’s Naples 100 by Naples Illustrated! Since the 1980s, Jerry Starkey has led the design and development of highly amenitized master-planned communities, luxury resorts, golf courses, marinas and high-rise condominiums throughout Texas, Florida and in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states. Through RE Partners International, he has turned around and divested health care, fintech and energy services companies and engaged in real estate investment and development. He is currently developing Metropolitan Naples, a mixed-use community of several luxury high-rises.

Today we are featuring one of this past year’s N

Today we are featuring one of this past year’s NWWF Vintner Dinners, Silver Soirée: Gondolas of Generosity. ⛵️ Hosted by: Ashley & Adam Gerry with Julia & Rob Heidt, Jr. Vintner: Elisabetta Gnudi of Altesino, Borgo Scopeto e Caparzo in Siena, Italy. Chef de Cuisine: Angelo Auriana of The Factory Kitchen @thefactorykitchen_dtla and BRERA Ristorante in Los Angeles, California. Cheers!

In recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention

In recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, we’re raising awareness about the impact of childhood trauma. In the U.S., two-thirds of children experience at least one traumatic event by age 16 — that means over 42,000 children in Collier County could be exposed.
Trauma can result from abuse, neglect, violence, loss of a loved one, natural disasters or household challenges like substance use or mental illness. Its effects can last a lifetime, impacting mental health, academic success, relationships and even physical well-being.
This month, let’s stand together to protect children, promote healing and ensure they have the support they need to thrive. 💙 Every child deserves a safe and nurturing environment.
#NCEF #NWWF #itsALLforthekids #ChildAbusePreventionMonth #TraumaAwareness #Support

Congratulations to Emeritus Trustees Sandi and Tom

Congratulations to Emeritus Trustees Sandi and Tom Moran for being recognized as two of this year’s Naples 100 by Naples Illustrated!
Tom Moran is the founder and driving force behind Moran Wealth Management, LLC, a Naples-based registered investment advisor. Moran Wealth specializes in asset management and private wealth advisory, offering tailored investment solutions and financial planning for individuals, families and institutions. Operating on a 100 percent fee-only basis, the firm adheres to strict fiduciary standards.
Sandi Moran is a three-time Tony Award-winning Broadway producer. She has served as chair of the Naples Children & Education Foundation, the United Arts Council and the Naples Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, and is a member of the Tastevin and Commanderie wine societies. Moran is an accomplished pro/am ballroom dancer. Sandi and Tom are blessed with a large, wonderfully unique family that includes three grandchildren.

Congratulations to Emeritus Trustee Robert Edwards

Congratulations to Emeritus Trustee Robert Edwards, for being recognized as one of this year’s Naples 100 by Naples Illustrated! Bob Edwards helms a successful asset management team of 17, with over $1.6 billion in assets. Beyond finance, he and his wife Terry are philanthropic pillars in the community, serving leadership roles in various organizations from Artis—Naples to the Guggenheim Museum in Venice, Italy. Edwards is deeply rooted in the community and has received numerous accolades for his service. His unique blend of professional expertise and social commitment makes him a trusted advisor and revered community figure.

Our Community Impact Bus Tour on March 25th was a

Our Community Impact Bus Tour on March 25th was a huge success! 🚍✨ Led by our CEO Maria Jimenez-Lara, Trustees, sponsors and other Foundation supporters had the opportunity to visit incredible organizations like @theableacademy the NCEF Early Childhood Development Center operated by FGCU’s College of Education @fgcu_coe the NCEF Pediatric Dental Center run by UF College of Dentistry @ufdentistry and Healthcare Network @healthcareswfl in Golden Gate and East Naples.
It was a powerful experience seeing firsthand the transformative efforts made possible by your support. Attendees had the chance to meet program leaders, hear from beneficiaries and witness the incredible difference you’re helping to make in our community.
Thank you to everyone who joined us—together, we’re making a lasting impact!
#NCEF #NWWF #itsALLforthekids #CommunityImpact #BusTours #TransformingLives #support #beneficiaries

Today we are featuring one of this past year’s N

Today we are featuring one of this past year’s NWWF Vintner Dinners, Silver Soirée: Celebrating 25 Years 🩶 Hosted by: Shirlene Elkins, Teri Franklin Kuhn and Linda Richards Malone at the home of Linda Orlans. Vintners: Shari & Garen Staglin of @staglinfamilyvineyard in Rutherford, California. Chef: @chefandyquinn
of @thenoortwyck in New York, New York.

Congratulations to NCEF Trustee Joe Matina, for be

Congratulations to NCEF Trustee Joe Matina, for being recognized as one of this year’s Naples 100 by Naples Illustrated! Joseph Matina founded The Matina Group, a 13-person UBS Private Wealth Management team, in 2000. He has more than 30 years of investment industry experience. He and his team are nationally recognized for developing best-in-class, customized solutions for individuals and families. Matina and his wife Dana support local women's and children's causes, including NCEF.

Celebrating 4 years of Collier CARES! Since launch

Celebrating 4 years of Collier CARES! Since launching to the public, @colliercares has been a vital resource for our community, connecting residents to essential services and support.
📲 Haven’t downloaded the app yet? Now’s the perfect time!�✅ Explore resources & services�✅ Filter search preferences for personalized results�✅ Check out the events page for free & low-cost activities in Collier County
Stay connected, stay informed and let’s keep building a stronger community together! Celebrating 4 years of Collier CARES!
Since launching to the public, Collier CARES has been a vital resource for our community, connecting residents to essential services and support.
📲 Haven’t downloaded the app yet? Now’s the perfect time!�✅ Explore resources & services�✅ Filter search preferences for personalized results�✅ Check out the events page for free & low-cost activities in Collier County
Stay connected, stay informed and let’s keep building a stronger community together!
#NCEF #NWWF #itsALLforthekids #CollierCARES #ConnectwithCare #4YearsStrong