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.
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In the News & Press

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Dec. 112018

Machu Picchu illuminated by the warm sunset light. Wide angle view from the terraces above with scenic sky and sun burst. Dreamlike travel destination, world wonder. Cusco Region, Peru.

That electrifying and celebratory feeling as you e

That electrifying and celebratory feeling as you enter the live auction tent... we can’t wait until next year! Happy #WineWednesday! #GenerosityInFullBloom

At NCEF partner Healthcare Network, they believe t

At NCEF partner Healthcare Network, they believe that collaborative and integrated primary care is essential to improving health. This integrative approach was crucial when helping 12-year-old Valeria. During her annual physical exam, she reported mild symptoms of depression. Concerned about her physical, mental and emotional well-being her pediatrician recommended that Valeria speak with one of their in-practice behavioral health providers. After a few sessions, Valeria shared that she was vomiting food, not eating and exercising excessively. Her medical care provider was immediately updated with this new information, and it was determined that Valeria was suffering from atypical anorexia nervosa (meeting all criteria for anorexia nervosa, except presentation weight is within or above the normal range).
A care plan was created that included sessions with a @healthcareswfl dietician to help Valeria better understand how food and nutrition affect her body. It was determined she should continue counseling but with a mental health provider specializing in eating disorders.
Today, Valeria is seen regularly by her Healthcare Network care team as she continues to work through her condition. Thankfully, her symptoms have improved.
*Names and identifying details have been changed to protect the privacy of the patients.
#NCEF #NWWF #itsALLforthekids #shiningstar #partners #integrativecare #collaboration #nutrition

Bidding for The Cellar of Bill Nunnelly, to benefi

Bidding for The Cellar of Bill Nunnelly, to benefit NCEF opens today! The auction lot features the wine collection of Bill Nunnelly, beloved local wine collector and NWWF supporter. The two-day auction offering the Nunnelly Collection is being conducted by @ackerwines the largest fine wine and spirits auction house in the world and the oldest wine merchant in America. Nunnelly’s lots are a featured collection in the sale, alongside other tremendous offerings of top Burgundy, Bordeaux, cult California, and other highly sought regions of the wine world. We invite you to click the link in our bio to learn more and bid today!

We are honored to share that the wine collection o

We are honored to share that the wine collection of a beloved local Naples wine collector, Bill Nunnelly, will be auctioned with global wine auction house, @ackerwines on Wednesday and Thursday, May 17-18, 2023, with net proceeds dedicated to the Naples Children & Education Foundation and the Nashville Wine Auction for cancer research. We’re touched by the generosity and thoughtfulness of this gift from Rosann Nunnelly and her late husband. The Nunnelly’s were steadfast supporters of our mission for many years, and this donation will ensure that their efforts will have a lasting impact on the physical, emotional and educational lives of children in our community. We invite you to learn more and bid here: https://www.ackerwines.com/nunnelly-naples-children-and-education-foundation/

More than 10 years ago, Southwest Florida communit

More than 10 years ago, Southwest Florida community leaders declared a shortage of mental healthcare services for children. Since then, the number of children harming themselves, threatening or attempting suicide and seeking mental health care has far outpaced population growth and the local system is overwhelmed. 2020 was marked by the highest rate or deaths by suicide than ever before in Collier (15.8/100,000), higher than the State average (13.1). 680 youth were involuntarily examined under the Baker Act, 550 more than a decade ago.
The system has been plagued by low funding and fragmentation and lack prevention services, such as early identification through routine screening and early intervention with identified risks/emerging symptoms and limited access to timely and affordable counseling and psychiatric care. Collier County is federally designated as a Medically Underserved Area/Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) for Mental Health, representing a high need/severe shortage area with an insufficient workforce and transportation barriers that limit access to care.
Recognizing that the pediatric primary care setting is the main gateway to access care for children and youth, NCEF has brought together key providers in the community to help shift the provision of mental health services in Collier County to an integrated primary care model.
#NCEF #NWWF #itsALLforthekids #mentalhealth #crisis #integratedcare #partners #services

Last Monday, May 8th, the 3rd Annual NCEF Golf For

Last Monday, May 8th, the 3rd Annual NCEF Golf Fore Kids Pro-Am took place at The Old Collier Golf Club. Thank you to everyone who attended this event, hosted by Peter Jacobsen and several Pro friends, including Curtis Strange, Bobby Clampett, John Cook, Sarah Jane Smith and Kris Tamulis. All winning bidders experienced a casual lunch, golf clinic on the range, an 18-hole tournament, and their guests joined them for cocktails and a fabulous outdoor dinner featuring extraordinary wines. Thank you to everyone who participated for helping fulfill the mission of NCEF. #ItsALLfortheKids
Thank you to our Event Sponsor: Northern Trust; Club and Caddy Sponsors: Usha & Monte Ahuja - Jeannelle & Brian Brady - Susan & Gary Garrabrant - Simone & Scott Lutgert; and Wine Sponsor: Bricoleur Vineyards.

Happy Mother’s Day! Sending love, gratitude and

Happy Mother’s Day! Sending love, gratitude and warm wishes to all the strong and inspirational mothers and caregivers. May you be wonderfully celebrated today!

Since 2012, NCEF’s mental health initiative has

Since 2012, NCEF’s mental health initiative has been transforming and expanding mental and behavioral health care for at-risk children in Collier County. Dubbed “Beautiful Minds®,” the initiative strengthens links among health-care providers, community mental health professionals, social services and public-school system.
Under NCEF’s leadership, @davidlawrencecenters @fsucom @gch_swfl @healthcareswfl and @namicolliercounty have worked together to create a continuum of care that reduces and eliminates duplication of services, maximizes resources and increases the availability of high quality, best-practice approaches.
By bringing together partners throughout health and behavioral health systems, this continuum of care model will better serve children with mental health conditions. #NCEF #NWWF #itsALLforthekids #mentalhealth #continuumofcare #partners #StrategicInitiatives #collaboration #services

Today we are shining a light on Children’s Menta

Today we are shining a light on Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day.
Each year, National #ChildrensMentalHealthAwarenessDay seeks to raise awareness about the importance of children's mental health and show that positive mental health is essential to a child's healthy development.
This year's Festival's live auction total included over $5 million in contributions towards our Fund a Need, “Healthy Mind, Body & Soul,” which will support NCEF’s children’s health care initiatives, with a special emphasis on mental health. The distresses the pandemic had on children becomes more evident every day in school, sports and after-school programs. Contributions to “Health Mind, Body & Soul” will last a lifetime. We are thankful to all our donors and beneficiaries who provide mental health services to children in need within Collier County. #ChildrensMentalHealth

After almost three years of a global pandemic, a n

After almost three years of a global pandemic, a natural disaster and social media pressures, youth in Collier County are experiencing a mental health crisis. This perfect storm has driven a dramatic increase in need for mental health care, specifically acute care. The current lack of psychiatric pediatric beds has led to a spike in emergency room visits and hospitalizations for mental health disorders. Common mental health conditions include anxiety, depression and eating disorders.
Overall, the use of outpatient mental health services has increased as well but more emergency room visits imply there are not enough pediatric mental health providers. Insufficient numbers of mental health providers drastically heighten the mental health crisis. With so many young people affected by mental health challenges, it is crucial that parents, mental health professionals and community members become aware of the factors exacerbating their struggles.
In honor of National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day, NCEF partner @davidlawrencecenters is offering a variety of free virtual presentations focusing on youth mental health on Thursday, May 11th.
Register today at dlcenters.org/events.
#NCEF #NWWF #itsALLforthekids #mentalhealth #partners #awareness #communityeducation

Save the Date! The Naples Children & Education Fou

Save the Date! The Naples Children & Education Foundation, founders of the Naples Winter Wine Festival, is thrilled to announce the #NWWF will return to The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón on January 26-28, 2024. With the theme “Generosity in Full Bloom,” the Festival will once again feature exclusive fine wines, impeccable cuisine and unique, one-of-a-kind auction lots benefiting underprivileged and at-risk children in the local community.