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
  - - Feb. 042025
      Brief history of Naples wine auction as new record is set
    - Feb. 042025
      Naples Winter Wine Festival Raises over $34 Million for Children’s Charities
    more updates
- Close
Donate

News Releases

make a donation

Nov. 092013

2014 Naples Winter Wine Festival Celebrity Chefs Announced

Sep. 052013

Naples Children & Education Foundation Rolls Out New “Now You See It” Mobile Vision Program

Jul. 222013

NCEF Launches Friends of the Foundation

May. 162013

Naples Winter Wine Festival annouces 2014 event chairs

May. 092013

Iconic Festival

Apr. 252013

The Best Winter Festivals Around The World

Apr. 102013

Naples Winter Wine Festival creators award $1 million special grant to Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida

Mar. 192013

Charitable grants of $13.4 million awarded by Naples Winter Wine Festival

“I have found that among its other benefits, giv

“I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver.” – Maya Angelou This year’s Meet the Kids Day presentation showcased how The Present is Where the Past Meets the Future through the stories of remarkable individuals transformed by NCEF-supported programs. It’s All for the Kids.

For the 2025 #NWWF world-renowned live auction, Fe

For the 2025 #NWWF world-renowned live auction, Festival attendees came together under the big tent just outside The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón to bid on 52 unique lots featuring incredible wine, travel and culinary experiences, many of which included wines from some of the world’s most revered vineyards. Among this year’s top-selling auction lots were:
🍷✨ Driving at the Speed of Bentley for $1.7 million.
🍷 ✨ Million Dollar Night of Music with Scotty McCreery for $1 million.
🍷 ✨ MILLION DOLLAR MEAL … ALL for the Kids! for $1 million.
🍷 ✨ Set Sail Along the Croatian Coastline for $850,000.
🍷✨ The Art of Time with Staglin and Panerai sold twice for $800,000 each.
🍷 ✨ Meet Me on the Right Bank for $800,000.
🍷 ✨ Through the Centuries and Generations of Marchesi Antinori for $750,000.
We are beyond grateful for your generosity and continuous support!

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

Today we are featuring one of this past year’s NWWF Vintner Dinners, Hi Ho Silver 🎶 Hosted by: Patricia Aluisi, Judith Liegeois and Donna Solimene at the home of Betsy & Tony Markel. Vintner: Grace Evenstad of Château de la Crée in Burgundy, France and Domaine Serene in Dayton, Oregon. Chef: Emeril Lagasse of The Emeril Group in New Orleans, Louisiana.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all patrons who

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all patrons who contributed to this year’s Fund a Need, “Fund the Future.” Your generous support helped bring our 2025 vision to life, funding all seven Strategic Initiatives with a focus on the wellbeing of the whole child and ensuring the continued success of our collective impact projects.
Your contributions are making a profound difference in nourishing, healing and educating underserved and at-risk children in Collier County. By aligning with NCEF’s holistic approach, you’ve underscored the importance of initiatives like Early Learning, Healthcare, Hunger, Mental Health, Oral Health, Out-of-School Time and Vision - providing children with the comprehensive support that wraparound services offer.
Together, we are continuing NCEF’s proven blueprint for success and transforming our community for generations to come. Thank you for sharing in this mission.
#NCEF #NWWF25 #itsALLforthekids #FundTheFuture #FAN25 #StrategicInitiatives #holisticapproach #BlueprintModel #BuildingOn25Years #PastPresentFuture #support

Happy #WineWednesday! Today we are sharing photos

Happy #WineWednesday! Today we are sharing photos from one of this year’s NWWF Vintner Dinners, 🍇 Intimate dinners with award-winning chefs and celebrated vintners hosted by Festival Trustees in elegant, private homes and settings throughout Naples. World-class wines, Michelin-starred chefs and life-changing generosity.

Beautiful photos from Meet the Kids Day at Artis—Naples. The event highlighted NCEF’s Traditional Beneficiaries and Strategic Initiative partners, showcasing their impact on Collier County. Thank you @masqueradeswfl and @beachstreetmarquee for the beautiful and colorful balloon décor!

We would like to thank the sponsors and corporate

We would like to thank the sponsors and corporate partners of the 2025 Festival! We are honored to have Northern Jet as a partner of the #NWWF. Thank you —It’s ALL for the Kids!

This year’s Meet the Kids Day showcased the pres

This year’s Meet the Kids Day showcased the present is where the past meets the future through powerful stories of transformation. ❤ Simon shared how The Shelter for Abused Women & Children helped him and his mother rebuild their lives. With support, they became thriving entrepreneurs, now giving back to their community. Dawson found healing at Valerie’s House after losing his mother. Through grief counseling, he gained resilience and is now preparing for college. Kolson arrived in foster care malnourished and non-verbal. With therapy from ABLE Academy, he found his voice and a brighter future. These stories underscore the life-changing impact of donor generosity, fostering hope and opportunity for generations to come.

Culinary experiences that make a lasting differenc

Culinary experiences that make a lasting difference in the lives of Collier County's children. We appreciate the hard work and dedication of The Ritz-Carlton @ritzcarlton chefs and their amazing selection of menu items before this year’s #NWWF Live Auction.

Since 2001, the Festival’s success has been made

Since 2001, the Festival’s success has been made possible by the generosity of our sponsors and partners. We’re proud to have Waterside Shops as one of the #NWWF longtime sponsors. —Thank you!

NCEF would like to express their gratitude to @mas

NCEF would like to express their gratitude to @masqueradeswfl and @beachstreetmarquee for the beautiful and colorful décor during this year’s #NWWF!! Thank you so much for your support! 🎈🎈

Two weeks ago today, patrons of the Naples Winter

Two weeks ago today, patrons of the Naples Winter Wine Festival gathered at Artis-Naples to "Meet the Dreamers of Tomorrow." The event offered attendees an opportunity to learn more about the NCEF’s Traditional Beneficiaries and Strategic Initiative partners, showcasing the impactful programs they bring to Collier County.
The presentation began with a reflection on 25 years of generous giving, emphasizing the importance of continuing this legacy—especially through this year’s Fund a Need, "Fund the Future." This effort supported all seven Strategic Initiatives: Early Learning, Healthcare, Hunger, Mental Health, Oral Health, Out-of-School Time and Vision. CEO, Maria Jimenez-Lara, honored 25 years of accomplishments while sharing an inspiring vision for the future.
Attendees were moved by videos highlighting the stories of individuals representing the past, present and future of NCEF. These remarkable individuals then took the stage to share their journeys, illustrating the profound impact of donor contributions.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who attended Meet the Kids Day. Your presence and support are instrumental in shaping a brighter future for our youngest generation.
#NCEF #NWWF25 #itsALLforthekids #MTKD