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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    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.
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  - - 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...
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Published Articles

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Sep. 112012

Dr. Kamela Patton to participate in eyeglass distribution funded by Naples Children & Education Foundation’s vision initiative

Aug. 242012

Underprivileged youth take trip of a lifetime to baseball camp in Maryland

Naplesnews.com

Aug. 132012

Baker Field brings together cops and kids in Collier County

WINK News

Aug. 132012

Benefits Good deeds

Naplesnews.com

Aug. 082012

New milestone of 1.5 million pounds of food delivered to combat children’s hunger

Naplesnews.com

Aug. 012012

Selling More Than Scenery

Gulfshore Business

Jul. 172012

Grant allows Collier Legal Aid lawyer to represent children in court cases

Naplesnews.com

Jul. 122012

Greater Marco Family YMCA lends helping hand

Naples Florida Weekly

Thanks to the efforts of NCEF beneficiaries within

Thanks to the efforts of NCEF beneficiaries within our Child Advocacy service category, we’re seeing real change — a 20% decrease in dependency cases involving child abuse, neglect or abandonment. These organizations provide critical support for our community’s most vulnerable children, offering:� 🏠 Emergency shelter� 📋 Case management� 🧠 Various forms of counseling/mentoring� ⚖️ Legal advocacy� 🛍️ Basic needs & more
Together, we’re creating safer, more stable futures for children in Collier County. Thank you to our partners for making this impact possible! #NCEF #NWWF #itsALLforthekids #ChildAdvocacy #ChildAbusePreventionMonth #support

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.