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. 172019

BOCA RATON, FL – DECEMBER 12: Adam Lambert performs during the 97.9 No Snow Ball concert at the Mizner Park Amphitheatre on December 12, 2015 in Boca Raton, Florida.People: Adam Lambert

This year, Maria Jimenez-Lara celebrates 10 years

This year, Maria Jimenez-Lara celebrates 10 years as CEO of the Naples Children & Education Foundation. 🎉 Under her leadership, NCEF launched major Strategic Initiatives in Mental Health, Out-of-School Time and Vision, while shifting to an outcomes-driven funding model. The foundation successfully navigated natural disasters and the pandemic, ensuring continued support for the community. Mobile clinics were introduced to deliver vital health services to underserved children. A long-term Out-of-School Time partnership in Immokalee helped boost the local graduation rate from 65% to 87.4%. Major investments in early learning and the construction of a permanent headquarters have further expanded access to education and strengthened NCEF’s presence in the community.
In 2025 alone, the Naples Winter Wine Festival raised over $34M, contributing to more than $336M total in support of vulnerable youth.
Maria’s vision and dedication have transformed NCEF into a powerful force for systemic change.
#NCEF #NWWF #itsALLforthekids #10YearsofImpact #CollierCounty

Behind the scenes! The 2026 Naples Winter Wine Fes

Behind the scenes! The 2026 Naples Winter Wine Festival “Save the Dates” are ready, thanks to our wonderful volunteers! The Naples Winter Wine Festival is set to return for another amazing weekend of food, wine and fun from January 30 through February 1, 2026.

Today, on National Children’s Day! 🎈We’re c

Today, on National Children’s Day! 🎈We’re celebrating the incredible strides made by the children we’ve had the honor to serve over the past 25 years. As a foundation dedicated to children, their growth, resilience and success are at the heart of everything we do.
None of this would be possible without the unwavering support of our Trustees, beneficiaries, dedicated partners, supporters and the compassionate community that surrounds us. Thank you for helping us build a brighter future one child at a time.
#NCEF #NWWF #itsALLforthekids #NationalChildrensDay #25YearsofImpact #CollierCounty #childrensday

Coming off the excitement of the 2024–25 high sc

Coming off the excitement of the 2024–25 high school graduations last month, we're taking a moment to reflect on last year’s graduation rates—and once again, Collier County Public Schools students continue to shine.
The overall graduation rate stood strong at 91.3%, with incredible achievements across student groups:�
🎓90% for students with disabilities�🎓88.1% for economically disadvantaged students� 🎓84% for our migrant population 🎓75.6% for English language learners
These numbers reflect the hard work of our students, educators, families and community partners. Let’s keep the momentum going!
#NCEF #NWWF #itsALLforthekids #CollierCounty

#ThrowbackThursday to last year’s Vintage Cellar

#ThrowbackThursday to last year’s Vintage Cellar event, a Pre-Festival Wine Tasting and Luncheon. Influential wine critic Antonio Galloni, the founder and CEO of @vinousmedia headlined the event at Bleu Provence. Thank you @bleuprovencenaples and @antoniogalloni for your continuous support in helping us fulfill our mission to support charitable programs that improve the physical, This is some textemotional and educational lives of the most vulnerable children in Collier County.

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

Today we are featuring one of this past year’s NWWF Vintner Dinners, Birds of a Feather. 🪶 Hosted by: Carol & Tom Joseph with Cindy & Sam Scalise. Vintner: Lucas Löwi of Terrazas de los Andes in Mendoza, Argentina. Chef: Stephen Coe of Dangerous Eats and The Early Bird Café in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Party Planner: Ruffino Hernandez of Garden District.

Only 10% of Collier County Public Schools students

Only 10% of Collier County Public Schools students were chronically absent during the 2023–24 school year—well below the state average of 31%. The House unanimously passed a bill (HB 1367/SB 938) requiring the State Board of Education to adopt a statewide attendance policy in hopes of earlier intervention. The Senate didn’t take up the issue, but the growing awareness of the problem among legislators is a giant step in the right direction.
While this is encouraging, chronic absenteeism remains a growing concern and a barrier to long-term student success. Increased attention from state leaders is a promising sign, and with continued focus and early intervention, we can help more students stay on track and thrive.
#NCEF #itsALLforthekids #CollierCounty

Even though graduations took place last week, toda

Even though graduations took place last week, today marks the official last day of school for CCPS students! 🎓
From all of us at NCEF, congratulations to every graduate—big and small—and to every student for completing another school year. Your hard work, growth and resilience deserve to be celebrated.
Cheers to another great year, and we wish everyone a safe, joyful and fun-filled summer!
#NCEF #itsALLforthekids #LastDayOfSchool #ClassOf2025

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

Today we are featuring one of this past year’s NWWF Vintner Dinners, To Dream the Impossible Dream. ✨ Hosted by: Betsy Ryan & Patrick Zenner with Catherine & John Van Hulle. Vintners: Matthew Sharp of Shafer Vineyards in Napa, California. Alberto Tasca of Tasca d'Almerita in Sicily, Italy. Chef: Bryan Voltaggio of Wye Oak Tavern in Frederick, Maryland. Party Planner: Pam Beckman with BonSoiree.

The Naples Children & Education Foundation, founde

The Naples Children & Education Foundation, founders of the Naples Winter Wine Festival, wishes you a meaningful Memorial Day. Today we honor and thank all heroes that fought for our country.

Happy National Wine Day! Today, we raise a glass t

Happy National Wine Day! Today, we raise a glass to the art of winemaking, the joy of sharing a bottle with friends and the many stories uncorked over a great vintage. Cheers! #nationalwineday

We are beyond excited to introduce the 2026 NWWF c

We are beyond excited to introduce the 2026 NWWF co-chairs! Nena and Bill Beynon and Ashley and Adam Gerry. Both couples are well-known community supporters who have actively participated in the past several Festivals.
Originally from West Virginia, Nena and Bill Beynon have been full-time residents of Naples since 1998. The Beynons have been actively involved in many non-profit organizations since moving to Naples. The couple attended their very first NWWF in 2016 and fell in love with the mission of the organization. They are experienced as chairs of the NWWF for several prior Festivals.
Ashley and Adam Gerry moved to Naples in 2003 and have been generous patrons of the NWWF since 2011. They joined NCEF as Trustees in 2023. Ashley has served on the Online Auction Committee and is currently on the Board of Directors. Adam currently serves on the Grant Committee.
We are honored to have such a seasoned team of advocates for change!