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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Aug. 242016

Kristen Vaughn

We are beyond excited to unveil the collection of

We are beyond excited to unveil the collection of world-renowned vintners and award-winning celebrity chefs who will be participating in the 26th annual Naples Winter Wine Festival at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón on January 30, 2026 through February 1, 2026. ✨🍷 This year’s #NWWF Honored Vintners Shahpar and Darioush Khaledi and Chef de Cuisine Dustin Valette will headline an all-star lineup of world-renowned winemakers and celebrity chefs, including vintners Pablo Álvarez Mezquíriz, Barbara Banke, Candice Bernard Cathiard, Deborah Harlan and Amanda Harlan and Jesse Katz, along with chefs Dave Beran, Cassidee Dabney, Rogelio Garcia, Doug Psaltis and John Tesar.
Click the link in our bio to learn more about this star-studded lineup! 🎉

💙 Happy National Nonprofit Day! 💙 While NCEF

💙 Happy National Nonprofit Day! 💙
While NCEF is proud to be a nonprofit, today we want to shine the spotlight on the nearly 60 incredible nonprofit organizations we fund annually.
Each of our traditional beneficiaries and strategic initiatives plays a vital role in one or more of our four funding categories:� 👶 Early Learning� 💪 Child Advocacy� 🏥 Medical/Healthcare� 🎨 Out-of-School Time
Together, these organizations work tirelessly to support the whole child—mind, body and soul. Today, and every day, we celebrate the impact, dedication and heart of our nonprofit partners.
#NCEF #NWWF #itsALLforthekids #NationalNonprofitDay #ChildAdvocacy #EarlyLearning #MedicalHealthcare #OutofSchoolTime

Feel the excitement of the Lot Room, where the bou

Feel the excitement of the Lot Room, where the boundless generosity of our donors meets the overwhelming generosity of our bidders. This is the time to check out our many lavish, one-of-a-kind experiences and exceptional wine and experience lots, decide which items you simply can’t live without and discuss bidding strategies with friends.

The Naples Children & Education Foundation, founde

The Naples Children & Education Foundation, founders of the Naples Winter Wine Festival, would like to express our congratulations to Sherie Marek as a Women's Foundation of Collier County @wfcollierfl 2026 Woman of Initiative honoree! Known for her behind-the-scenes giving and unwavering kindness, Sherie brings strategy, strength and soul to every cause she supports – from The Naples Players and Community School of Naples to the Naples Winter Wine Festival. Sherie’s goal remains clear: “By empowering one woman, you transform families. Empower half a village, and you shift generations.” Congratulations!

From everyone at NCEF, we’re wishing all student

From everyone at NCEF, we’re wishing all students a fantastic first day of school and an amazing start to the 2025 school year!
Collier County Public Schools (CCPS) is once again starting the year off on a high note after earning an “A” rating from the Florida Department of Education for the 2024–2025 school year! 🌟
CCPS, @collierschools is the only district in Southwest Florida to earn this distinction and is one of just 28 “A” districts statewide. Of CCPS’s traditional public schools, 50 out of 51 (98%) received an “A” or “B” rating!
We’re incredibly proud to partner with a district so deeply committed to excellence. Here’s to a year of growth, achievement and opportunity! 🍎📖
#NCEF #NWWF #itsALLforthekids #BackToSchool #FirstDayOfSchool #CommunityPartners #EducationMatters #CollierCounty

Inside the Naples Winter Wine Festival: Video Seri

Inside the Naples Winter Wine Festival: Video Series: Meet the Kids Day!
Witnessing first-hand the life-changing impact of the Naples Winter Wine Festival. Get to know the organizations benefiting from NCEF’s grants and meet the children who have received the resources and services they need to excel. The morning culminates in heartfelt presentations showcasing remarkable success stories that NCEF’s grants have made possible. Following the presentations, you’ll meet acclaimed vintners and taste their fabulous wines at a luncheon catered by D’Amico’s The Continental.

#TBT to Meet the Kids Day at last year's Festival!

#TBT to Meet the Kids Day at last year's Festival! Witnessing the life-changing impact of NCEF's grants and meeting the children who have received the resources and services they need to excel was truly inspiring. We heard heartwarming success stories and enjoyed a delightful luncheon catered by D’Amico’s @continentalnaples featuring acclaimed vintners and their exquisite wines. #ItsALLfortheKids

The Naples Children & Education Foundation, founde

The Naples Children & Education Foundation, founders of the Naples Winter Wine Festival, would like to express our congratulations to Nena Beynon, the new @wfcollierfl 2026 Woman of Initiative honoree!
Nena Beynon, a woman whose commitment to children, education and community is both personal and profound. Nena’s motto is simple: give back now. “Don’t wait. Start now. Volunteer. Give what you can. Make philanthropy a part of your life.” Whether leading the Capital Wealth Advisors Turkey Drop or co-chairing the #NWWF, Nena is a steady hand, a warm heart and a guiding light. Congratulations!

August is Get Ready for Kindergarten Month! In re

August is Get Ready for Kindergarten Month!
In recognition of this important month, NCEF proudly highlights the vital work of our Early Learning beneficiaries—incredible organizations whose educational programs serve children from birth to age 5.
These programs play a vital role in building key foundational skills such as:� 🧠 Social and emotional development� 🔍 Curiosity and discovery� 🧩 Problem-solving abilities
All of these are essential components of kindergarten readiness.
Why does this matter? Because 65% of Collier County kindergartners who attended Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) in 2023 were deemed “Ready for Kindergarten.” Early investment makes a lifelong impact!
#NCEF #itsALLforthekids #EarlyLearning #Kindergarten #ChildDevelopment

The first day of school is just around the corner,

The first day of school is just around the corner, and we know how important it is to make sure every child is ready to head back with confidence—and the supplies they need!
Back-to-School events are happening Saturday in Naples & Immokalee!
📍 Immokalee:� Lipman Family Farms’ Annual Backpack Giveaway� 🗓 Saturday, August 9 | 9 AM� 📍 701 Immokalee Dr, Immokalee, FL 34142� 🎒 1,900 backpacks filled with school supplies will be distributed to school-age children in Immokalee and nearby communities!� 👉 Children must be present and accompanied by an adult to receive a backpack.� ✨ Plus: 50+ local nonprofits, free food, services, entertainment, giveaways & more!
📍 Naples:� 2025 Neapolitan Family Back to School Expo� 🗓 Saturday, August 9 | 11 AM – 2 PM� 📍 North Collier Regional Park Exhibit Hall, 15000 Livingston Rd, Naples, FL 34109� 🧩 Learn about & register for after-school programs, clubs, arts & theater classes, dance, sports, scouting, fitness, healthcare, schools & more!� 🎯 A one-stop shop to discover opportunities and spark new interests for your child.
Don’t miss these amazing community events to kick off the school year strong! #NCEF #itsALLforthekids #SWFL

Spirits are high at the Grand Crew Party as we lif

Spirits are high at the Grand Crew Party as we lift the cork on a sumptuous evening of great wines, fanciful foods and friends – both old and new! Celebrate and honor our award-winning vintners, chefs and sommeliers at @campiellonaples in Old Naples. Enjoy wine, dinner and friends – old and new. 🍷

🍷 Naples Winter Wine Festival: Ranked #1 by USA

🍷 Naples Winter Wine Festival: Ranked #1 by USA Today’s 10Best!
We are honored to be named the Best Wine Festival in the USA by USA Today 10Best. A heartfelt thank you to USA Today and to everyone who voted for us!
We’re also deeply grateful to our incredible volunteers, partners, vintners, chefs, supporters and guests who made this recognition possible.
Here’s to making a difference—together. #1 #BestWineFestival #ItsALLfortheKids
Click the link in our bio to read the article!