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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Naples Winter Wine Festival
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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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      Naples Winter Wine Festival Set to Return for Another Amazing Weekend of Food, W...
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      NCEF awards over $34M to nearly 50 non-profits in Collier County
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In the News

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Apr. 232015

Behind the Scenes with Maria Jimenez-Lara, the Newly Appointed CEO of Naples Children & Education Foundation

On May 1, 2015, Maria Jimenez-Lara will become the new CEO of the Naples Children & Education Foundation (NCEF), founders of the Naples Winter Wine Festival. For the past three years Maria has been a…

Apr. 192015

Results of a good cause, by the numbers

News-Press

Apr. 172015

NCEF Hires New CEO

Apr. 152015

Lucrative wine fest organizers sip new CEO

Apr. 132015

On the Move – Maria Jimenez-Lara

Apr. 112015

Depression doesn’t equal violent person

Apr. 092015

A Desire to Help The Naples Winter Wine Festival Pours On The Charity

Apr. 012015

Naples Children & Education Foundation grants over $11.9 Million to children’s charities at annual ceremony

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!

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 that that the NWWF will return for its 26th annual celebration featuring some of the world’s very best wines, food and unforgettable travel experiences from January 30, 2026 through February 1, 2026 at @ritzcarltonnaplestiburon
This year’s theme “Picture This” reflects the NCEF’s mission of transforming the lives of children in need. It is a call to imagine and to believe in what is possible when compassion meets action. The theme challenges Festival supporters, vintners, chefs and donors to picture the impact their generosity can have in creating a world of endless futures for children in our community. Here’s to 26 years of generosity! 🍷Click the link in our bio to read the full Press Release. #NWWF26

As the school year wraps up, it’s important to k

As the school year wraps up, it’s important to keep kids engaged, learning and having fun to avoid the summer slide. Enrolling children in enriching summer programs helps maintain academic progress and builds social-emotional skills during the break.
Thanks to support from NCEF, a variety of local programs are available through partners like Avow Kids @avowcares Boys & Girls Club of Collier County @bgccollier Conservancy of Southwest Florida @conservancyswf and YMCA of Collier County @ymcanaples@ymcamarco
For even more options, check out the @neapolitan_family_magazine 2024 Summer Camp Guide. For summer resources beyond camps, visit the Summer & School Break Programs page on @colliercares
Let’s make this summer one of growth, exploration and fun! ☀❤

Happy Friday! t’s almost time to #Winedown 🍷

Happy Friday! t’s almost time to #Winedown 🍷 We hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Today is International Water Safety Day—a powerf

Today is International Water Safety Day—a powerful reminder that drowning is 100% preventable, yet 88% of drownings occur with at least one adult present. This shouldn’t be the case.
Prevention starts with awareness and action. By following the Layers of Protection, a multi-strategy approach designed to create barriers between children and water hazards, we can dramatically reduce the risk. These layers work together to provide increased security and peace of mind for families—especially during the busy summer months.
Learn more about how to keep your loved ones safe around water this season by visiting the Safe & Healthy Children’s Coalition at @safehealthychildren
Let’s make safety a priority—because every life matters.
#NCEF #itsALLforthekids #InternationalWaterSafetyDay #WaterSafety #DrowningPrevention

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

Today we are featuring one of this past year’s NWWF Vintner Dinners, Shining Stars ✨ Hosted by: Kathy & Andy Moock with Karen & Dale Medford Vintners: Kary & David R. Duncan of Silver Oak in Oakville, California Chef: Elliot Bell of Charlie's in St. Helena, California. Party planner: Lisa Resch of Carolina Catering Company. Cheers! 🥂

Early intervention is crucial when it comes to tre

Early intervention is crucial when it comes to treating mental health challenges in young children. The earlier a diagnosis is made, the better the chances for long-term success in a child’s emotional, social and academic development.
That’s exactly the kind of work our Mental Health Initiative partners @fsucom Center for Child Stress & Health, Healthcare Network @healthcareswfl @namicolliercounty and Nicklaus Children’s Hospital @nicklaus4kids are doing. Through identifying concerns early through pediatric well visits, targeted screenings and developmental assessments our partners are meeting children where they are, laying the foundation for healthier futures and stronger starts.
#NCEF #NWWF #itsALLforthekids #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #EarlyIntervention

Happy Mother's Day from all of us at NCEF! 💐 To

Happy Mother's Day from all of us at NCEF! 💐 Today we celebrate the incredible strength, love and dedication of mothers everywhere — especially those shaping brighter futures for our children every day. 💖 #MothersDay