CELEBRATING GENEROSITY AND THE ART OF PHILANTHROPY
With every paddle raised, committee chaired and vision championed, you elevate our Gulfside paradise.
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As an icon rises along the Vanderbilt Beach skyline, it represents a rare expression of perfection—the only Ritz-Carlton-branded residences in Naples, recently named the best place to live in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report . It’s a marriage that brings together masterfully crafted residences, 50,000 square feet of sublime amenities, the endless charms of Naples, and the thoughtful service of The Ritz-Carlton.
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WATER+ WONDER
The shore less traveled
Introducing a new kind of away. Just north of well known. Beside the protected shores of Estero Bay, Florida’s first aquatic preserve. Where life feels truer to nature. More private and peaceful. And supported by impeccable Ritz-Carlton hospitality. Nestled in the emerging coastal village of Saltleaf on Estero Bay, these refined tower residences offer a rare blend of curated living and unspoiled nature. Walk to your private lagoon for cocktails. Or the marina for a fishing excursion. To extraordinary games of golf. Or hikes through a nature preserve. But whatever the day brings, the best place to end up is your balcony, for sunset over Estero Bay. From the $3 millions. Secure your home now at the Sales Gallery.
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SR-4 / A Night to Remember
In honor of Naples Winter Wine Festival’s silver anniversary, we unlock the winning recipe for their highly coveted Vintner Dinners.
HARBOR SPRINGS | ROCHESTER | TRAVERSE CITY | NAPLES
Naples Showroom Opening Fall 2024
SR-18 / Secrets of the Swamp
Photographer Mac Stone illuminates the wild, wondrous beauty of the Everglades—and the imminent need to protect our backyard treasure.
Peyton Messery Marketing Director
Miller Kate Messery
Keith Messery Jr Vice President
Messery Painting
-Gwynne & Keith Messery
Gwynne & Keith Messery Owners, Messery Painting
Contents Departments
Home
214
Stylish Living: A ScandinavianFlorida abode in Naples
Season 2024 - 2025 Your definitive guide to the philanthropic season, complete with an ode to Naples Winter Wine Festival’s 25th anniversary and an artistic dive into the Everglades and the fight to protect our wetlands.
— The Nonprofit
SR-4
24 Years of Naples Winter Wine Festival Vintner Dinners
— The Cause
SR-18
Photographer Mac Stone illuminates the beauty of the Everglades, stoking the fire of preservation.
— The Directories
SR-31
More than 300 Southwest Florida nonprofits to support
SR-75
A comprehensive guide to the season’s top fundraisers
7 Models Now Open
Publisher
Carin Keane
Editor in Chief
Stephanie Granada
Creative Director
Scott Glick
Deputy Editor
Melanie Warner Spencer
Editor at Large
Dorothea Hunter Sönne
Assistant Managing Editor
Addison Pezoldt
Senior Editors
Nikki Miller-Ka, Food + Wine
Emma Witmer, Arts + Culture
Assistant Editors
Emily Flournoy
Visvajit Sriramrajan
Editorial Assistant
Annamarie Simoldoni
Editorial Fellows
Jasmine Heckerman
Alexandra Igoe
Emma Lawrence
Contributing Editor
Chanda Jamieson
ART
Art Director
Alberto Orta
P hoto Editor
Elizabeth Bankmann
ADVERTISING
Associate Publisher
Mindy Roosa
National Account Director
Wendy Tooley
Marketing Consultants
Holly Baldwin
Nikee Fellows
Natasha Gonzalez
Meredith Parsons
MARKETING
Digital Marketing Manager
Meagan Bonesteel
CIRCULATION
Director of Audience Development
Kerri Nolan
PRODUCTION
Production Manager
Martha Leavitt
Production Designer
Romina Combe
ADMINISTRATION
Advertising Services Manager/
Reprint Sales & Distribution
Kathleen Hill
President
Jim Schwartzel
Reader Services
OFFICE ADDRESS
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Ingrid Aielli Co-Owner, Aielli Group 2016 Woman of the Year
Dwayne Bergmann Principal Designer/ Owner, Dwayne Bergmann Interiors
2020 Man of the Year
David Corban President, David Corban Architects 2020 Man of the Year
Brooke Denson
Real Estate Professional, Dina Marie Realty Trustee and Treasurer, SWFL Children’s Charities
2019 Woman of the Year
Mark Loren Head Jewelry Designer/Owner, Mark Loren Designs 2016 Man of the Year
Elliott H. Singer Managing Director and Founder, Fairview Advisors Trustee, Naples Children & Education Foundation Member-at-Large
Mary Susan Clinton Founder, Gallien Global Vision Inc. Trustee, Naples Children & Education Foundation 2002 Woman of the Year
Shirlene Elkins
Real Estate Professional, John R. Wood Properties Trustee, Naples Children & Education Foundation
2003 Woman of the Year
Rebecca Maddox Owner/Developer, Three60 Market, Three60 Wine and Celebration Park
2019 Woman of the Year
Adria Starkey President, Collier
FineMark National Bank & Trust Trustee, Naples Children & Education Foundation 2000 Woman of the Year
Denise Cobb Chair, Community Advisory Board Trustee, Naples Children & Education Foundation 2000 Woman of the Year
Ellin Goetz President, Goetz+Stropes Landscape Architects 2000 Woman of the Year
Gail Markham Founding Partner, Markham Norton Mosteller Wright & Company
2011 Woman of the Year
Sandra Stilwell Youngquist Owner and CEO, Stilwell Enterprises 2006 Woman of the Year
Jennifer McCurry Jewelry Buyer and Curator, G. J. G, Marissa Collections
Kathleen van Bergen CEO and President, Artis—Naples 2012 Woman of the Year
Brian Tietz (11); Courtesy Shirlene Elkins, Ellin Goetz, Mark Loren, Sandy Stilwell Youngquist, Artis—Naples
Leopoldo Baccaro, MD
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On the Cover
Shot on location at Bellasera Hotel’s
The London Club, in Naples, by Omar Cruz
Model Julianne Steege, Elite Models
Stylist Veronica Porras HMUA Duality Artistry
The model wears a dress by Monsoori, diamond rings and earrings from Patricia Robalino Designs, a Sandra J. handbag and shoes by Voyetté.
Exponential Giving
As we created this edition of Gulfshore Life , I kept thinking about the multiplier effect—one person has an idea, they put a mission into action, one spark begets another and another, and before we know it, there’s a movement. Southwest Florida is filled with multipliers. This is on full display this month, when Kristen Coury, who started professional theater company Gulfshore Playhouse out of her living room 20 years ago, debuts Anything Goes. The show takes place at the group’s recently completed, $72 million-plus Baker Theatre and Education Center—the new crown jewel of the arts. From living room dreams to multimillion-dollar realities, the community shows when it comes to making a difference, there’s no such thing as thinking too big.
Just in my five years living here, I’ve seen myriad examples of swelling impact. STARability Foundation, which supports adults with disabilities, has more than quintupled the earnings of its STAR Gala and is getting ready
to build a 5-acre campus. Valerie’s House recently debuted a Forever Home on the lot they purchased from the city of Fort Myers in 2019 to provide a healing space for grieving children and families.
Then, there are propagating fundraisers like Naples Winter Wine Festival, which celebrates its 25th this season. The event’s nonprofit cites 350,000 as the number of children aided over the years, but it’d be hard to track the many lives affected—from each kid’s parents and siblings to future employers and partners to the people the kids may help later in life, inspired to pay it forward.
This summer kicked off the first installment of Preserving Paradise, a leadership program led by grassroots water quality champions Captains for Clean Water, the Everglades Foundation and the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce. Our CEO, Jim Schwartzel, and I have been honored to be part of the launch year for the program, which includes seven sessions with ecological field trips and lectures to deepen our understanding of the intricate efforts at play to protect our water supply and the world-treasure ecosystem in our
backyard. It’s a brilliant idea: get to folks with large networks, stoke their passion for the cause, arm them with knowledge, and watch the message spread and seeds of change flourish. Decades of restoration work are already paying off; imagine what happens if we don’t let up and only amplify the effort.
Time and again, we see impact snowballs quickly in the region.
So, when you consider giving this season—whether it’s by raising a paddle, volunteering or supporting someone’s lofty idea—give boldly. Here, your generosity isn’t just additive—it’s exponential.
Stephanie Granada Editor in Chief
Gunselman
Patina Collection
Gathering for Good
Another season beckons, and it’s time to start laying out the new wardrobe. I still love that I can wear summer dresses yearround—it’s the little things that make living in Florida so unique and enjoyable.
The Gulfshore Life team has diligently worked to renew our media partnerships and sponsorships for the upcoming season— partnerships that breed heartfelt conversations, dedicated efforts and visible changes for the region. Our calendars are already filling up with exciting events and initiatives, from empowering women’s luncheons honoring female philanthropists who are driving positive change to elegant arts galas in a time when supporting the arts is so needed.
We are fortunate to support and sponsor numerous significant charities and philanthropies throughout the year, and you’ll find many of them featured in this year’s Social Register. We encourage you to explore the lists of nonprofits and their events and consider reaching out to one or two organizations that resonate with you. There are countless ways to get involved, and even a small contribution of your time or resources can make a significant difference. Volunteering or participating in these charity events can be incredibly rewarding, and we hope you’ll find inspiration to lend a helping hand this season.
As we revel in the opportunity to support great causes, we commend our WINK News peers and are proud to support WINK Feeds Families’ March to a Million Meals campaign (last year, we provided 1.3 million meals to local families in need). Every February, the initiative raises awareness and funds for Fort Myers’ Harry Chapin Food Bank, the largest hunger relief nonprofit in Southwest Florida. For every dollar donated through the campaign, the food bank can provide
$2 worth of meals to local kids and families. Keep an eye out in the months ahead for the chance to contribute to our community’s well-being.
Thank you for being a part of our journey. Your involvement and support are what make our community so vibrant and impactful. I look forward to seeing many familiar faces on the event circuit this month—cheers to raising money and awareness in the days and months ahead, one paddle at a time.
Carin Keane Publisher
Cheryl Richards
Gulfshore Treasures
This scene may not be what you think about when you hear the word ‘Everglades’—and that’s the point. Conservation photographer Mac Stone transverses wild spaces, capturing the singular landscapes, wildlife and processes we may miss at first glance, like these American lotus flowers after pollination. His perspective inspires us to explore our ‘River of Grass’ and protect her splendor. Read about how art is a catalyst for the ongoing, landmark Everglades restoration efforts in our Social Register insert on p. SR-18.
T h e G u l f C o a s t ’ s m o s t e x c i t i n g b e a c h s i d e d e s t i n a t i o n o n m i l e s o f u n s p o i l e d
s u g a r - s a n d y b e a c h w i t h e x c l u s i v e a c c e s s t o t h r e e s w i m m i n g p o o l s & a 1 0 0 - f t
w a t e r s l i d e , f u l l - s e r v i c e l u x u r y o r g a n i c S p a , d e c a d e n t r e s t a u r a n t s , p r i v a t e
p a r - 7 2 g o l f c o u r s e , a n d f i f t e e n t o u r n a m e n t q u a l i t y t e n n i s c o u r t s . A S O P H I S T I C A T E D A S O P H I S T I C A T E D C O A S T A L E S C A P E C O A S T A L E S C A P E
Artist Profile: Cape Coral’s visionary DJ 54 Table Service: A hotel dining renaissance
Personalities: Naples’ sanctuary builder 74 Wine Watch: A California wine with French Soul
Cutrona
Good Vibrations
Cape Coral entrepreneur and DJ Malike Adigun redefines the entertainment landscape in Southwest Florida—one party at a time.
Malike Adigun’s laugh echoes across the room before you see him. The 33-year-old’s voice rises above the steady beat bumping from the DJ booth as he buzzes around Naples’ Jet1 hangar in the sweltering July heat, greeting guests with glass clinks and hugs. Every few steps, he’s willfully swept into a conversation and soon presses on—he has a job to do. The evening’s conductor assumes his position before the crowd and begins his address: a brief introduction for tonight’s performers (a string of local DJs bringing the house down); a shoutout to vendors like Tulia Catering by Vincenzo Betulia, which brought the artisanal small bites; and a promise for a sensational night ahead (smoke machine and light shows included).
This event—Curate Entertainment’s five-year anniversary celebration—is the definition of a great party (especially when you consider it’s a Wednesday night, out of season, and there are about 350 people gathered). At 9:30 p.m., Malike hops back into the DJ booth. “Are y’all ready to go for another two to three hours?” he shouts. Cheers crash over the dance floor in waves.
As the founder of Curate, Malike orchestrates opportunities for creatives to create and play. The entrepreneur formed the label in 2019 when his wedding DJing hobby—which started by chance when Malike was a senior in high school and a friend asked him to play his wedding—exploded and turned into a full-time endeavor. He gave up his work as a teacher, youth pastor, podcaster and advertiser to create the supergroup of about 60 entertainers, half of whom the New York native helped establish from the ground up. His network of DJs, musicians and sound technicians now gets deployed to about 600 events a year (and they can bring add-ons like uplighting, confetti cannons and smoke machines).
Brian Tietz
Cape Coral’s Malike Adigun founded Curate Entertainment in 2019 as a collective of DJs, musicians and masters of entertainment, made up of top Southwest Florida talent.
Authenticity and originality are embedded into the group’s fabric. Many of the DJs create their own beats, and Malike and his crew take a detective’s approach to designing each event’s soundtrack. When people reach out to book Curate, the team mines for data: When was the bride-to-be born? What concerts has she been to? What year did she and her sorority sisters (now bridesmaids) graduate from college? The finds turn into tailored playlists. “My art is in the recreation of songs that I can blend and join two different types of people—whether it’s generationally or culturally,” he says.
As an African American man, he believes in uplifting young people of color, a philosophy that led him to handpick his minority-dominated team. While it’s common to see African American, brown and Indigenous DJs on radio shows and in clubs, Malike says breaking into the luxury event industry is more challenging. In his early career days, he remembers being confused for kitchen help by resort hotel staff, and the time an industry veteran suggested he change his stage name (DJ Malike). “He said, ‘No one’s going to book you with that name. That’s a little too cultured, too much,’” Malike recalls.
Rather than heed the advice, the whiz kid took the idea as a challenge. “Dance, music and entertainment are the biggest exports by minorities worldwide,” he says. Knowing music and revelry are part of daily life and in the DNA of many artists of Latin American, African and Asian descent, he taps into his members’ inherent musicality and high energy to infuse rhythm and soul into social gatherings. “[We] creators need to be represented in those spaces,” he adds.
The father of two wants to expand the creative community in Southwest Florida. He aims to show artists the region isn’t as sleepy as many believe; high-striving creators don’t have to leave the Gulf to find success. In addition to securing steady work for his artists through Curate, Malike encourages his members to ingrain themselves in the community by hosting events, such as DJ nights at Fort Myers’ Backyard Social and Downtown Social
Brian Tietz
“My art is in the recreation of songs that I can blend and join two different types of people—whether it’s generationally or culturally.”
Brian Tietz; Courtesy Curate Entertainment
Malike believes in uplifting young people of color. “Dance, music and entertainment are the biggest exports by minorities worldwide,” he says. “We need to be represented in those spaces.”
House. The go-getter stays actively engaged on a civic level, too. As the youngest person on the board of Collaboratory, the innovative community foundation working to solve all major social issues in the five surrounding counties in the next 15 years, Malike serves on the governance committee, advocating for the unseen parts of his community and helping to build a more diverse team by ensuring the right people have a seat at the table.
“When I walk in a room, I feel a responsibility to make people feel joy,” he says. He spreads the jubilation via music—the medium that has gotten Malike through his toughest times, including when his parents split up and he and his brother started getting into trouble in New York. His mom moved the boys to Cape Coral, where they got into sports and church. In eighth grade, Malike created a Battle of the Mic event, where local rappers performed in front of a crowd. “In Brooklyn, we shot balls into a broken milk carton,” he says. “In Florida, I had uniforms, coaches—I was part of a team.”
At 21, Malike leaned deeper into his craft when he lost his mother to cancer, and his father, who still lived in New York, passed away soon after. “There was a period when I thought I wanted to die,” he says. The young DJ began producing music to find an emotional release. “It was a way for me to say something out of my heart,” he says.
Since then, Malike has dedicated himself to honoring his mother’s legacy of helping others. In 2018, he co-founded Curate Hope to host mental health-focused school assemblies with music, dance, humor and high energy. “My community literally saved my life,” he says, recalling the friends who showed up to sit with him at the hospital and drag him away when they knew he needed a break. Now, the entertainment dynamo gets to pay it forward, with music as his currency. “People remember how you made them feel,” he says. With every song mixed, pianist dispatched and confetti cannon fired, Malike makes life feel pretty good.
Brian Tietz
• Same day appointments for acute or urgent problems
• On staff at all area hospitals including Landmark Hospital
• Both men and women treated
• Confidential second opinions welcome
• Medicare and most insurances accepted
Be Our Guest
A wave of new and reimagined hotel restaurants prove the best dining experiences are often just past the lobby.
The writer Hans Christian Andersen famously said, “To travel is to live.” But those of us who reside on the Paradise Coast would beg to differ—or at least amend the thought. One of the biggest perks of calling a resort town home: We have instant access to luxury hotels and their built-in culinary attractions. These properties continually seek to elevate guest experiences, with the art of destination dining at the forefront. Fortunately, the establishments court locals with gusto, too, and the bevy of kitchen activity in our region’s toniest resorts tells us we’ll be spending plenty of time in hotel lobbies this season. Changes had already been afoot at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples and ’Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa in Captiva as
far back as 2021, before Hurricane Ian ripped through Southwest Florida in late 2022. Though storm-related setbacks delayed timelines, both hotels pushed onward with even more dazzling results. Last July, The Ritz debuted its Vanderbilt Tower, a new wing with more than 70 club-level guest rooms and a ground-level casual (but chic) restaurant, Sofra. Cross-breezes sweep through the contemporary space, which is open on three sides and overlooks the two pool complexes. It’s an apt backdrop for a menu of Eastern Mediterranean creations, like the hummus, beautifully whipped into a tiny tower with smoked paprika-infused butter and sizzled onions on top, and a sea bass tagine bathed in an herbaceous tomato stew.
Courtesy Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor
Across The Ritz grounds, locals are also flocking to Nolita, which replaces the Italian eatery Terrazza, with mosaic tile flooring resembling Neapolitan-style pizzerias in New York’s Nolita neighborhood and charred pies to match.
Further north on the barrier island of Captiva, ’Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa shuttered its casual Crow’s Nest Bar
& Grille in 2021. The original plan was to renovate the bottom-floor, nautically inclined locale. But when the hurricane hijacked their schedule, the team took the opportunity to reimagine the space into two distinct restaurants—The Shipyard, a polished everyday eatery downstairs, and Crow’s Nest Steakhouse, a fine-dining venue upstairs with 180-degree bird’s-eye
Brian Tietz; Courtesy The Ritz-Carlton, Naples
Restaurant hotels—like the recently reopened, beachside The Turtle Club at Vanderbilt Beach Resort (left)—make it easy to tap into vacation-mode for an indulgent night out. Go for the seafood tower with a whole Maine lobster and Gulf shrimp. Above: The renovated lobby at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples.
views of the Gulf. “We wanted to capitalize on that gorgeous view,” says director of food and beverage Kim McGonnell. The need for a staircase meant the crew had to downsize, resulting in an intimate, 60-seat setting at the island’s first steakhouse to open in years. Attention to detail carries through the bedrock of the menus, with more than 70 whiskeys and bourbons (as well as old fashioneds that get smoked and assembled tableside) and 30-day, in-house, dry-aged ribeyes and New York strips.
Down in Naples, another hotel reopening couldn’t come fast enough. While other Naples restaurants sat quietly through summer, reservations for The Turtle Club in the Vanderbilt Beach Resort remained mostly booked from opening day in May through August.
Nearby, AC Hotel Naples 5th Avenue debuted a pioneering rooftop restaurant, with its Mediterranean-inflected Limón. No shell stone was left unturned for the decor, which recalls Spain’s Costa del Sol and sets the scene for a coastal-ready
Left: Sizzling creativity, cosmopolitan vibes and an expansive whiskey collection drive the experience at Crow’s Nest Steakhouse at Sanibel’s ‘Tween Waters Island Resort. Right: The AC Hotel Naples’ rooftop restaurant Limón draws from the Amalfi Coast for its menu and decor.
Brian Tietz; Courtesy AC Hotel Naples 5th Avenue
Now Under Construction
It’s been years in the making. Tower 500. Kalea Bay’s final offering. No detail has been overlooked, nor untouched. Beginning with the desire to create vast outdoor living areas, these sophisticated residences are replete with enviable south and west views. 10-foot ceilings are now standard as are elevated selections. The last of its kind and a first in resort-style living. Only at Kalea Bay.
Find surprises like smokecloaked starters at ‘Tween Waters’ beachfront steakhouse. Below: Locals find a recreated New York City pizza joint at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples’ Nolita.
menu of black lava salt-rimmed Crimson Sunset Margaritas, paellas, tagines and a skin-on snapper in a caper-dotted tomato-fennel broth.
Further north, Sunseeker Resort in Punta Gorda places dining at the forefront. Propped on the glittering Charlotte Harbor, the resort lures locals with seven distinct culinary establishments, like Blue Lime, for a contemporary spin on Mexican flavors from pedigreed chef Juan Ramos, and the centerpiece, Harbor Yards food hall. The 25,000-square-foot emporium with 11 counters covers everything from charcuterie to Cuban sandwiches to madeto-order crepes. Who says you can’t travel the world right from your backyard?
Brian Tietz; Courtesy The Ritz-Carlton, Naples
Pictured: Emily Monty, Proprietor
Sanctuary By Design
Merging science and spirituality, Naples’ Lisa Kahn-Allen crafts interiors that offer more than aesthetics—they provide refuge in a chaotic world.
Lisa Kahn-Allen has spent more than a decade answering one question: What is sanctuary?
In the interior designer’s home, it’s a patio-facing section of her great room, with plush furnishings to help her relax into a book, a swinging chair to ease her into transcendental meditations and a worktable to flesh out ideas. In her Goodlette-Frank Road office, it’s a meditation room for staff. At Youth Haven, Southwest Florida’s only shelter for children, it’s a cottage she renovated for the youngest kids, with soothing paint colors and lighting.
A prolific designer since moving to Naples in the late-’90s, Lisa has become the go-to for serene spaces that are as in tune with the environment as they are with the people inside. Her work spans Gordon Drive estates, hotel interiors, nonprofit headquarters, and a collection of serene decor with Chelsea Home. “It’s a threefold idea: it’s a physical space to cultivate your inner sanctuary; a life philosophy with a lens to look at the world; and a daily practice, things that fill your vessel, like journaling and meditating,” Lisa says. The brand’s tagline, ‘peace around, peace within,’ is a mantra forged in the crucible of life experience.
In 2015, Lisa was desperate for peace, as she juggled her eponymous design firm with the care of her teen daughter, Chloe.
Dan Cutrona
The interior designer centers her work and life on the idea of sanctuary, crafting spaces infused with calm-inducing elements. The ethos emerged as Lisa sought ways to comfort her daughter, who was diagnosed with autism and oppositional defiant disorder as a toddler.
As a toddler, Chloe was diagnosed with autism and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), a behavioral condition that can lead to anger, inappropriateness, confrontation and disobedience. She had trouble making friends and got kicked out of most schools and organized programs. “I was constantly running interference, thinking, ‘Do I protect Chloe from the world or the world from Chloe?’” Lisa recalls. A lifetime of treatments, specialists, medications and alternative remedies came with mixed results. “I felt hopeless, like I’d failed as a mother,” Lisa says.
Today, the designer gets teary remembering her daughter’s graduation speech or how she’s thriving now at 25, active with STARability Foundation and looking for a full-time job. Her
daughter’s turning point was also a pivotal moment for Lisa. After being told Chloe’s only option would be a residential program, Lisa turned to the Naples mental and behavioral health nonprofit David Lawrence Centers (DLC) for an alternate path.
For two years, Chloe received near-daily care from a team of five. One day, the therapist suggested creating a toolbox of resources Chloe could tap to work through her feelings. Something clicked. Lisa thought back to a rare moment of clarity six years earlier, when Chloe started having seizures, an issue that persisted for years. The designer was also slogging through The Great Recession and a divorce. On a morning walk, the word ‘sanctuary’ came to her.
Dan Cutrona, Brie Williams
Lisa’s home is filled with what she calls microand macro- sanctuaries. “Macro is the home structure; my entire home is a sanctuary for my family—that’s our fortress,” she says. Micro spaces are built for the individual, like her son Devon’s bedroom, with space to practice kendama tricks and a couch-bed for reading, and her husband’s music room, with a desk equipped with a keyboard, sound equipment and a dog bed beneath to keep the pups close by.
‘What if they created a sanctuary for Chloe?’ she asked. Working with the therapist, Lisa started to see things differently. Her daughter didn’t need to be ‘fixed’—she needed to be seen and accepted as her own person and brought into the solution. She needed a safe space to center herself, recharge and escape from the external stressors that could aggravate her symptoms. As a designer, this was something Lisa was uniquely equipped to create. She took Chloe’s room and installed injury-proof, plush carpets and low-lying furniture; soft fabrics to soothe; pillows to punch or play with; and a speaker for calming music. “She would come back out as the kinder, gentler version of herself,” Lisa says. The energy in the home shifted immediately. “There was this
dawning awareness of the beauty of Chloe and all the wonderful, amazing things that are part of her personality and part of her mind—it was so delightful to discover all these wonderful things inside her,” she adds.
Inspired by the change, Lisa started looking for ways to reproduce the concept in other parts of her life and solidify the design philosophy she’d been mulling over since her 2010 epiphany. Through reading about sacred spaces, researching the psychology of design and earning a master’s in holistic studies at the California Institute of Integral Studies, Lisa realized she had been building sanctuaries all along; she just lacked the vocabulary to explain it to herself or her clients.
Dan
Cutrona
Her office became a ‘sanctuary lab’ for testing candles, textures, color combinations and layouts to see how they’d affect the energy of a space. She launched a blog to share her findings and reflections and eventually rebranded her brand to Finding Sanctuary by Lisa Kahn Designs in 2022. Over the years, and with support from her COO and husband, Philip Allen, Lisa’s ideas crystallized into a tangible framework. She taps into color theory (how hues affect mood), environmental psychology (the impact of our surroundings), neuroaesthetics (how our brains respond to art and beauty), and biophilia (humans’ tendency to seek nature) to fill spaces with science-backed mood enhancers, as well as principles from her spiritually driven, integrated studies. Her projects display a trademark use of serene blue hues, decorative foliage, imagery of birds and butterflies, and symmetrical shapes, which are said to be easier to process and soothing.
She thinks of sanctuaries as toolboxes full of restorative elements. “My job is to identify the things that are symbolic of comfort and well-being for you and then to weave these things into an environment that is deeply, soulfully resonant,” she says. While Chloe’s sanctuary called for soft pillows to “punch when she’s angry and sit on when she’s happy,” Lisa needed writing tools, crystals and favorite books to turn to for an uplifting passage. For one client with a space-loving son on the autism spectrum, Lisa designed a room with a mosaic of planets on a wall, constellation wallpaper and solar system fixtures.
The designer continuously explores the meaning of sanctuary through her work with nonprofits. In 2017, she revamped the Children’s Outpatient Services’ waiting room at DLC. Working with artist Clayton Brown, she installed a giant papier-mâché tree—a grounding moment for patients at the nonprofit that provided solace and direction for the Kahn-Allen family years before.
Nature is a driving force in Lisa’s designs. Her biophilic projects are filled with wallpapers depicting wildlife and landscapes, warm woods and rustic textures like raffia that bring the outdoors in, and decorative foliage dotting most rooms.
Brie Williams
Lisa thinks of sanctuaries as toolboxes full of restorative elements, unique to each client. It could be a set of chairs by the window in a home office for a couple to connect at the end of day, a pretty correspondence box to store paper for writing thank-you letters or a big dose of the homeowner’s favorite color.
Brie Williams
Her own nook has crystals, writing and painting tools, and a swinging chair for meditating. Lisa shares the sanctuary spirit with the community through her pro bono work with nonprofits, like Youth Haven, The Shelter for Abused Women & Children and Gulfshore Playhouse.
Lisa wanted to pay it forward and amplify the group’s impact. “If this [transformative care] is happening in this environment, imagine what could happen if we put the tenets of sanctuary here,” she recalls thinking.
She’s gone on to work with The Shelter for Abused Women & Children, where Lisa transformed a fluorescent-lit intake room into a refuge with gentle lighting, soft furnishings and art to warm up the windowless room. “We added a little toy box off to the side so the kids could be occupied while their moms were sharing their stories,” she says. Now, the design maven is working with Gulfshore Playhouse, helping bring the outdoors in via an oak statement wall, terrazzo flooring and wallpaper with golden bursts resembling the sun; and she plans to help STARability Foundation with their new campus for adults with disabilities. Through each project, Lisa is intent on sharing the wisdom. “If I hadn’t experienced it myself, seen such profound shift with my family, my kid, my clients, I might say it’s kind of woo,” she says. “But it isn’t; it’s concrete—something I can hang my hat on and know it’ll help.”
Tina Sargeant; Brie Williams
Old Vines, New Vintage
Revered Naples wine expert Bruce Nichols reveals his current obsession—a Santa Barbara chardonnay rivaling Burgundy’s top pours.
A local wine authority, Bruce Nichols, of The Wine Store in Naples, focuses on bottles from boutique vintners (which produce less than 50,000 cases annually and tend to run out of small, family farms); makers emphasizing craftsmanship over quantity. With more than 40 years in the industry, Bruce has access to the best of the wine world. As a longtime vintner liaison to the Naples Winter Wine Festival, he collaborates with the festival’s wine committee, leveraging his industry contacts to cull top vintners who meet the festival’s notoriously high standards.
Suffice it to say, this man knows his stuff. And, though his brick-and-mortar shuttered after flooding from Hurricane Ian, The Wine Store lives on as a thriving online retailer. Bruce still also builds private wine collections and recommends valuable acquisitions for high-net-worth clients seeking sought-after vintages.
One boutique wine he recommends to discerning oenophiles: the 2021 Au Bon Climat Sanford & Benedict Chardonnay—
Bon Climat/Matt Dayka Photography
Local wine sage Bruce Nichols prizes Santa Barbara’s Au Bon Climat for the winery’s dedication to small-batch craftsmanship and sense of place. The 2021 Chardonnay Sanford & Benedict Vineyard draws from some of the oldest vineyards planted in the Central Coast.
a part of the winery’s Historic Vineyard Collection—bottles sourced from iconic Central Coast vineyards responsible for elevating the region’s chardonnay and pinot noir reputation.
At the beginning of his career, in the mid-1970s, Bruce heard about a nascent movement bubbling in California. Back then, there were fewer than 20 wineries dotting Napa Valley and nothing much happening in the rest of the state. Within a decade, visionary vintner Jim Clendenen would change the landscape, with his Santa Barbara winery Au Bon Climat. In college, Jim had spent a semester abroad in France and fell in love with Burgundian wines and their rooted-in-place flavors. He believed Santa Barbara’s location—on a coastal plain with the Santa Ynez mountains running east to west, creating a buffer and distinct Mediterranean-like climate—would be ideal for crafting similar vintages. He founded Au Bon Climat in 1982, becoming part of the first wave of winemakers to put the Santa Barbara region on the global wine map.
The winery sources fruit from some of California’s oldest vineyards. The favored chardonnay is produced from Sanford & Benedict’s vines, among the first to be planted in the region in 1971. Located in the Santa Ynez Valley’s Sta. Rita Hills appellation, the vines’ maturity and location in a valley, where cool mountain and ocean fogs converge and linger, allow grapes to ripen gradually, with a distinctly Burgundian profile. The soil—a sandy loam with traces of shale—matches Burgundy’s ripe terroir. You would be hard-pressed to tell the
Brian Tietz
Au Bon Climat’s visionary founder, Jim Clendenen, helped put Santa Barbara on the map. “When you talk Burgundy, there are only two grapes (pinot noir and chardonnay)—and Jim was certainly the master,” Bruce says. Jim’s daughter, Isabelle—who now runs the winery with her brother—says the 2021 chardonnay has been used to stump Court of Master Sommelier applicants in blind tastings.
Brian Tietz (4); Courtesy Au Bon Climat (5)
Jim saw the region’s location—on a coastal plain, guarded by the Santa Ynez mountains and with cool fogs that linger—as ideal for creating Burgundian-style wines. “The fruit that comes in has this excellent minerality—that is why my dad liked it,” Isabelle says.
difference between the Sanford & Benedict Chardonnay and something from the grape’s motherland.
In 2010, a chance encounter in France’s Pouilly-Fuissé region with Jim—whom Bruce had met at a family event while living in California in the ’70s—reignited his affection for Loire Valley and Burgundian wines. The men coincided at Domaine Didier Dagueneau, where they sampled varietals, each moved by the wine’s marked dedication to its area of origin. These are wines that want to impart more than flavor, reaching always toward a sense of place. Jim imbued his label with the same philosophy, valuing small-pro-
duction craftsmanship and respecting the land’s integrity. “When you talk Burgundy, there are only two grapes (pinot noir and chardonnay)—and Jim was certainly the master,” Bruce says.
After Jim’s passing in 2021, his children, Isabelle and Knox, took charge and remain committed to honoring their father’s legacy. Part of the few wineries with vintages dating back four decades, Au Bon Climat stands apart from the rest. “The fruit that comes in has this excellent minerality,” she says, adding that saltiness is often not considered important in wine but adds complexity. “That is why my dad liked it.” The salinity shines through in the
2021 Au Bon Climat Sanford & Benedict Chardonnay, a bottle reflecting the winery’s fidelity to low-alcohol, high-acidity wines designed to mature gracefully over a decade or longer.
On the nose, fresh aromatics of lemon zest and green apple lift the 2021 vintage; on the palate, it reveals a medley of citrus, tart royal jelly, subtly intertwined with walnut and oak accents. The vineyard’s signature crushed rock minerality weaves throughout, adding bright acidity and a vibrant, clean finish. “If you can get your hands on some, put a few bottles away for a few years,” Bruce says. This is one of those wines that truly gets better with time.
Courtesy Au Bon Climat
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ART OF STYLE / Designers, jewels and finery for a sophisticated look
Deco After Dark
From oversized cocktail rings to shimmering jackets, evening wear gets a bold refresh for season.
Confident, unapologetic and eternally stylish—that’s the message you convey when decked in striking silhouettes, shimmering materials and statement-making accents. Few places capture the evening power look better than the jazz joint, hidden within Naples’ Bellasera Hotel, The London Club. Taking a cue from the lounge’s Art Deco brawny opulence, these styles offer a masterclass in dressing for those who write their own rules. Tom Ford tuxedo; Roberto Cavalli handbag, pin and earrings; Patricia Robalino Designs emerald ring; vintage crystal cuffs.
Black-tie doesn’t have to mean traditional. Go for a beaded Wade Allyn dress, sultry Cornelia James gloves and Lisa Nik earrings. On him: GRAY suit; and Baroque & Boheme scarf. Right: Kamilla Purshie dress; Salvatore Ferragamo handbag; Roberto Cavalli sunglasses and earrings; Lisa Nik bracelet and layered necklaces; Voyetté shoes.
Sure, it’s extravagant, but that’s the point. A style wrapped in luxurious feathers isn’t just worn— it’s wielded. Lena Erziak black feather dress; Voyetté feather shoes; Lisa Nik diamond and sapphire earrings; Patricia Robalino Designs diamond ring; Sandra J. python and crystal handbag; Tom Ford sunglasses.
Ensure your exit is as memorable as your entrance with a voluminous gown and dramatic back detail. Isabel Sanchis gown; Vera Wang gloves; Patricia Robalino Designs emerald and diamond flower earrings and ring. On him: Giorgio
suit and shirt.
Armani
Taking you to new heights.
Friends of Artis—Naples / Hosted at and in support of Artis—Naples
1
2 Jerry & Enid Weygandt
3 Tess & Brian Manley
More than 250 guests descended on Artis—Naples’ cultural campus on March 16 for the Rhapsody in Bluethemed gala. Naples Philharmonic Youth Orchestra musicians welcomed guests before they moved indoors for dinner and an afterparty. Tony Award winner Adrienne Warren regaled patrons with a performance, and an auction raised $1.4 million for youth arts education programs.
Paul & Barbie Hills, Ron & Barbara Balser, John Walter, Linda Koehn, CEO Kathleen van Bergen
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Friends of Artis—Naples / Hosted at and in support of Artis—Naples
Naples Botanical Garden’s top supporters gathered at the Hamilton Harbor Yacht Club on March 18 to kick off the Hats in the Garden 20th anniversary festivities. Patrons mingled as the sun set over Naples Bay, and Van Cleef & Arpels was on-site showcasing brilliant designs. Hats chair Barbie Hills prepared the crowd for a glamorous luncheon ahead to support and celebrate the garden and conservation in Southwest Florida.
Hats Patron Party / Hosted at Hamilton Harbor Yacht Club in support of Naples Botanical Garden
1 CEO Donna McGinnis, David & Bobbi Drobis
2 Taylor Reidel Agin & Jacob Agin
3 Gerry Padilla, Linda Orlans, Candice & Kenneth Kochenour
4 Bobby & Jennifer Sullivan
5 Joan Clifford
6 Beverly Neal, Paula Malone
7 Jerri Hoffmann, Kathleen Kapnick
8 Steve & Sarah Jackson
9 Dan & Kathy Mezzalingua
Sky-high fascinators and embellished hats filled Naples Botanical Gardens for the 20th-anniversary Hats in the Garden event. Attendees sipped on bubbly making their way to the tent for a high-tea spread from The Ritz-Carlton, Naples and a Carolina Herrera fashion show. The brand’s creative director Wes Gordon dazzled the crowd of more than 700, and guests vied for men’s and women’s Chopard watches in a raffle drawing. The event raised more than $4 million to support general operating costs and the fund-a-need focus, including efforts to implement an ecofriendly tram system to make the grounds more accessible to all.
Hats in the Garden / Hosted at and in support of Naples Botanical Garden
1 Tom & Darby Hills, Paul & Barbie Hills, Coco & Lauren Hills, Amy & Bret Baier
Jody Lippes
Rickey & Deidre Lamitie
Colleen Bassett, Amy Moglia Heuerman
Cathy Lubner
Elizabeth Star, Beverly Cameron
Christian Busk, Callista Gingrich, Ann Scott
Hats in the Garden / Hosted at and in support of Naples Botanical Garden
of Style — Guest List — Photography by Anna Nguyen
Ingrid Etzold, Susan Hess, Andrea Eckert, Barbara Morrison
Models in Carolina Herrera
ForEverglades Gala / Hosted at Arthrex One in support of The Everglades Foundation
The Everglades Foundation hosted its March 19 ForEverglades Gala at Arthrex One to support the nonprofit’s work to restore and protect South Florida’s ecological treasure. More than 300 guests enjoyed a three-course dinner as wildlife photographer Luca Martinez showed guests an insider’s view of our swamps. A live auction of water-themed experiences helped the organization raise $1.5 million.
1 Jennifer & Ira Dean
2 Henley Shotwell, Carrie & John Cooney
3 Big Cypress Band plays during cocktail hour
4 Andy Armstrong, Maggi Haigh, Alicia & Julio Benitez
5 Rachel & Frank Verpoorten, Maggie & John Picotte
6 Sue Dalton & Paul O’Neil, Paula Polito, Dean Corsones
7 Nelly Shotwell, Stephanie Prebish
8 Paul Myerson, Giselle Wagner, Bruce McEver
9 Bob & Terry Edwards
of Style — Guest List — Photography by
ForEverglades Gala / Hosted at Arthrex One in support of The Everglades Foundation
Art
Olga Hayes and Tim Gibbons
1 Valerie Boyd, Simone Lutgert
2 Joyce Fitzgerald, Shelley Farley, Sandra Deromedi, Maria Smithburg
3 Emilia & Blaze Zdravev
4 Nick Beckwith, Kathi Genung, Dorothy Beckwith
5 Andrew & Christina Cribbs, Nick & Stephanie Pearson
6 Mac & Catherine Willett
7 Brad & Kelly Jones
The Baker Theatre and Education Center to your new home for professional theatre.
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FRIDAY | JANUARY 17, 2025
CHEF VINTNER DINNERS
The secret’s out. We’re hosting a luxurious party, pairing the finest wines with the region’s most celebrated chefs, together in the most exclusive spots. It’s gonna be the cat’s meow.
SATURDAY | JANUARY 18, 2025
Get up to more mischief as you savor signature creations from culinary masters, complimented by the finest wines from our favorite vintners. Raise your paddles in our auction of historic proportions and take home once-in-a-lifetime experiences like travel to exotic lands, and manifest miracles for pediatric healthcare.
THE GRAND TASTING & LIVE AUCTION
A MIDWINTER NIGHT’S DREAM
BY STEPHANIE GRANADA
What does it take to raise more than $30 million in a weekend? For Naples Winter Wine Festival, it starts with 17 regal, intimate dinners.
The settings for Naples Winter Wine Festival’s Vintner Dinners— often the homes of Naples Children & Education Foundation trustees—add to the air of exclusivity and make guests feel like part of the family.
Clockwise, from top left: Hallberg/Moran 2016, Anderson/Andrews 2016, Gargiulo 2016, Scripps/Koehn 2023 by Luminaire Foto
In the beginning, 25 Naples seasons ago, a crew of well-connected snowbirds—oenophiles with vintners in their ranks—set out to bridge the gap in Collier County’s spending for children’s services. Inspired by Auction Napa Valley and armed with Naples’ trademark hospitality, the crew birthed the Naples Winter Wine Festival (NWWF). The result? A cool $300 million and counting, all directed to Naples Children & Education Foundation’s (NCEF) robust network of programs for Collier kids.
At the core of the festival’s winning recipe lie the Friday night Vintner Dinners—small, beyond-bespoke suppers designed to ignite generosity. “The excitement people show up with on Saturday morning is built, in part, on the experience they had the night before,” says NCEF founding trustee Jeff Gargiulo.
Shrouded in mystery, the lavishly planned gatherings are pure Naples legend. As a new philanthropic season and NWWF’s silver jubilee approach, we’re pulling back the curtain on the town’s most successful dinner party, tracing 25 years of haute wining and dining with a purpose.
THE AMBIENCE
ELEGANCE WITH A HEAVY DOSE OF WHIMSY
Vintner Dinners are mostly hosted in the palatial homes of NCEF trustees, the nonprofit’s lead patrons—and that’s by design. “We want people to feel that though they may only be here once a year, they’re part of the community,” says Kelley Bailey, co-owner of Knights Bridge Winery and an NCEF trustee. When she set eyes on her new Port Royal home, the first thing that came to mind was NWWF. “I’m not thinking about an extra bedroom or anything— just, ‘Oh, we can do such a nice dinner here,’” she laughs. When not using their grandiose residences—from gilded Gulfside villas to Pelican Bay penthouses overlooking mangroves to Pine Ridge Estates’ abodes surrounded by Jim Dine and Bob Rauschenberg works—hosts recruit tony venues, like Naples Botanical Garden or a private hangar, where bare walls lend themselves to immersive art experiences.
Fog machines, elaborate florals, illuminated poolscapes and custom decor underscore the whimsical nights, which often evolve from refined elegance to joyous celebration with spontaneous dancing. Add novel entertainment (contortionists, mentalists, Tony-winning singers), and you start to see the magic.
Hosts recruit party planners (Margaret Short, Pam Beckman and Lisa Resch are top calls) to turn already-stately venues into immersive wonderlands. You’ll find art, like the destination-themed digital projections in a hangar at the One Tribe dinner by Marilyn Scripps and Linda and Tom Koehn (left, bottom), and the Alice in Wonderland -themed tea at the Gargiulos’ home in 2016.
Clockwise, from left: Clifford/Hills 2018 by Louis Venne, Germain/Mezzalingua 2023 by Mila Bridger, Hoffmann/Welsh
In 2018, Barbie Hills and Joan Clifford engineered a ‘Tunnel of Love’ (left). Graffiti on the walls reminded guests of the mission, with phrases like ‘Education’ and ‘Kids = Future.’ Right: a white-gloved hand emerges from the hedges with welcome bubbly (Krug, no less) at Libby and Rick Germain’s and Kathy and Dan Mezzalingua’s 2023 dinner.
Some dinners are hosted at venerable institutions. Even when the sites are familiar, there’s an unexpected pizzazz. At the 2020 Jerri and David Hoffmann and Shirley and Peter Welsh event at Naples Botanical Garden, bold archways at the entrance inspired a sense of wonder and exploration.
Prepared and presented with the gravitas of Michelin-restaurant meals, the dinners sport sensory-enhancing tableware and white-glove excellence, including a cast of master sommeliers flown in and tapped from local institutions. Right: an Alaskan king crab appetizer by chef Nancy Oakes at a 2018 dinner.
THE FOOD & WINE
SINGULAR WINES AND BITES, ARTFULLY PLATED
There aren’t many occasions when culinary titans like Wolfgang Puck, Emeril Lagasse and Olivier Krug assemble in one place to collaborate on mind-blowing meals for a select few. “It’s just something you can’t buy,” says founding trustee Denise Cobb. Each dinner gets a chef and one or two vintners, with committees working year-round to secure a star-studded lineup.
Festival founders set the bar sky-high from year one. Winery-owning trustees tapped their connections to bring in cult labels Staglin, Grace, Screaming Eagle and Harlan. “We laid out the promise that, if you come to our event, we’re going to treat you like a VIP,” Jeff, who also co-owns Gargiulo Vineyards, says.
The royal treatment, coupled with NCEF’s measurable impact, keeps the heavyweights returning. Leading up to the big night, chefs and vintners collaborate on designing artful menus. “If you’re going to raise $30 million, you expect the best of the best,” says Silver Oak Cellars’ owner and longtime NWWF participant David Duncan, who plans to auction a 25-year vertical of Silver Oak magnums for the anniversary.
The team pairs chefs and vintners who will bring out the best in each other’s creations. Every course is a masterpiece, featuring exotic ingredients and remixes of chefs’ signature haute dishes—imagine an ostrich egg scramble with oysters and caviar or Tom Colicchio’s rich, meltingly tender braised short ribs. Guests sip on large-format library wines and coveted vintages like OVID’s Hexameter or Harlan Estate’s The Maiden, poured by master sommeliers. Between courses, the makers share tasting notes and intimate stories, from ingredient sourcing to culinary philosophies. For gourmands, it’s pure heaven.
The showmanship is on full display, with rare ingredients accenting dishes, nightcaps of Louis XIII Black Pearl and theatrical preparations. At a 2017 dinner, grillmaster Francis Mallmann set up a traditional Patagonian stone-filled fire pit, with whole hogs and chickens roasting on a wire dome for hours (center, right). “Chefs have stories to tell, and we use our language of food to build that bridge,” says Arizona’s Beau MacMillan, who brings his mentor, pioneering chef Jeff Jackson, to cook with him this year.
Left to right:
Lutgert/Clifford
Fleming/Germain
by Nicole Nixon and Andrew Budz, Kash/Walter 2018 by Seth Fogelman, Dixon/Medford 2020, Balser/Card 2016, Stielow/Ackerman/Hallberg
by Louis Venne, Edwards/Fligg/McCurry
Alexander, McNulty
by Matt Steeves, Pezeshkan/Starkey
The star treatment they receive and Naples Winter Wine Festival’s measurable impact keep lauded chefs and vintners— who constantly field invites for such events—coming back. San Francisco James Beard Foundation Award-winning Nancy Oakes, whose 2022 artful cheese plate is shown above, is going on her 10th year of cooking at Vintner Dinners for her friends, NCEF trustees Debbi and William Cary.
THE PEOPLE
STAR TALENT AND STYLE TO SPARE
At the season’s most prestigious social event, the guest list is as curated as the wine selection. Industry titans rub shoulders with Michelin-starred chefs, revered winemakers and master sommeliers, the occasional celebrity, and NCEF trustees—a venerable list of Naples’ who’s who. The mix makes for a mosaic of influence and passion, capped at a cozy 40 guests per dinner. Behind the scenes, there’s a small army of kitchen staff, party planners, floral and lighting designers, NCEF staffers, drivers and volunteers ensuring it all goes smoothly. The trustees—who host and cover food and decor expenses to keep all festival fundraising directed toward the kids—play a crucial role in orchestrating these social symphonies. They research their guests and craft seating charts like matchmakers, ensuring a blend of personalities promising engaging conversation and potential alliances (patrons often split blockbuster travel packages at the Saturday auction, with partnerships and strategies cemented at the dinners).
Several hosts, like Grace Evenstad (far right) and Jeff Gargiulo and wife, Valerie Boyd, are also vintners with lots in the next-day auction. The small dinners allow them to reinforce the weekend’s mission. “If we’re all doing our job as hosts, we’re selling the lots at our dinner,” Jeff says. Guests mingle with celebrity chefs (like Tom Colicchio, top left), esteemed vintners (Hamel Family Wines’ John Hamel, right), and NCEF trustees—a short list of Naples notables. Also pictured: Barbara Balser (above), Usha and Monte Ahuja (top right), Joan and Bob Clifford and Simone and Scott Lutgert (below, with Wolfgang Puck), and Penny Anderson (bottom left).
Clockwise from far left: Cary/Hussey
The trustees’ deep well of connections allows the festival to continue blossoming with A-list talent. Longtime participants marvel at the relationships built and fostered at dinners over the years. From the hosts to the festival auctioneers (including Humphrey Butler, who has served in the role since 2002) to the winemakers, participants are inspired to keep returning—and giving—year after year. Pictured, clockwise from left: Founding trustee Valerie Boyd, chef Charlie Palmer, emeritus trustee Adria Starkey, auctioneer Humphrey Butler, chef Emeril Lagasse.
“The dinners serve a key role in so many ways,” Jeff says. The intimate settings allow hosts to expand on NCEF’s mission and stoke interest in auction lots. Kelley recalls the awed faces of her dinner’s winemaker, Derek Baljeu, and chef, Philip Tessier, when the Knights Bridge lot went for $800,000 last year. “[The next day], when they come under the tent, see the enthusiasm and realize what they’ve been a part of—it’s so gratifying,” Kelley.
Exclusivity is a big part of the allure. Those members-only bottles of Screaming Eagle and Harlan you can’t get in a store or even at the winery? At a Vintner Dinner, you won’t only meet the winemaker—you’ll also get on the list, Denise says.
From the moment they’re whisked from their homes in black cars to the final nightcap, every attendee is made to feel like the guest of honor. David says the dinners emphasize the best part of the festival: “Getting to know the folks there is the joy.”
GLADES THE
Wildlife photographer Mac Stone unearths the hidden treasures of the Florida Everglades through his camera lens.
BY ADDISON PEZOLDT
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MAC
STONE
INTO GLADES
Mac Stone
ess than five minutes into my excursion with conservation photographer Mac Stone, he’s abandoned the trail. The National Geographic Explorer and contributor wades into the field toward a patch of dune sunflowers sprouting a few steps from the path, derailing our conversation (not for the last time).
“Sorry,” Mac says sheepishly. “I’m always so mission-driven, scheming for a month to go and take a picture. I rarely [get to] come and shoot photos like this.” He’s winging it, taking in the blank canvas before him. I laugh it off—this is why we’re here. I’m eager to see my childhood backyard through his eyes. As an environmental writer, I spend much time learning about Everglades degradation and restoration. Even for those of us immersed in the subject, it can be perplexing, but being out here among the swamp’s raw beauty, it’s simple—this is what we’re fighting for. We’ve ventured into Immokalee’s CREW Cypress Dome Trails—part of the larger Everglades watershed—on a late March morning. Neither of us has been to this destination full of pine flatwoods and wet prairies, something Mac is all too eager about. Within 60 seconds of breaking from the trail, he whips out a reflector to redirect the morning light, reclines flat on his back and aligns his camera lens to be level with the tiny patch of flowers. The golden petals soak up the sun as delicate, string-like stems defiantly dance in the breeze—one swift gust, one misplaced step, and the flora may break. This moment is a prologue, a declaration of the fragility of this place we call home.
When he’s in the wild, Mac’s scientific mind is on. His background—three years monitoring wading bird patterns in Everglades National Park as a biologist for the National Audubon Society—keys him into granular moments, from the way spores sprawl like veins on one type of fern and coat a leaf’s backside on another, to the trails alligators leave in the winter, when water levels are low and they try to keep themselves wet. He’ll move on for a moment, then circle back to see the scene evolve before
National Geographic Explorer and contributor Mac Stone has made a career of capturing nature’s wonders—including the Florida Everglades. Since he first discovered an old Minolta SR-T 101 film camera in his parent’s closet at 14, Mac’s been a steward of his craft, whether soaring overhead in helicopters or trudging through sloughs for the perfect photo.
Mac looks for moments that immerse viewers, illuminating the swamp he sees. Images like a gator hole in Big Cypress National Preserve (bottom left) and submerged shots of backlit lily pads deep in the Glades (bottom right) highlight the ecosystem’s diversity. “[You have to show people] this is why we care so much,” he says.
his eyes. What looks like a regular tree to me becomes a story to him—what might this vignette of bubblegum lichen become if he lined acrylic panels to frame the trees and lit the pieces from behind? He could isolate the plant, put it on a stark white background, and experiment with color, similarity and texture.
The lighting isn’t right at this time of day, and the camera’s settings are off, he says, making notes for future visits. Once a month, the Gainesville-raised explorer leaves his transplanted South Carolina home and heads back to the swamp for his work as a member of The Everglades Foundation’s board. He keeps ideas like this in his back pocket, waiting for the day he’ll return to the same location and realize his vision. Other times, Mac dedicates weeks of his life to capturing a single photo of certain phenomena. Not long ago, Mac was intent on photographing a hunting behavior exhibited by the bottlenose dolphins that live in Florida Bay. The sea mammals use the shallow flat of submerged prairie to their advantage. A pod of four or five dolphins finds a school of fish, then one dolphin breaks from the group, moving in a rapid circle and kicking sediment up to confuse the prey. The fish get trapped in mud rings and jump out of the water, where the rest of the pod waits with open mouths to catch their meals. “It’s brilliant,” Mac says. “You can see them teaching the next generation how to do it.” The photographer spent two weeks flying over the bay’s 850 square miles with a biologist, scouring for evidence of the wild meal-prep technique.
The photographer breathes Florida swamps. For the past two years, Mac’s been creating a limited-edition photography book with about 130 images—including the hard-earned dolphin shot—which The Everglades Foundation is gifting to supporters of the nonprofit’s endowment campaign. In 2022, the organization quietly launched the three-year push to raise $75 million to cement the team’s commitment to Everglades scientific research, advocacy and education initiatives forever. In the first two years, running quietly among patrons, the campaign raised $60 million. Now, the group has opened fundraising for the final stretch to the public. Artistic works like Mac’s help stimulate support by stoking curiosity and appreciation for the delicate, at-risk ecosystem. Mac, who has contributed to the endowment himself, was a clear choice to helm the project, with his love for the River of Grass’ landscape and wildlife, scientific
background and talents as a storyteller. “[You have to show people] this is why we care so much,” Mac says. “To do that, you gotta take people into the system and show them some of the miraculous narratives and interactions of animals that play out.”
It’s a crucial time to put boots on the ground. In some way or another—whether through funding environmental nonprofits’ programming, signing petitions or directly investing in infrastructure—all Everglades support goes toward the $23.2 billion Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP), the largest ecosystem restoration project in the world. Established in 2000 as a 30-year, even partnership between the federal and state governments, CERP is building pump stations, restoring more than 40 square miles of the Kissimmee River floodplains and raising Tamiami Trail to rebuild Mother Nature’s model for South Florida’s ecology. The system has been fractured by decades of dredging, channelization and development, resulting in habitat loss, vulnerable shorelines and devastating toxic outbreaks like the 2017 and 2018 red tide events. Restoration support and efforts have ramped up since the harmful algal bloom plagues, thanks to the rise of public awareness and engagement via social media; and groups like The Everglades Foundation, Captains For Clean Water, South Florida Water Management District and Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation uniting to amplify the message.
But the fight isn’t over. CERP continues to face obstacles, including ongoing land-use battles with the Florida sugar industry, which aims to preserve its eight-decade control on Lake Okeechobee for irrigation needs. Beyond the push-back and continued human alteration of the wetlands, the Everglades will require a lifetime of consistent effort and maintenance to clean up more than a century’s worth of disruption and foster a symbiotic relationship between person and place.
Mac Stone (2)
The conservation photographer recently partnered with The Everglades Foundation to create a photography book for supporters of the nonprofit’s three-year endowment campaign. Mac, who also serves on the foundation’s board, spent two weeks tracking a pod of bottlenose dolphins across Florida Bay’s 850 square miles to capture a feeding behavior, where one dolphin breaks from the pack, kicking up sediment to trap their prey in mud rings. The confusion forces fish to leap out of the water into eagerly awaiting mouths.
The fight for Everglades restoration efforts is ongoing. Species like the elusive Florida ghost orchid (right) thrive in cypress swamps that are constantly threatened by the state’s changing hydrology. Mac and fellow wildlife photographer Carlton Ward Jr. spent the summer of 2018 hunting for proof of the rare plant’s potential pollinators— some of which had never been documented before.
Mac speaks passionately about the mission to protect Florida’s wetlands—a zeal ignited in childhood. At 14, he stumbled upon an old Minolta SR-T 101 film camera hidden in the depths of his parents’ closet. His backyard became his muse. Mac didn’t have the formidable mountain ranges or lofty skylines people are used to seeing exalted. Still, he found equal awe in Florida’s swamps and prairies—with their tangled webs of Spanish moss ornamenting the canopies and undulating stretches of wiregrass shivering with life. Where others saw dirty backwaters, Mac saw an Eden and was determined to change public perceptions. “That’s what the photographs became—little proofs that this is gorgeous, and the adventures I was having were real,” Mac says, recounting his boyhood escapades as we explore the trail.
The same year he found his first camera, Mac got a job working at his uncle’s digital photo store, restoring old prints. One day, he came across a luminescent black-and-white shot of the moon over cypress trees—Moonrise (1986), a Clyde Butcher original. “That was my first introduction to the Everglades,” Mac says. In high school, he and his father first ventured to the Ten Thousand Islands. The pair spent a spring break week paddling around and sleeping under chickees, camera in tow. Mac was entranced by the vast stretches of wilderness, unlike anything he’d seen. Gone were the pocket parks and isolated swamps of his hometown; there, in the midst of the Glades, seemingly endless mangrove forests and cypress groves unraveled before him. Mac’s camera became an extra limb as he made his way through Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and his time with Audubon.
When he thinks of The Everglades Foundation book, he reflects on the pieces encapsulating the wetlands’ truths. “There are a lot of little quiet moments in that book that aren’t big, incredible wildlife behavior,” he says. Mac lifts the camera to his eye line, pulling me into such a tale: A reflection of trees hovers in the background of his frame, and patches of persistent duckweed decorate the foreground. “Those are important, too, because that’s part of this,” he says, his arm sweeping from the brush to the horizon. It is all connected, from the pollen coating the swamp’s surface in a thin sheen to the warbles of hidden birds pinging through the trees.
The trail slopes to the right, but Mac charges straight ahead, where a towering cypress dome beckons the brave to wander off the path. “You ready to get wet?” he calls, trudging forward into the shin-high water. Ripples form as we move, our limbs lifting and sinking as we navigate the labyrinth of submerged branches and sunken holes. It’s tranquil; the sounds of feet sloshing and Mac’s content humming form the score of our trek. Every now and then, he notes how clear the water is, a looking glass that stretches to root-covered bottoms, or how the light pierces through a cypress grove. With every new photo, Mac illuminates the glory of one of the most vibrant places on Earth. His steps are measured, confident—there’s an ease to his pace that comes only from years of similar pilgrimages.
For all the familiarity, Mac often encounters a different landscape—though not always for the better. He recalls returning years later to the Ten Thousand Island spots he visited on that first kayaking trip with his father. Mac wanted to capture frames of the transformative place. Instead, he found a mangrove graveyard, the imperial forest reduced to a ghostly shadow. “Things just aren’t there anymore,” Mac says. “We don’t have the luxury of waiting.”
Remote swamp locations are inaccessible to most, and not everyone can spend their days scanning the land from a helicopter, but they can connect to a photo Mac publishes on social media, in a publication or in a book. Job security, he jokes, is no issue for him, as there’s always something new to find. “The Everglades is so many different things,” Mac says. “It’s sea turtles nesting on the beach in the moonlight. It’s cypress domes. It’s millions of mullet running down the East Coast. It’s bottlenose dolphins. It’s spoonbill chicks nesting in a mangrove island. It’s salt flats. It’s crocodiles. I will never run out of things to look at or ways to be inspired.”
At the trailhead once more, we pass a gaggle of eager children about to embark on a journey parallel to our own. One of the boys calls out to us: “Are there bears in there?” Mac responds in kind. “Oh yeah, big black bears. They’re nice.”
“Panthers?”
“Panthers, too.”
“They’re nice?”
“They’re all nice.”
Mac’s photos serves as a journal—each image a reflection of his artistic and scientific backgrounds uniting as he plays with color, similarity and texture to key viewers into the quiet moments of Everglades beauty.
Christina Bankson
WHERE TO GIVE
Consider this your definitive guide to giving, with a list of more than 300 nonprofits fueling the philanthropic scene in Collier and Lee counties. Check with the nonprofits for the latest information.
Many local nonprofits work to preserve and protect the natural environment, from native wildlife to Southwest Florida’s waterways.
COLLIER COUNTY
Action for Life
This nonprofit is dedicated to protecting and advocating for the dignity and respect of all human life from conception until natural death.
(239) 262-5433 actionforlife.net
Additional Needs
The nonprofit aims to change society’s perspective on disability and special needs by promoting the phrase ‘additional needs.’ The group also provides convenient access to valuable resources and tools to help those with additional needs reach their full potential.
(239) 298-1499 additionalneeds.info
Africa 6000 International
The mission of this organization, which has local volunteers, is to help build large community water wells in villages in Africa to alleviate thirst, waterborne disease and save lives.
(814) 878-4419 africa6000intl.org
Alcanzando
The organization provides educational tools and services for autism to Spanish-speaking children and families.
(239) 961-3322 alcanzando.org
The Alliance for Florida’s National Parks
As the official philanthropic partner for Everglades, Dry Tortugas and Biscayne National Parks and Big Cypress National Preserve, The Alliance for Florida’s National Parks works to preserve and protect green spaces.
(305) 665-4769 floridanationalparks.org
Alliance for Period Supplies of SWFL
APS’ goal is to end period poverty by providing needed supplies, serving the one in four low-income women and girls who struggle to purchase personal products every month.
(239) 877-2528 apsofswfl.org
Alzheimer’s Support Network
The group serves Collier County families dealing with Alzheimer’s and other cognitive disorders through guidance, education, support and programs—for free. (239) 262-8388 support.network
Amber’s Antibodies
The volunteer organization provides financial support to families battling cancer and makes monthly contributions to cancer research.
(239) 248-2802 ambersantibodies.com
American Cancer Society
ACS’s mission is to improve the lives of people with cancer and their families through advocacy, research and patient support. (239) 321-5018 cancer.org
Animal Compassion Project
The group promotes alternatives to euthanasia/ TNR (trap-neuter-return) for feral and free-roaming cats, assists with spay/neuter services, provides pet food, advocates for animal rights, serves as an educational resource and operates as a sanctuary for displaced and special needs cats. (239) 825-4093 animalcompassionproject.org
Artis—Naples
The premier local organization for the visual and performing arts in Southwest Florida, Artis—Naples presents a range of world-class programs including music, exhibitions, film, dance, comedy and lectures. (239) 597-1900 artisnaples.org
Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
The local chapter of the National Audubon Society works to preserve Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, using scientific research, education and land management
practices to support conservation and restoration efforts of the Western Everglades ecosystem.
(239) 348-9151 corkscrew.audubon.org
Audubon Western Everglades
Established in 1961, this is the oldest grassroots conservation organization in the region. Its mission is to protect natural resources and wildlife through advocacy and education. (239) 643-7822 audubonwe.org
Ave Maria School of Law
Ranked a Princeton Review “Best Law School,” this national military-friendly school offers a Catholic education characterized by the harmony of faith and reason.
(239) 687-5300 avemarialaw.edu
Avow Foundation
Avow Hospice’s nonprofit provides compassionate care and support by soliciting, receiving and administering grants, gifts, loans and donations.
(239) 261-4404 avowcares.org
Baby Basics of Collier County
Baby Basics provides and distributes diapers to babies of low-income families in Collier. It extends its services to
The senior center provides confidence, connection and support to older adults through programs and services, including dementia case management, mental health services, social activities and a food pantry. (239) 325-4444 naplesseniorcenter.org
Better Together
The nonprofit helps parents in need keep their children out of foster care, find work and obtain tools and support to thrive.
(239) 470-2733 bettertogetherus.org
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast — Collier County
The team matches youth with adult volunteers for meaningful, enduring mentorships to help students develop confidence, healthy relationships and bright futures. (239) 331-7133 bbbssun.org
Bikes For Tykes
BFT repairs, refurbishes and rebuilds bikes into working condition and then gifts them to underprivileged children and families.
(239) 450-3366
bikesfortykes.org
Books for Collier Kids
The group provides new, high-quality, age-appropriate books throughout the school year to more than 10,000 disadvantaged Collier County students in pre-K, Kindergarten, and first and second grades.
(239) 394-4062
booksforcollierkids.org
Boys & Girls Club of Collier County
Boys & Girls Club of Collier County provides a safe, positive, enriching environment for more than 3,500 children and teens in Naples and Immokalee during the most critical time for youth: out-of-school time.
Breakthrough T1D’s mission is to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications.
(239) 591-2825
jdrf.org
Center
For Reduction of Religious-based Conflict
The center works to sensitize and educate people and
governments on problems surrounding religious conflict, seeking long-term, practical solutions.
(239) 821-4850 center2000.org
Champions For Learning
CFL serves as a catalyst for educational success by investing in both students (readying them for success) and educators (providing support and resources). (239) 643-4755 championsforlearning.org
Charity for Change
With a vision to end hate, violence, bullying and division, Charity for Change builds resilience and mental well-being in children by developing character, generosity and gratitude through education. (239) 592-6787 charityforchange.org
Child’s Path
Child’s Path offers early learning programs for underserved children and working families in Collier County. (239) 643-3908 facebook.com/childspath.inc
Children’s Advocacy Center of Collier County
The CAC works to minimize the trauma to child victims of physical and sexual
abuse through intervention, treatment, counseling and advocacy.
(239) 263-8383 caccollier.org
Christ Child Society of Naples
The all-volunteer, multidenominational organization is dedicated to improving infant care, providing basic needs, promoting literacy, and providing college and technical scholarships for the underserved children of Collier County. (239) 404-4410 christchildnaples.org
Citizen’s Foster Care Review Board
The group conducts judicial reviews for children involved in the dependency system in Collier County, holding stakeholders accountable so children can return to a normal family setting as quickly as possible. cfcrbcollier.org
Collier Community Foundation
CCF optimizes charitable giving through community knowledge, grant oversight and personalized service. (239) 649-5000 colliercf.org
LET’S A ma
Splas
AND A
JOIN US ON WORLD WATER DAY with special guest Jesse Watters, from Fox News, along with Doug Pitt, Goodwill Ambassador to Tanzania.
SPECIAL GUESTS
Saturday MARCH 22, 2025
5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
THE RITZ-CARLTON, NAPLES
280 VANDERBILT ROAD, NAPLES, FLORIDA
Cocktail reception and dinner to follow.
WEAR A splash of blue and show your support for our mission: To provide clean, safe water throughout Africa.
All proceeds will be used to construct solar-powered water wells in Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Nigeria.
co-host
JESSE WATTERS
of “Fox News the Five” and host of “Jesse Watters Primetime”
DOUG PITT Goodwill Ambassador to Tanzania
Collier County 100 Club
This team financially assists first responders and their families in times of tragedy. (239) 262-0015 collier100club.org
Collier-Lee Honor Flight
The nonprofit offers no-cost transport to local veterans to Washington, D.C., for the day so they can visit and reflect at memorials honoring their service and sacrifice. (239) 777-9295 collierhonorflight.org
Collier Resource Center
The mission of the Collier Resource Center is to empower locals by providing information, referrals, advocacy and case management. (239) 434-2030 collierresourcecenter.org
Collier Senior Center
Formerly Collier Senior Resources, this organization operates the Senior Center in Golden Gate, providing programs and services to low-income seniors, with daily lunch, art, music, counseling and emergency financial aid. (239) 252-4541 collierseniorcenter.org
Community Pregnancy Clinics
Since 1974, CPCI has provided support and free and con-
fidential services—including pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, counseling and baby items— to women in need.
(239) 734-2035 supportcpci.com
Community School of Naples
The school is committed to academic excellence, with a mission to inspire and empower students to realize their potential as engaged learners and responsible global citizens. (239) 597-7575 communityschoolofnaples.org
The Compassionate Friends
With chapters in Bonita Springs, Naples and Fort Myers, TCF offers peer-topeer grief support groups for those who have experienced the death of their child, stepchild, grandchild or sibling. (877) 969-0010
compassionatefriends.org
Conservancy of Southwest Florida
The 60-year-old environmental protection organization focuses on issues impacting the water, land, wildlife and future of the five-county region through the combined efforts of experts in environmental science, policy, education and wildlife rehabilitation.
(239) 262-0304 conservancy.org
Cypress Cove Landkeepers
The group purchases, preserves and restores ecologically sensitive lands and wildlife corridors in the region. The Landkeepers manage the 10-acre Gore Nature Center in Naples to encourage research, nature education and local habitat exploration. (239) 308-0281 gorenaturecenter.com
David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health
DLC is Collier’s comprehensive, nonprofit provider serving children, adults and families with mental health, substance use and integrated healthcare solutions. DLC’s treatment includes inpatient, outpatient, residential and community-based care. (239) 455-8500 dlcenters.org
Drug Free Collier
The organization works to reduce substance misuse in Collier County by raising awareness of prevention resources through education. (239) 302-6717 drugfreecollier.org
Empty Bowls Naples
Empty Bowls Naples creates awareness and raises funds
to eliminate hunger by painting bowls and pottery to sell. (239) 591-8848 emptybowlsnaples.com
English-Speaking Union, Naples Branch
The goal is to promote literacy and foster global understanding by providing education and cultural opportunities to students, educators and members. (239) 330-2533 esuus.org
Essential Art
For more than 20 years, this organization has promoted education through art with programming, events and auctions. essentialart.org
The Everglades Foundation
The foundation restores and protects the Everglades through science, advocacy and education. (305) 251-0001 evergladesfoundation.org
Everglades Society for Historic Preservation
ESHP strives to preserve historic sites, structures, documents, artifacts and memories within the Everglades area. (239) 719-0020 eshp.org
Fallen Officers — The Robert L. Zore Foundation
The foundation supports the families and departments of police officers killed in the line of duty across the country. (239) 315-1242 robertlzorefoundation.org
Feral Felines
Feral Felines cares for stray cats in the Everglades area with neuter/spay, release program and daily feeding follow-up. (239) 243-2226
Fifth Avenue South Business Improvement District
This organization represents the interests of BID property owners and businesses in growing and sustaining a healthy, vibrant Fifth Avenue South district as the destination of choice to live, work, shop, dine and play. (239) 692-8436 fifthavenuesouth.com
First Tee — Naples/Collier
First Tee enables kids to build strength of character by integrating the game of golf with life skills curricula. (239) 331-1800 firstteenaplescollier.org
Florida Drowning Prevention Foundation (FLDPF)
FLDPF supports drowning prevention initiatives, educates adults and children about water safety and funds swim lessons, lifeguard training and water safety instructors. (239) 919-2001 floridadrowningprevention foundation.com
For the Love of Cats
Formed in 2002, the nonprofit runs programming, including TNR (trap–neuter–return), low-income support for vet care, a pet food pantry, free cat adoptions for seniors and the FGCU pre-vet scholarship fund.
(239) 642-8674 fortheloveofcatsfl.com
Fostering Success
Formerly Friends of Foster Children, this group provides services for foster children. (239) 262-1808 fosteringsuccess.net
Foundation Fighting Blindness — Naples Chapter
The organization supports research into the prevention, treatment and cure of numerous retinal degenerative diseases. (440) 785-2656 fightingblindness.org
Foundation of Collier County Medical Society
This provides support for programs that address access to healthcare and promote health education. (239) 435-7727 ccmsfoundation.org
Freedom Waters Foundation
Freedom Waters improves the lives of individuals with special needs or serious illnesses, at-risk children, and veterans and active military personnel by providing therapeutic marine-related experiences on the water. (239) 263-2377 freedomwatersfoundation.org
Friends of the Collier County Museums
The Friends of the Collier County Museums supports five local museums’ collections and exhibitions, educational programs and historic restoration projects. (508) 930-5726 foccm.org
Friends of Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is one of the last remaining underdeveloped barrier islands in Collier County. Funds raised through volunteer activities are used to improve park facilities and provide necessary amenities.
(239) 409-0637 delnorwiggins.org
Friends of Fakahatchee
The Friends of Fakahatchee provides financial and volunteer support to preserve the ecology and cultural heritage of the Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park and educates the public about the park’s importance within the Everglades ecosystem. (239) 695-1023 orchidswamp.org
Friends of the Library of Collier County
In 1957, the Friends of the Library was formed to establish a free public library system in Collier County. They’ve since helped create what is now the Collier County Public Library System with three large regional libraries and seven smaller branches. (239) 262-8135 collier-friends.org
Friends of the Museum of the Everglades
Friends of the Museum of the Everglades provides financial and volunteer support to the museum, which was founded in 1998 by the Friends. (239) 252-5026 evergladesmuseum.org
Friends of Rookery Bay
This organization supports education, conservation and research for the 110,000-acre National Estuarine Research Reserve, which encompasses 40 percent of Collier County’s coastline. The nonprofit also helps operate a twostory nature center and offers guided boat and kayak tours. (239) 530-5972 rookerybay.org
Friends of the River of Grass Greenway
FROGG is committed to establishing the safe use of US 41 across the Everglades between Naples and Miami and focusing on safety and environmental education and stewardship for those hiking, walking and cycling throughout the area. (239) 719-0020 evergladesrogg.org
Fun Time Early Childhood Academy
The mission is to provide quality, affordable education for children and parents from low-income, working families. Fun Time prepares children for kindergarten so that they’re ready to read and learn. (239) 261-8284 funtimeacademy.org
The Gene Doyle Memorial Foundation
The nonprofit honors the memory and adventurous spirit of Naples High graduate Gene Doyle. The foundation awards scholarships to Collier County high school juniors and seniors, and college freshmen. (239) 450-4018 genedoyle.org
Girls on the Run
This group helps young girls reach their potential by inspiring them to be joyful, healthy and confident, using a fun, experience-based curriculum that creatively integrates running. (941) 204-8832 gotrswfl.org
Golden PAWS
Assistance Dogs
Golden PAWS promotes independence through partnerships with skilled assistance dogs for combat-wounded veterans, first responders and children with life-altering disabilities. (239) 775-1660 goldenpaws.org
Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples CMON encourages and inspires children and their families to play, learn and be
creative together. (239) 514-0084 cmon.org
Grace Center Foundation
Grace Center Foundation helps children and families in Ethiopia by feeding them, providing a safe, loving home for children who have been abandoned and orphaned, educating women and children, and assisting women and children in prison. (239) 465-6435 gracecenterfoundation.org
Grace Place For Children & Families
Through its education programs, Grace Place helps families in Golden Gate break the cycle of poverty. The food pantry supports Grace Place’s mission by serving more than 2,500 families a year.
(239) 255-7200 graceplacenaples.org
Greater Naples AAUW
Charitable Foundation
Through programming and scholarships, AAUW promotes equity, education and opportunities for local women and girls.
(330) 620-4700 greaternaples-fl.aauw.net
Guadalupe Center
Guadalupe Center’s early childhood education, after-school tutoring and summer enrichment programs serve children in Immokalee. The goal is to break the cycle of poverty. (239) 657-7711 guadalupecenter.org
Gulf Coast Big Band
Performing since 1991, Gulf Coast Big Band plays free shows, with donations going toward scholarships for local children in music. (239) 877-6090 gulfcoastbigband.com
Gulfshore Playhouse
Naples’ premier professional theater is committed to enriching the region’s cultural landscape through productions and impactful education programs. (239) 261-7529 gulfshoreplayhouse.org
Habitat for Humanity of Collier County
The goal is to eliminate poverty and homelessness by building adequate and basic housing. (239) 775-0036 habitatcollier.org
Hadassah — Collier/Lee
Hadassah enhances global health through medical care, teaching and research. (877) 949-1818 hadassah.org
Healthcare Network
Healthcare Network works to ensure primary medical, dental and behavioral health services are accessible to all. (239) 658-3000 healthcareswfl.org
Help A Diabetic Child
HADC strives to ease the burden of children and young adults who struggle financially and emotionally while living with diabetes. (239) 821-5051 helpadiabeticchild.org
Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center
The newly expanded museum provides Holocaust education programs to local students, teachers and the public, to inspire action against bigotry and hatred. (239) 263-9200 hmcec.org
Hope for Haiti
Hope for Haiti’s mission is to improve the quality of life for Haitian people, particularly women and children, through access to education, healthcare, clean water and
The new nonprofit aims to unite community members, developers, policymakers and funders to offer information and education and help provide accessible housing solutions. (239) 434-2397 thehousingalliance.org
Humane Society Naples
HSN shelters animals, locates lifelong homes and advocates for responsible pet ownership. (239) 643-1555 hsnaples.org
Hunger and Homeless Coalition of Collier County
The mission of this Southwest Florida regional coalition is to support the planning, delivery and coordination of high-quality services to those suffering from or at risk of hunger and being unhoused. (239) 263-9363 collierhomelesscoalition.org
Ikebana International — Naples Chapter
The organization champions the art of Japanese flower arranging and celebrates Japanese culture. ikebananaples.com
Immokalee Fair Housing
Alliance
The alliance provides access to secure, affordable, hurricane-resistant rental housing for farmworker families and low-income residents of Immokalee. (404) 991-1611 immokaleefairhousing.org
The Immokalee Foundation
Founded in 1991, this group focuses on education, career readiness and professional development for students in Immokalee— from kindergarten through post-secondary education. (239) 430-9122 immokaleefoundation.org
International Network of Creatives
Formerly Storytellers Creative Arts, this faithbased nonprofit provides healing through the arts to underprivileged children and families and people battling addiction. (239) 234-2745 internationalnetworkof creatives.org
Jewish Federation of Greater Naples
The Federation creates a sense of community for thousands of Jewish residents in Greater Naples and its surrounding areas by creating and supporting
programs to further Jewish learning, identity, pride and culture. Federation meets the challenge of providing for the needs of the Jewish community, wherever they may be, from young children and families to seniors. (239) 263-4205 jewishnaples.org
The Jewish Historical Society of Southwest Florida
The society creates archives full of written, spoken and photographic records to document and maintain the history of the Jewish community in Southwest Florida. (833) 547-7935 jhsswf.org
Jingled Elves
Jingled Elves raises funds for organizations like Youth Haven, Baby Basics of Collier County and Pace Center for Girls to improve the lives of women and children in Collier County. (919) 612-1217 jingledelves.org
Keep Collier Beautiful
This is an all-volunteer nonprofit that spearheads programs to keep the waterways free of litter and debris and to encourage people not to litter.
(239) 580-8319
keepcollierbeautiful.org
KOVA Foundation
KOVA Foundation provides resources to nonprofit organizations for individuals and families in need, giving 100 percent of donations to charity.
(239) 261-2627 kovafoundation.org
Laces of Love Charitable Foundation
The foundation has provided more than 300,000 new shoes to low-income and disadvantaged children in Lee and Collier counties. (239) 591-1172 lacesoflove.org
Leadership
Collier Foundation
The foundation links the community’s needs with those who can help fulfill them, through leadership programs, community education, work-based learning and resource building. (239) 262-6376 leadershipcollier.org
The
League Club
The club provides grants to nonprofit organizations in Collier and Lee counties supporting the environment, education, children and families. (239) 353-3100 leagueclub.org
League of Women Voters of Collier County
The nonpartisan organization encourages informed and active engagement with, and participation in, the government.
(239) 263-4656
lwv.org
Legal Aid Service of Collier County
This organization provides free civil legal services to Collier County residents who face matters of life-changing significance. (239) 775-4555 collierlegalaid.org
Lighthouse
of Collier
This group fosters independence and enhances the quality of life for the blind and visually impaired and their caregivers. Services are free to clients. (239) 430-3934 lighthouseofcollier.org
Literacy
Volunteers of Collier County
The organization provides English and literacy training to non-native English speakers. (239) 262-4448 collierliteracyvolunteers.org
Marco Island Center for the Arts and Arts Center Theatre
This organization hosts art exhibitions, educational programs for adults and children, and events to bring the arts to the community.
(239) 394-4221 marcoislandart.org
Marco Island Historical Society
The Marco Island Historical Society and Marco Island Historical Museum present 10,000 years of the island’s prehistory and history from its Indigenous peoples to its pioneering settlers and trailblazers. (239) 389-6447 themihs.org
Marco Island Shell Club
The mission is to promote the study, conservation, history and science of seashells and mollusks, and to encourage shell-related interests, such as collecting, crafting and shell art. marcoislandshellclub.com
MauRich Production & Events
The nonprofit promotes boutique, outdoor fine arts and crafts shows, and their corresponding artists and artisans, in Southwest Florida. maurichproductions.org
Meals
of Hope
With a focus on meal packing, this hunger relief organization has 15 mobile food pantries. (239) 537-7775 mealsofhope.org
Miracles in Action
Miracles in Action empowers Guatemalans living in extreme poverty to help themselves through sustainable projects that improve education, nutrition and quality of life. (239) 348-0815 miraclesinaction.org
Multiple Sclerosis Center of Southwest Florida
This organization provides information and support to more than 500 people with MS each year. (239) 319-0904 mscenterswfl.org
NAMI Collier County
The organization provides mental health support, advocacy and education to inspire resilience and strengthen communities in the region— without cost to participants. (239) 260-7300 namicollier.org
Naples Art District
The district serves as the largest concentration of professional galleries and working art studios in Southwest
Florida, providing a creative hub for the community.
(239) 249-1977
naplesartdistrict.com
Naples Art Institute
The institute enlightens, engages, educates and enriches the community through exhibitions, classes and kids’ programs. (239) 262-6517 naplesart.org
Naples Ballet
The nonprofit dance school offers classes for dancers of all ages and hosts performances for the community each year.
(239) 732-1000 naplesballet.net
Naples Big Band
The music organization offers free public performances of Big Band and swing music and provides instruments to local students who otherwise could not afford them. (941) 313-7532 naplesbigband.com
Naples Botanical Garden
The 170-acre garden features plants from around the world. The mission is to conserve the plants and habitats of the tropics, cultivate beauty, offer knowledge, and inspire the protection of nature. It provides arts, culture, education,
conservation, wellness and volunteer programs. (239) 643-7275
naplesgarden.org
Naples Cancer Advisors
The group provides consultative oncology and genetic counseling services to Southwest Florida residents diagnosed with cancer at no charge to the patient. (239) 846-2273
naplescanceradvisors.org
Naples Children & Education Foundation
This foundation improves the well-being of local children through advocacy, healthcare and education programs. (239) 514-2239 napleswinefestival.com
Naples Community Orchestra
Led by artistic director Alvin Ho, the orchestra performs classical music concerts. (239) 944-7311 naplescommunity orchestra.org
Naples Concert Band
The band is dedicated to entertaining the community with monthly Concerts in the Park during season (October-April) at Cambier Park. (239) 270-1221 naplesconcertband.org
Naples Garden Club
For more than 70 years, the club has provided opportunities for sharing and learning about horticulture and floral design. (239) 262-1272 naplesgardenclub.org
Naples Historical Society
The society offers walking tours of the historic district and the city’s oldest house, the Historic Palm Cottage museum.
(239) 261-8164 napleshistoricalsociety.org
Naples Jazz Society
Founded in 1995, this organization sponsors, preserves and promotes jazz music, with more than 40 free concerts annually. (612) 327-3835 thenaplesjazzsociety.com
The Naples Lions Club
The club offers scholarships for students in the healthcare field and free health services, such as screenings, eyeglasses and hearing aids, to low-income Collier County families.
(239) 353-4800 napleslionsclub.com
Naples Pathways Coalition
This organization works for safe, bikeable, walkable communities through advocacy
and education. (239) 777-7718 naplespathways.org
The Naples Players
The community theater group builds community through its musicals, dramas, children’s productions and educational programming. (239) 434-7340 naplesplayers.org
Naples Performing Arts Center
The center provides the highest level of training in acting, music and dance to all ages, offers private and group instruction, and awards scholarships so all students can experience the joy of performing, develop life skills and build self-confidence through the performing arts. (239) 325-8789 naplesperformingarts center.com
Naples Pride
The group provides support for family and friends of the LGBTQ+ community. (239) 304-9407 naplespride.org
Naples Therapeutic Riding Center
NTRC improves the lives of children and adults with physical, social and mental health needs through therapeutic riding and other
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The club enhances the community through philanthropic activities and volunteer service, with about 350 members who meet monthly from October through April. (239) 262-6331 napleswomansclub.org
Naples Women’s Care Center
The organization aims to help pregnant women choose life for their babies, have healthier pregnancies and become better parents with support from cradle to kindergarten. (239) 404-7275 supportwomenscare center.org
Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
As an award-winning nonprofit and nationally accredited zoo and botanical garden, Naples Zoo inspires people to respect, value and help conserve wildlife and our natural world through a mix of formal and informal education programs. (239) 315-7626 napleszoo.org
NCH Healthcare System
The healthcare system includes two hospitals, dozens of medical facilities and an alliance of more than 1,100 physicians. They aim to help everyone live longer, happier, healthier lives.
(239) 624-5000 nchmd.org
Neighborhood Health Clinic
NHC delivers quality medical and dental care to low-income, working, uninsured Collier County adults with a professional volunteer staff, funded by private philanthropy. (239) 261-6600 neighborhoodhealthclinic.org
New Horizons of Southwest Florida
New Horizons provides tutoring, mentoring and character-building programs at its neighborhood clubs. (239) 948-4146 newhorizonsofswfl.org
Opera Naples
This nonprofit arts organization offers education and performances. (239) 963-9050 operanaples.org
Our Daily Bread Food Pantry
With a goal of ending hunger in Marco Island and Naples, the pantry provides nourish-
ing food choices, encouragement and hope. (239) 259-5188 ourdailybreadfoodpantry.org
Pace Center for Girls –Collier at Immokalee
Through education, counseling, training and advocacy, Pace empowers girls and young women for a better future. (239) 842-5406 pacecenter.org
Pan-Florida Challenge
The group funds cancer prevention research, and provides patient support and cancer-fighting food to hungry children statewide. (239) 298-1620 panfloridachallenge.org
Panira Healthcare Clinic
The community-based, lowcost primary care and walk-in clinic provides quality and compassionate medical care, as well as a free clinic. (239) 529-5580 panirahealthcareclinic.org
Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida
They provide programs and services that improve the quality of life and educate, enrich and empower people affected by Parkinson’s Disease and related neurodegenerative diseases. (239) 417-3465 parkinsonassociationswfl.org
Path2Freedom
The organization is committed to serving the needs of child survivors of human trafficking. (239) 877-1515 path2freedom.org
Pathways
Early Education Center of Immokalee
For 60 years, Pathways Early Education Center has championed quality early learning and care programs for children in Immokalee to have an equitable opportunity to thrive. (239) 261-1774 pathwaysearlyeducation.org
The
Patriot Fund
The fund honors military veterans and their families, hosting fundraising events designed to inspire and educate the community about the needs of local veterans. It partners with reputable charities that passionately deliver immediate and long-lasting impacts. patriotfundinc.org
Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida
PPSWCF, a Planned Parenthood Federation affiliate, provides comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services to people of all genders and ages throughout 22 counties of Southwest and Central Florida. (941) 365-3913 ppswcf.org
Project
HELP
The organization provides hope, empowerment, and healing to those affected by sexual violence, sudden death and other tragic events. They provide free counseling, advocacy and a 24-hour crisis and referral helpline. (239) 649-1404 projecthelpnaples.org
Project Outreach Naples
Project Outreach connects volunteers with churches and nonprofits to provide helping hands to local initiatives such as food drives, nursing home visits and home repairs. projectoutreachnaples.com
Providence House
The organization provides faith-based, transitional housing and self-sufficiency programs for women with young children who are unhoused or at risk of being unhoused. (239) 692-8779 providencehousenaples.org
RCMA
Established in 1965 and headquartered in Immokalee, it’s Florida’s largest nonprofit provider of early childhood education and a nationally recognized charter school operator. (800) 282-6540 rcma.org
Relief Through
Art Foundation
RTAF empowers economic independence in creative individuals who have faced displacement and challenging environments due to war and global crises, such as the war in Ukraine. (239) 571-9075 reliefthroughartfoundation.org
Revs Institute
The museum focuses on the preservation of historic automobiles and promotes an appreciation for such vehicles and their origins. (239) 687-7387 museum.revsinstitute.org
Ricky King Children’s Fund
The fund empowers families of sick, disabled and dying children with essential services and medical equipment that these families otherwise could not afford. (239) 449-0209 rickykingfund.org
The
Rotary Club Naples
The club brings together local leaders to take action through humanitarian services. rotarynaples.org
Rose Mallow Market
This nonprofit is dedicated to making healthcare more accessible in Naples through
events through local wellness events and initiatives. rosemallowmarket.com
Royal Palm Academy
Founded in 1998, Royal Palm Academy is a pre-K through 8th grade independent Catholic school committed to providing rich academics, strong character formation, spiritual growth and an apostolic focus. (239) 594-9888 royalpalmacademy.org
The Salvation Army Collier County (Naples)
This group provides food, disaster relief, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter, and opportunities for underprivileged kids. (239) 775-9447 naples.salvationarmyflorida.org
Saint Ann School Foundation
This independent nonprofit foundation works to keep faithbased education accessible to all families, regardless of income. (239) 262-4110 foundationstann.org
Sampson’s International Nursing Society
The society provides nursing students scholarship grants to pay for their state boards and aims to help alleviate the national nursing shortage. (239) 370-7133 sampsons-nurses.org
Seacrest Country Day School
The early learning through high school college-preparatory school is committed to intellectual engagement, ownership of the educational experience and quality of character. (239) 793-1986
seacrest.org
Searching
for Solutions Institute
SFSI is a nonprofit foundation that connects individuals and inspires them to take action to solve societal problems. (214) 215-6000 imaginesolutionsconference.com
The Shelter for Abused Women & Children
This organization leads and collaborates with the community to prevent, protect and prevail over domestic violence and human trafficking with a 24-hour crisis line, two emergency shelters, and more than 30 programs and services. (239) 775-3862 naplesshelter.org
Shy Wolf Sanctuary
Education & Experience Center
The center rescues captive-bred, exotic and unreleasable wild animals, providing a permanent home for those needing sanctuary while adopting out animals screened
as pet-quality.
(855) 749-9653 shywolfsanctuary.org
Special Olympics Florida — Collier County
Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and athletic competitions for individuals with intellectual disabilities, giving them continued opportunities to share their gifts, skills and friendship.
(352) 243-9536 specialolympicsflorida.org
St. Elizabeth Seton
Catholic School
Since 1981, St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School in Naples has served students in grades pre-K through 8th, offering an academically challenging curriculum with a strong sense of faith, family and community.
(239) 455-2262 saintelizabethseton.com
St. John Neumann
Catholic High School
The school provides a rigorous college-preparatory education rooted in Gospel values.
(239) 455-3044 sjnceltics.org
St. Matthew’s House
The organization strives to change lives in a spiritual
environment, providing housing for those experiencing homelessness, food for those experiencing hunger and comfort for those experiencing addiction and suffering. Income from the organization’s business enterprises covers operating expenses, so most donations go directly to programming.
(239) 774-0500
stmatthewshouse.org
The
Studio Players
The nonprofit theater company aims to provide unity for the community, with creative and inspiring shows throughout the season.
(239) 398-9192 thestudioplayers.org
St. Vincent de Paul Society Naples
This network of friends, inspired by Gospel values, aims to build a more just world through personal relationships with and service to people in need. (239) 775-2907 svdpnaples.org
STARability Foundation
The nonprofit transforms the lives of individuals with disabilities through social, vocational, and educational connections to the community while strengthening awareness of and respect
for individuals with different abilities.
(239) 594-9007 starability.org
Stroke
Recovery Foundation
The organization focuses on preventing a stroke, increasing stroke awareness and how to maximize recovery after having a stroke.
(239) 254-8266 strokerecoveryfoundation.org
Sunlight Home
This is a maternity-safe home for in-need pregnant teens and moms. They aim to help break generational cycles of abuse and poverty. (239) 352-0251 sunlighthome.org
Symphonic Winds of Southwest Florida
Made up of professional musicians, the Southwest Florida orchestra performs classical music concerts using only wind instruments—no strings attached. floridawinds.org
Taste the Impact
This is a youth entrepreneurship program with a mission to provide motivated high school students with hands-on experience in all
aspects of business and career readiness.
(239) 297-6814 tastetheimpact.org
Theater in the Garden
In partnership with The Luciano Pavarotti Foundation, the theater is dedicated to creating and managing a performing arts center, museum and gardens in Naples, FL, providing cultural and artistic spaces for the community to enjoy and engage with. (239) 404-6765 theaterinthegarden.com
Trinity Life Foundation Naples
The foundation is based on the principle of making a difference in the lives of at-risk youth in Collier County and acts as a resource between the juvenile justice system and local agencies that provide support.
(334) 718-5989 trinitylifefoundation.org
The Village School of Naples
The school is an independent, faith-based, pre-K through 12th-grade school whose mission is to “provide an environment that empowers and inspires students to think and
create solutions to challenges in an ever-changing world.”
(239) 593-7686 villageschoolnaples.org
TheatreZone
This is a professional equity theater company specializing in musicals, plays and concerts.
(888) 966-3352 theatre.zone
United Arts Collier
The official local arts agency for Collier County designated by the state, UAC develops partnerships among people, organizations and businesses from all disciplines to further the arts.
(239) 254-8242 unitedartscollier.org
United Way of Collier and the Keys
United Way invests in education, income stability, safety-net services and healthcare for those in need in Collier County and the Keys. (239) 261-7112 uwcollierkeys.org
Voices
of Naples
Formed in 2002 to provide an opportunity for singers in Naples to study and perform a variety of choral music, the organization now has 80 singers.
(239) 293-0645 voicesofnaples.org
Wags to Wishes
The charity supports nonprofits that focus on animal welfare and emphasizes rescue, care and adoption of furry friends in need. naplespuppyprom.com
Warrior Homes of Collier
Founded in 2010, Warrior Homes of Collier assists with housing and mental health and education services for veterans and their families. The group aims to ensure no veteran in need is left behind in the county.
(239) 799-2260 wwcollier.org
Wellfit Girls Program SWFL
Wellfit provides an adventurous and meaningful leadership, fitness and empowerment program, combining adventure and experiential learning to empower girls and their self-confidence.
(239) 438-1079 wellfitgirls.org
Women’s Foundation of Collier County
WFCC works to meet current critical needs of senior women, empower young women
and girls to reach their full potential, and raise funds to support the needs of women and girls in Collier County through grantmaking, advocacy and education. (239) 649-5000 wfcollier.org
YMCA of Collier County
This local chapter of the national organization empowers youth through camps, swim lessons and childcare and provides adults with exercise classes and social programming. Locations in Naples and Marco Island. (239) 394-9622 ymcacollier.org
Youth Haven
Established in 1972, Youth Haven provides home, hope and healing through therapeutic programs to abused and neglected children and teens.
(239) 774-2904 youthhavenswfl.org
LEE COUNTY Abuse Counseling and Treatment
ACT serves victims of domestic violence and their children and survivors of
human trafficking in Lee, Hendry and Glades counties. (239) 939-2553 actabuse.com
Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida
The mission is to connect older adults and adults with disabilities to resources and assistance for living safely with independence and dignity. (239) 652-6900 aaaswfl.org
Alliance for the Arts
The visual and performing arts center aims to enrich the community through the arts. The alliance provides a creative space with yearround programming, from classes to exhibitions to theatrical performances on its indoor-outdoor campus. (239) 939-2787 artinlee.org
The nonprofit provides education and support for those facing Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, as well as patients’ families. (800) 272-3900 alz.org
American Heart Association
Fighting heart disease and stroke, AHA’s Southwest Florida chapter helps local patients with resources to live longer, healthier lives. (239) 317-3464 heart.org
A.N.A.’s Friends
A.N.A.’s Friends, formerly GAL 20th Judicial Circuit, raises funds to pair abused, neglected or abandoned local children with volunteer advocates whose roles are to represent the best interests of the child until safe, permanent placement. (239) 245-7787 anasfriends.org
Animal Refuge Center
As Southwest Florida’s largest no-kill shelter, ARC rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes pets that have been abandoned, abused or neglected. (239) 731-3535 animalrefugecenter.com
Arts Bonita
The Bonita Springs arts center provides year-round arts programming with classes, workshops, panels, lectures and performances. (239) 495-8989 artsbonita.org
Art Council of Southwest Florida
The umbrella arts organization works to expand creative opportunities and art appreciation across Charlotte, Collier, Lee, Hendry and Glades counties.
artcouncilswf.com
ArtFest Fort Myers
The organization runs the juried fine arts festival that showcases more than 200 artists in Downtown Fort Myers. (239) 768-3602 artfestfortmyers.com
Arts for ACT Gallery
The art gallery is owned by Abuse Counseling and Treatment, an organization that supports survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking. (239) 939-2553
artsforactgallery.com
Asian Professionals
Association of SWFL
This nonprofit provides economic, social, intellectual and cultural enrichment for the local Asian American community to promote personal and professional growth. (239) 771-9911 apaswfl.org
Audubon of Southwest Florida
Affiliated with the National Audubon Society and Audubon Florida, the Southwest Florida chapter is dedicated to protecting wildlife and their habitats and promoting community involvement audubonswfl.org
Babcock Ranch Foundation
The foundation creates programs, initiatives and scholarships that enhance, enrich and positively impact the lives of at-risk children in Southwest Florida. (239) 449-2406 babcockranchfoundation.org
Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum
The Sanibel institution is the only accredited museum in the country dedicated solely to shells and mollusks. Visitors learn about the importance of protecting these creatures and their ecosystems. (239) 395-2233 shellmuseum.org
Barbara’s Friends
The nonprofit provides equipment, staffing and services to support lifesaving cancer care at Golisano
The organization collects new and gently used infant, children’s and young adult books to help children understand the world around them. (239) 295-8302 believenbooks.org
Best Buddies
Southwest Florida
Best Buddies provides social enrichment and relationship-building for children and adults with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities. The organization encourages leadership development among its members. (239) 275-2510 bestbuddies.org
BIG ARTS
As part of the Barrier Island Group for the Arts Inc., its vision is to create great arts, entertainment, programs and learning experiences to inspire, enrich and delight in Sanibel and Captiva. (239) 395-0900 bigarts.org
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast — Lee County
For more than 50 years, the nonprofit has matched youth in meaningful, enduring, professionally supported ways. Through mentoring relationships with dedicated adult volunteers, the Big Brothers Big Sisters’ evidence-based approach is designed to create positive youth outcomes, leading to higher aspirations, greater confidence, improvement in school and relationships, and avoidance of risky behaviors.
(239) 288-4224 bbbssun.org
Bishop Verot Catholic High School
The Catholic school dedicates its educational mission to focusing on the spiritual, moral, physical, intellectual, and social development of its students.
(239) 274-6700 bvhs.org
Blessings in a Backpack— Southwest Florida Chapter
The organization mobilizes communities, individuals and resources to provide food on weekends to elementary school children who might otherwise go hungry.
(239) 410-9592
swfl.blessingsinaback pack.org
Bobby Nichols-Fiddlesticks
Charity Foundation
The foundation benefits charities helping abused and at-risk children in Southwest Florida. (941) 363-1215
nicholscup.org
Bonita Springs Assistance Office
This social services agency assists residents facing financial hardships due to crisis. Additional resources include a food pantry, an annual Toys for Tots drive and a senior food program. (239) 992-3034
bonitaassistance.org
Bonita Springs Historical Society
This organization works to preserve, protect and promote the city’s rich heritage and operates the 1915 McSwain Home in the historic downtown area. (239) 992-6997
bonitaspringshistorical society.org
Bonita Springs Short Film Festival
The festival encourages filmmakers of all skill levels and ages to explore the city and share its beauty with the
world. (239) 404-3377
bonitaspringsfilmfestival.org
Bonita Springs YMCA
This regional branch of the national organization empowers youth through camps, swim lessons and childcare, and provides adults with exercise classes and social programming. (239) 221-7560 ymcaswfl.org
Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County
The club works with youth in Lee County, empowering them to reach their full potential, both personally and within their communities. (239) 334-1886
bgclee.org
Cancer Alliance Network
Formerly Cancer Alliance of Naples, Cancer Alliance Network provides financial aid, resources and support to local cancer patients. (239) 643-4673
canceralliancenetwork.org
Candlelighters of Southwest Florida
The organization provides support, education and family activities for children diagnosed with cancer and/ or a blood disorder. (239) 432-2223
candlelightersswfl.org
Canterbury School
The foundation of this independent collegepreparatory school is based on academics, leadership, character and service. (239) 481-4323
canterburyfortmyers.org
Cape Coral Art League
For nearly 60 years, the art league has dedicated itself to the promotion and advancement of art in Southwest Florida. (239) 772-5657
capecoralartleague.org
Cape Coral Caring Center
An emergency food pantry, the center provides food to families who have experienced difficulties like serious illness or sudden job loss. (239) 945-1927
capecoralcaringcenter.org
Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife
By fostering education and preservation efforts, this organization protects local wildlife, including burrowing owls and gopher tortoises. (239) 980-2593
ccfriendsofwildlife.org
Captains For Clean Water
This grassroots organization protects and supports restoring the local aquatic ecosystem. (866) 670-2329
captainsforcleanwater.org
JOIN US FOR
Celebrating 50 years of care in Collier County
Thursday, February 13, 2025 | 5:30 PM
Naples Grande Beach Resort
Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida (PPSWCF) presents “Care. No Matter What,” honoring 50 years of providing care in Collier County. Formerly known as “The Choice Affair,” this most anticipated event of the season at the Naples Grande Beach Resort welcomes over 500 guests to share in an inspiring evening centered around the work of Planned Parenthood and sexual and reproductive health care.
The event features special guest speaker, comedian, and TV host Samantha Bee, who received global recognition for the success of her weekly late-night comedy series, Full Frontal with Samantha Bee, which was nominated for 70 awards and ran for seven seasons on TBS. Bee is the author of the essay collection I Know I Am, But What Are You? and has been featured in TIME 100: The Most Influential People.
Tickets and sponsorships available at NaplesDinner.ppswcf.org
Charitable Foundation of the Islands
The public grant-making charity fosters leadership, collaboration and philanthropic efforts to benefit the Sanibel and Captiva Island communities.
(239) 322-3818
charitablefoundationofthe islands.org
Child Care of Southwest Florida
The nonprofit provides early childhood education for children between 6 weeks and 8 years old at its learning centers throughout Lee County.
(239) 278-1002 ccswfl.org
Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida
This organization offers resources to promote the safety, well-being and development of at-risk children and coordinated response services for child victims of neglect and abuse. (239) 939-2808 cac-swfl.org
Children’s Network of Southwest Florida
CNSWFL is a child welfare agency that aids with abuse prevention, family
preservation, foster care and adoption.
(239) 226-1524
childrensnetworkflorida.org
Choral Artistry
As the tri-county area’s only paid professional core community chorus, this produces concerts and collaborations with other ensembles, along with the annual SingOut! community choral festival. choralartistry.org
Clinic
for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife
Established in 1968, CROW saves sick, injured and orphaned native and migratory wildlife of Southwest Florida and beyond, with state-of-the-art veterinary care. It also has public education programs and a visitors’ center.
(239) 472-3644
crowclinic.org
Collaboratory
Formerly the Southwest Florida Community Foundation, Collaboratory is committed to solving Southwest Florida’s major social problems on an 18year timeline.
(239) 274-5900 collaboratory.org
Community Cooperative
The mission is to help eliminate hunger and homelessness in Southwest Florida by providing food, education and social service programs. (239) 332-7687
communitycooperative.com
The Community Foundation
This organization fosters a healthy and dynamic community where people are inspired to support, strengthen and enrich the quality of life through generosity and civic engagement. (239) 542-5594
capecoralcf.org
CREW Land & Water Trust
This nonprofit is dedicated to the preservation and stewardship of the Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed through land management and public education. (239) 657-2253
crewtrust.org
Curate
Hope
This organization hosts student assemblies, parent workshops and teacher trainings to provide mental health support to kids. (561) 207-7636
curatehope.com
The Dubin Center
This provides resources, support groups, educational
training and social activities to caregivers and individuals living with dementia locally. (239) 437-3007
dubincenter.com
Dress for Success SW Florida
The mission is to break the cycle of poverty by providing professional attire to help women secure employment, as well as programming that fosters confidence and successful business skills. (239) 689-4992 dressforsuccess.org
Drug Free Lee
This organization works to reduce substance misuse in Lee County by raising awareness of prevention resources through education. (239) 560-1929 drugfreelee.org
Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida
The nonprofit provides caregivers, family members and early childhood educators across Collier, Lee, Hendry and Glades counties with opportunities to improve their children’s quality of life. (239) 935-6100 elcofswfl.org
ECHO
A faith-based organization, ECHO equips and empowers
hungry families worldwide through teaching small-scale, sustainable farming methods so they can provide for themselves and their communities. (239) 543-3246 echonet.org
Edison and Ford Winter Estates
The winter home site of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford welcomes visitors with a museum and laboratory. (239) 334-7419 edisonfordwinterestates.org
Edison Festival of Light
Every year, the nonprofit honors its namesake inventor through a multi-day festival, which culminates in a Grand Parade with thousands of dazzling lights. (239) 334-2999
edisonfestival.org
Epilepsy Services of Southwest Florida
It provides low and no-cost medical services, prescriptions and case management for uninsured adults with epilepsy. Free education and prevention programs are
offered throughout the year. (239) 275-4838 epilepsy-services.org
Family Initiative
The organization offers children with autism interpersonal and occupational therapy and provides families with training and support. (239) 910-0712 fi-florida.org
F.I.S.H. OF SANCAP
The mission is to enrich the lives of Sanibel and Captiva residents through a ‘neigh-
bors helping neighbors’ mindset, providing social services, education and assistance. (239) 472-4775
fishofsancap.org
F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva Foundation
The Foundation raises, manages, distributes and stewards private resources to support F.I.S.H.’s mission. (239) 472-4775 fishofsancapfoundation.org
Florida Helps Foundation
The foundation supports and raises funds for disabled veterans, especially those with PTSD.
(239) 896-2847 flhelps.org
Florida Gulf Coast University Foundation
The foundation encourages, solicits, receives and administers gifts for scientific, educational and charitable purposes for the development of the university.
(239) 590-1067 fgcufoundation.org
Florida Lions Eye Clinic Fort Myers Beach Friends of the Arts
FLLEC provides comprehensive eye care for those who cannot afford vision services. (239) 498-3937 fllec.org
Florida Repertory Theatre
The fully professional regional theater company entertains with its nationally recognized comedies, dramas, plays and musicals.
(239) 737-2183 floridarep.org
Fort Myers Beach Friends of the Arts
The organization works to make art in the beachside
town accessible for all by supporting local artists, musicians and performers in the area.
(239) 306-3501 fmbarts.org
Fort Myers Beach Art Association
The association promotes the study, practice and appreciation of art.
(239) 463-3909 fortmyersbeachart.com
Fort Myers Community Concert Association
The organization cultivates an appreciation of music in the general public by offering concerts and teaching music and music history in The School District of Lee County.
(239) 693-4849 fortmyerscommunity concerts.org
Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers
The nonprofit creates opportunities for old and new generations to unite and create choral music.
(239) 288-2535 mastersingersfm.com
Foster Care Advisory
Entirely volunteer-based, the organization provides support and resources for foster
children and their caregivers. fostercareadvisory.org
The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools
This education foundation enhances and enriches the quality of public education in Lee County for students and educators.
(239) 337-0433 leeschoolfoundation.org
Friends of Bonita Estero Rail Trail (BERT)
The fully volunteer-based operation dedicates itself to raising public support for the Bonita-Estero Rail Trail to create a safe bike path and walkway for the region. bonitaesterorailtrail.com
Friends of Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve
The nonprofit supports the Fort Myers preserve, serving as a voice for the wetland in the community and offering routine educational programming onsite.
(239) 533-7557 sloughpreserve.org
Garden Club of Cape Coral
The club educates people on things like gardening, horticulture and environmental awareness to instill the love of gardening and respect for
nature. gardenclubofcape coral.com
Gemstones in the Making
The goal is to empower middle and high school girls by providing access to mental and behavioral health services, retreats and yoga and mindfulness camps. (239) 839-8774 gemstonesinthemaking.com
Ghostbird Theatre Company
The theater troupe works to create new and experimental works at site-specific locations to support its artists and educate and engage the community. ghostbirdtheatrecompany.org
Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida
The local arm of the national nonprofit offers career services, support and opportunities to people with disabilities and life challenges. (239) 995-2106 goodwillswfl.org
Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida
This Children’s Miracle Network Hospital has comprehensive pediatric services, including a 24-hour emergency department,
hematology-oncology unit, milk lab, Regional Perinatal Intensive Care Center and Level III NICU with 70 private rooms. (239) 343-6950 givegolisano.org
Grand Piano Series
The mission is to preserve and present musical literature featuring artists of the highest caliber and enrich the community through active research and engagement. (469) 333-3231 grandpianoseries.org
Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce Foundation
The foundation supports education through mentoring, scholarships, teacher grants and workshops for business leaders.
(239) 332-2930 fortmyers.org
Gulf Coast Humane Society
The no-kill animal welfare organization rescues abandoned or neglected pets in the region and encourages
people to adopt, not shop. (239) 332-0364 gulfcoasthumanesociety.org
Gulf Coast Symphony
GCS produces diverse performances and events, using music and the arts to unite the community. (239) 277-1700 gulfcoastsymphony.org
Gulfshore Ballet
The school’s internationally acclaimed teachers provide top-tier training, combining Cuban, American and
Russian techniques. (239) 590-6191 gsballet.org
Gulfshore Opera
GO presents accessible, high-quality vocal music performances with classically trained artists and offers after-school programming. (239) 529-3925 gulfshoreopera.org
Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties
Habitat partners with low-income families to build, improve or retain places
Downtown Naples and Marco Island
to call home in Lee County through the support of donors, volunteers and community leaders.
(239) 652-0434 habitat4humanity.org
Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida
A member of Feeding America, this is the region’s largest hunger-relief nonprofit, serving Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee counties.
(239) 344-7007 harrychapinfoodbank.org
The Heights Foundation
The Heights Foundation supports education and wellness, promotes family and community development and provides the benefits of enrichment and arts to the Harlem Heights community.
(239) 482-7706 heightsfoundation.org
Home Base Florida Veteran and Family Cares
Home Base offers clinical, wellness and education services to veterans, service members and their families.
(239) 338-8389 homebase.org
Hope Clubhouse of Southwest Florida
This organization supports adults living with mental
illness by connecting them with opportunities for paid employment and access to education, housing and wellness services.
(239) 267-1777 hopeclubhouse.org
Hope Healthcare
This organization, which includes Hope Hospice and Hope Kids Care, provides care and comfort to individuals and their loved ones as they fulfill life’s journey.
(239) 482-4673 hopehcs.org
IMAG History & Science Center
The science museum with an aquarium educates kids and families through exhibits, touch tanks and interactive displays. (239) 243-0043 theimag.org
Interfaith
Charities of South Lee
The group offers services aimed at combating food and housing insecurity within South Fort Myers and Estero. (239) 267-3510 icslee.org
J.N. “Ding” Darling
National Wildlife Refuge
This local refuge protects Sanibel’s critical wildlife hab -
itats and endangered species, supports migratory bird populations and educates the public on environmental conservation. (239) 472-1100 fws.gov
Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida
The mission is to inspire students by connecting them with diverse volunteer role models who teach them how to live, work and prosper in their community. (239) 225-2590 jaswfl.org
Junior League of Fort Myers
This organization of women is committed to promoting voluntarism and improving the community through effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. jlfm.org
Keep Lee County Beautiful
Founded in 1990, KLCB engages volunteers to protect and preserve the region’s environmental health. (239) 334-3488 klcb.org
Kids’ Minds Matter
This organization advances pediatric mental and behavioral health services, develops clinical pathways to
treat patients, enhances public awareness and advocates for systemic change and sustainable funding.
(239) 214-0921 kidsmindsmatter.com
Kimmie’s Recovery Zone
The organization serves people living with mental health issues and substance use disorders. (844) 579-7337 kimmiesrecoveryzone.org
The Laboratory Theater of Florida
The professional teaching theater brings the community together through standout plays. (239) 218-0481 laboratorytheaterflorida.com
LARC
Lee Association for Remarkable Citizens serves the needs of individuals and families impacted by intellectual and developmental disabilities by celebrating their abilities and creating opportunities for all.
(239) 334-6285 larcleecounty.org
Lee BIA Builders Care
Lee BIA Builders Care provides emergency construction services at no cost to needy and deserving elderly and/ or disabled homeowners and
Lee, Hendry, Glades and Charlotte counties. (239) 997-7797 lighthouseswfl.org
Make-A-Wish Southern Florida, Southwest Florida
It grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. (239) 992-9474 wish.org
March of Dimes
The goal is to improve babies’ health by preventing congenital anomalies, premature births and infant mortality through programs of research, community service, education and advocacy. marchofdimes.org
Mothers Against Drunk Driving of Southwest Florida
A mother whose daughter was killed by a drunk driver founded the national organization, which works to end drunk driving, fight drugged driving, support victims and prevent underage drinking. (239) 791-7560 madd.org
Multiple Sclerosis Center of Southwest Florida
The center provides disability resources and services—art therapy, exercise, case man-
agement, support groups— to individuals living with MS. (239) 319-0904
mscenterswfl.org
Muscular Dystrophy
Association Southwest Florida
The organization fights to free individuals—and their families—from the devastating effects of muscular dystrophy, ALS and related life-threatening diseases. (800) 572-1717 mda.org
Music For Minors Foundation
This foundation raises money to provide quality musical instruments, private lessons and college scholarships to students in Collier and Lee counties. (239) 273-2250 music4minors.org
NAMI Lee, Charlotte and Hendry Counties
NAMI provides education and support and advocates for individuals and families affected by mental illness. (239) 337-9024 namilee.org
Our Mother’s Home of Southwest Florida
This organization provides a safe and nurturing environ-
ment for young moms and their babies in foster care. (239) 267-4663 ourmothershome.org
Pace Center for Girls – Lee
The Fort Myers chapter offers services, counseling and training empowering at-risk girls to succeed academically while promoting their emotional well-being. (239) 425-2366 pacecenter.org
Palmgrass
— Acoustic Music Society of Southwest Florida
The organization works to preserve and promote the performance of bluegrass and American roots music in Southwest Florida, hosting music events in Collier and Lee counties. palmgrass.org
Premier
Mobile Health Services
Premier Mobile Health Services’ mission is to provide access to quality healthcare services to the medically vulnerable and those who are most at risk of developing and experiencing long-term illnesses and hospitalization – the underserved and underinsured individuals of
all races, ethnicities, religions, and lifestyles without stigma, prejudice or borders.
(239) 288-7949
premiermobilehealth.org
Partners for Breast Cancer Care
The organization funds breast screening, diagnostic testing, surgery and treatment for uninsured, low-income residents in Southwest Florida at no cost.
(239) 454-8583 pfbcc.org
Quality Life Center
This organization helps young people and underserved communities by providing academic enrichment, performing arts, leadership and cultural awareness.
(239) 334-2797 qualitylifecenter.org
Ride
Nature
The faith-based organization dedicates itself to serving others and spreading its devotion through action sports outreach.
(239) 776-1932 ridenature.org
Rockin’ Christmas Fund
A Sanibel-based organization, Rockin’ Christmas Fund awards scholarships to
high-achieving students who have lost a parent. rockinchristmas.net
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southwest Florida
This charity creates, finds and supports programs that improve the health and well-being of children and their families.
(239) 437-0202 rmhcswfl.org
The Rotary Club of Fort Myers
The organization and its established trust serve the community and aim to improve people’s lives by supporting various causes.
(239) 332-8158 rotaryfortmyers.org
SalusCare
The comprehensive provider of behavioral healthcare services
offers crisis stabilization, detoxification, residential and medication-assisted treatment, and outpatient therapy and psychiatry
for children and adults. (239) 275-3222 saluscareflorida.org
The Salvation Army Fort Myers
This group provides food, disaster relief, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter, and opportunities for underprivileged kids.
(239) 278-1551 salvationarmyleecounty.org
Sanibel Community Association
This organization fosters community spirit through educational, cultural and social gatherings in its historic Community House.
(239) 472-2155
sanibelcommunityhouse.net
Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation
Founded in 1967, SCCF protects and cares for coastal ecosystems through water
quality research, environmental policy, native landscaping, habitat and wildlife management and education. (239) 472-2329 sccf.org
Senior Friendship Centers
The nonprofit assists homebound, low-income adults ages 60+ through services like monthly food bags, visits and electrical assistance. (239) 275-1881 friendshipcenters.org
Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center
The center offers concerts, exhibitions, galas and lectures within its restored, state-of-the-art facility. (239) 333-1933 sbdac.com
Special Equestrians
Programs include therapeutic horseback riding, therapeutic carriage driving, hippotherapy and a veterans program. (239) 226-1221 specialequestrians.net
Southwest Florida Community Prayer Breakfast
The nonprofit was created to support the annual free,
faith-based breakfast for the community. (239) 744-7769 communityprayerbreak fast.com
Southwest Florida Fine Craft Guild
The organization encourages a high standard of artistry in the region, and guild members engage with the community through workshops and exhibitions. swffcg.org
Southwest Florida Symphony
Lee County’s professional orchestra has concerts, pops concerts and symphonies. (239) 418-0996 swflso.org
STEMCAT (Community Advancement and Training)
The nonprofit focuses on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) to promote academic achievement, community involvement and socioeconomic mobility for local youth. (239) 666-8171 stemcat.org
SWFL Children’s Charities
The organization supports the region’s growing pediatric healthcare system. (239) 433-4260 swflwinefest.org
Think Pineapple Foundation
This works to support and provide relief to local hospitality businesses and industry members in times of crisis. (239) 271-6161 thinkpineapplefoundation.org
Thrive
Formerly Lifeline Family Center, Thrive provides a community for pregnant women and single mothers. (239) 242-7238 thriveswfl.org
Tommy Bohanon Foundation
This helps at-risk youth reach their highest potential. Since 2017, TBF has dispersed more than half a million dollars for the region’s children. (239) 671-0441 tommybohanonfoundation.org
Turtle Time
Turtle Time is dedicated to the conservation and recovery of threatened and endangered marine turtles. (239) 481-5566 turtletime.org
United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades
This volunteer-driven organization offers social services and development programs. (239) 433-2000 unitedwaylee.org
Useppa Island Historical Society
The museum sponsors research, offers educational programming and collects and displays material relating to the island’s history. (239) 283-9600 useppahs.org
Valerie’s House
This provides ongoing support programs for children and families grieving the death of a loved one. (239) 204-5804 valerieshouse.org
Wonder Gardens
The Wonder Gardens, a home to rescued birds and reptiles nestled among sprawling banyan trees and plantings, is a public/nonprofit partnership with the City of Bonita Springs that provides a resource for learning about the environment and wildlife. (239) 992-2591 wondergardens.org
4KIDS SWFL
The organization provides counseling services for foster children, foster parents and biological parents at no cost—serving Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties. (239) 266-8354 4kids.us
Choral Artistry
Mission // Choral Artistry is committed to excellence in both performance and support of the arts by uniting others through choral music.
KEY SERVICES PROVIDED
Choral Artistry is an auditioned chorus that produces diverse productions, choral festivals, and premiers for residents and visitors to Southwest Florida. In addition to our ever-evolving artistry, Choral Artistry seeks to collaborate with an array of other arts organizations.
They invite you to support them in their mission by taking this exciting journey alongside them. Join as a singer, an attendee of their performances, and/or by becoming a sustaining partner-donor/sponsor! It is by the generosity of their donors and patrons that they are able to continue to offer exceptional programming.
EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
ChoralArtsitry.org/performances
LEADERSHIP
Paticia Rice, President
Dr. Trent Brown, Artistic Director
contact@choralartistry.org choralartistry.org
Conservancy of Southwest Florida
Mission // The Conservancy of Southwest Florida is an environmental conservation nonprofit working to protect natural resources and wildlife in Southwest Florida.
KEY SERVICES PROVIDED
For more than 60 years, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida has been a leading environmental advocacy organization dedicated to protecting the water, land, wildlife and future of Southwest Florida and beyond. To do that, the Conservancy uses the synergy of four core departments to complete this mission: Environmental Education, Policy and Advocacy, Wildlife Rehabilitation, and Science Research. The Conservancy builds collaborative partnerships with the community, businesses, government agencies, and other organizations to achieve collective conservation goals.
EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
The Conservancy’s Nature Center offers an immersive experience, complete with exhibits, displays, and educational materials with insights into conservation efforts and the local environment. The 21-acre Nature Center features a collection of indoor and outdoor exhibits and artifacts curated to showcase Southwest Florida’s unique ecosystem. In addition to several annual events, including the RedSnook Catch & Release Charity Fishing Tournament, Magic Under the Mangroves, and Earth Day Festival. The Conservancy hosts workshops, seminars, webinars and events related conservation, wildlife, and environmental issues. All of which are accompanied by opportunities to learn directly from experts. Learn more at conservancy.org.
LEADERSHIP
Rob Moher, President & CEO
Paul Seifert, Vice President
1495 Smith Preserve Way Naples, Florida 34102 | (239) 657-2461 conservancy.org
The Immokalee Foundation
Mission // Building Pathways to Success for the Youth of Immokalee.
KEY SERVICES PROVIDED
Since 1991, The Immokalee Foundation has empowered over 16,000 of Immokalee’s children, from kindergarten through postsecondary education, to achieve career success and financial independence.
Through extensive collaboration with middle and high schools, industry professionals, and colleges and universities, The Immokalee Foundation developed Career Pathways, an innovative after-school and summer education model. Program results include:
• 100% high school graduation rate for the students we support.
• 100% postsecondary enrollment.
• 93% earning an advanced postsecondary certificate or degree.
• 87% of alumni working in their field of study.
EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
Join the growing ranks of SW Floridians who are directly impacting a deserving young person’s future. Be a part of our popular volunteer Mentor Program or share your professional expertise as a career panel speaker or host.
LEAD WITH YOUR HEART:
Donate, volunteer, or include the Foundation in your will.
JOIN US:
Make plans to attend The Immokalee Foundation’s Charity Classic Pro-Am Golf Tournament—with headliner and professional golfer Jay Haas—on November 17 & 18 at Bay Colony Golf Club. For information on tickets or sponsorships, visit ImmokaleeFoundation.org/ pro-am.
Mission // SWFL Children’s Charities is dedicated to saving children’s lives by supporting the region’s growing pediatric health care system.
KEY SERVICES PROVIDED
SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. is a local nonprofit dedicated to saving children’s lives by supporting the region’s pediatric health care system. Under the leadership of its Board of Directors and generous support of its Trustees, SWFL Children’s Charities has donated more than $29 Million since 2009 to support pediatric health care initiatives. Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida is the most significant beneficiary which provides health services to children from Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties. Additionally, SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. grants funds to provide scholarships and equipment to educate the community’s next generation of pediatric health care professionals
EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
January 17 & 18, 2025. Vital funds for pediatric healthcare in our region are raised through the annual signature event, Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest. This prestigious two-day event features exclusively themed Chef Vintner Dinners hosted in private homes and venues across the region prepared by premier chefs and distinguished boutique vintners. This is followed by The Grand Tasting the following day at Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa where chefs and vintners showcase culinary creations and wines and guests enjoy a spirited Live Auction featuring exquisite wines, luxury travel packages, exclusive event access and more.
LEADERSHIP
Josh Dorcey, Esq., President of the Board of Directors Heidi Davis, Executive Director, SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc.
(239) 433-4260 swflwinefest.org
Tommy Bohanon Foundation
Mission // A nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting student-athletes striving to reach their highest potential on and off the playing field.
KEY SERVICES PROVIDED
Tommy Bohanon hosts a free football camp that allows SWFL youth to expand their love and knowledge of the sport. Participants learn about hard work and leadership while doing NFL-style drills with experienced coaches.
The nonprofit also hosts the free Man Up Seminar that unites male business leaders with young men to teach important life skills. Specifically, the high-schoolers learn about topics such as professional development, budgeting, and branding. Additionally, Tommy Bohanon awards college scholarships to student-athletes at the annual Playmakers Tailgate Party, the foundation’s primary fundraiser. Giving back to the community with programs such as::
• Sports Equipment Grants
• Holiday Toy Drive
• Softball Tournament
EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
Visit our website for details about our upcoming events:
• Softball Tournament on November 30, 2024
• Playmakers Tailgate Party at The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon on April 11, 2025
• Youth Football Camp at North Fort Myers High School on June 21, 2025
To become a sponsor or learn more about the foundation, please contact katie@tommybohanonfoundation.org. Sign up for our digital newsletter at: https:// tommybohanonfoundation.org/contact/
LEADERSHIP
Tommy Bohanon, President Katie Bohanon, Executive Director
Artis—Naples
Mission // Artis—Naples creates and presents world-class visual and performing arts. We inspire, educate and entertain the growing and diversifying community.
KEY SERVICES PROVIDED
Home of The Baker Museum and the Naples Philharmonic, Artis—Naples serves the Southwest Florida community with over 800 paid and free events each year on its 8.5-acre Kimberly K. Querrey and Louis A. Simpson Cultural Campus.
The organization creates and presents a compelling array of programs— including exhibitions, music, dance, film, comedy and lectures—featuring internationally renowned visual and performing artists. Through a rich multidisciplinary approach, Artis—Naples cultivates a broader appreciation for art in its many forms, elevating the cultural experience for all of Southwest Florida.
Mission // To support the conservation of natural ecosystems using science, stewardship, and education to protect birds, other wildlife, and people.
KEY SERVICES PROVIDED
Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, established in 1954, protects more than 13,000 acres in Southwest Florida as a haven for plants, animals, and people. Wetlands at the Sanctuary benefit surrounding communities by recharging the aquifer, storing excess surface water, filtering freshwater before flowing into estuaries, and reducing the threat of catastrophic wildfires. Located about 30 minutes northeast of Naples, Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is a nature-lover’s paradise. A 2.25-mile boardwalk immerses visitors in an old-growth, bald cypress forest. With exhibits, a nature store, and birdfriendly gardens, your admission fees, memberships, and donations provide crucial support for Sanctuary operations.
Mission // To provide confidence, connection and support to seniors living in Collier and Southern Lee Counties.
KEY SERVICES PROVIDED
With more than 2,200 members, Baker Senior Center Naples serves people ages 60 and older, regardless of background, religion, beliefs or financial status. Their licensed and credentialed professional staff and dedicated team of volunteers deliver a unique breadth of life-enhancing experiences that give their members, guests, and families the vital programs and resources they seek. Programs and services at the senior center include dementia respite support, geriatric case management, mental health services and a food pantry.
Mission // Create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.
KEY SERVICES PROVIDED
For over 50 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast (BBBSSC) have been matching youth in meaningful, enduring, professionally supported ways. Through mentoring relationships with dedicated adult volunteers, the Big Brothers Big Sisters’ evidence-based approach is designed to create positive youth outcomes, leading to higher aspirations, greater confidence, improvement in school and relationships, and avoidance of risky behaviors. Bigs and Littles are able to connect and engage in their shared interests out in the community alongside a unique, community-based program. Mentor managers check in regularly to support the match and are a phone call away if needed.
To become a Big, get involved, or provide support, visit www.bbbssun.org or call 1-855-501-BIGS (2247). 8280
Right: Joy and her Little Sister, Katara love spending time together and enjoy exploring the community. They like trying new foods, doing arts and crafts, being outdoors and are always up for an adventure!
www.bbbssun.org
Books for Collier Kids
Mission // Books for Collier Kids provides new books to children in need. Access to books addresses one of the most important factors affecting literacy.
KEY SERVICES PROVIDED
“I think I can. I think I can,” said the little blue train. In remembering the beloved children’s book, the volunteers of Books for Collier Kids are committed to providing new, high-quality books for young children in need within the community. An all-volunteer organization, they have purchased and delivered over TWO million books to children in Collier County Public elementary schools. Each year, they provide 159,000+ new, high-quality, ageand curriculum-appropriate books to 11,000+ children. Books for Collier Kids has a single purpose: they give books to disadvantaged children in our community to take home, share, cherish and own.
LEADERSHIP
Sallie Williams, CFRE, Board Chair
Nora Kolmer, Vice Chair
Deb Geller, EdD, Secretary
Gail Rothenberg, Treasurer
Mary Polizzotto, PhD, Book Distribution Chair
PO Box 10811 Naples, FL 34101 | (239) 394-4062 booksforcollierkids.org
David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health
Mission // To provide lifesaving and life-changing behavioral healthcare through education, prevention, intervention and treatment available to all.
KEY SERVICES PROVIDED
For over 50 years, David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health has provided hope to children, adolescents, and adults in their times of need, regardless of their ability to pay.
DLC provides 349,000 life-changing services to nearly 9,000 people annually through its six centers of operation. The organization helps approxi mately 14,000 individuals annually through prevention and education initiatives.
Through its Hope for Collier: Building Stronger Minds Together initiative, DLC is expanding access to ensure more people have access to compassionate, advanced, and exceptional mental health, substance use, and integrated healthcare solutions. To learn more, visit dlcenters.org.
LEADERSHIP
Scott Burgess, Chief Executive Officer
Nancy Dauphinais, Chief Operating Officer
Mary Ann Guerra, Chief Clinical Officer
Rob Wilkinson, Chief Financial Officer
Kimberly Dye, Vice President of Advancement
DLC Main Campus: 6075 Bathey Lane Naples, FL 34116 | (239) 455-8500 dlcenters.org
“Ding” Darling Wildlife Society
Mission // To support conservation, education, land acquisition, and research at J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge.
KEY SERVICES PROVIDED
“Ding” Darling Wildlife Society (DDWS) fills the gaps where federal funding falls short. Through physical and online Refuge Nature Store profits, fundraisers, and partnerships, DDWS is able to fund internships, biology and education staffing, research and water-quality projects, and community outreach. This is done through the use of tools such as the Wildlife on Wheels mobile classroom, which brings the Refuge to underserved schools. It provides extra services to the Refuge’s nearly million annual visitors with new interactive exhibits, programming, and – in the spirit of Pulitzer-winning political cartoonist “Ding” Darling – art. Opportunities for public participation include donations, volunteering, and internships.
LEADERSHIP
Ann-Marie Wildman, Executive Director
1 Wildlife Dr. Sanibel, FL 33957 | (239) 789-8991 dingdarlingsociety.org
Fun Time Early Childhood Academy
Mission // Providing safe, quality, affordable education and care for children from low-income families to prepare children for kindergarten.
KEY SERVICES PROVIDED
Fun Time Early Childhood Academy serves up to 387 children from birth to age five at their five-star rated centers. Their comprehensive approach includes assessing and monitoring academic, social-emotional, and physical development. They partner with organizations to identify vision, hearing, dental, developmental, and behavioral concerns.
Their programs benefit children, who gain a valuable head start with access to quality education, and families by offering affordable childcare that supports their ability to work or continue their education. Children enjoy engaging with volunteers through reading and academic activities to enhance their verbal skills and bond with caring adults.
Visit their website at www.funtimeacademy.org to learn more, schedule a tour, volunteer, donate, or purchase tickets for their Annual Event.
Mission // Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope.
KEY SERVICES PROVIDED
Habitat Collier is the leading provider of affordable homeownership opportunities in Collier County. For more than 45 years, families struggling with housing stability have turned to Habitat in hopes of breaking the cycle of poverty and starting a new chapter with a solid foundation underfoot. Now, more than ever, people in our community need affordable housing solutions. Your gift to Habitat Collier keeps hope alive for families impacted by the affordable housing crisis in our community— those forced to live in substandard, overcrowded, or unaffordable conditions. A gift today offers a hand-up, making a better tomorrow possible.
Mission // To serve cancer patients and healthcare providers with a cost-free, objective evaluation of their cancer diagnosis and care plan.
KEY SERVICES PROVIDED
Did you know that getting a second opinion for a cancer diagnosis can cost up to $2,000? Thanks to generous donors, Naples Cancer Advisors offers quality, expert consultation services free of charge. Prioritizing a person’s whole health, we work alongside their cancer care team. Naples Cancer Advisors offers 1-on-1 Consultations, Genetic Testing & Consulting, Financial Navigation Support and Care Coordination Assistance. With these services, Naples Cancer Advisors instills the confidence and peace of mind necessary for patients to thrive. You can help! Take a second to give a second. Join us on Feb. 8, 2025, for WineWomenAndShoes.com/Event/Naples
Mission // Deliver quality medical care to low-income, working but uninsured Collier County adults, using a professional volunteer staff and funded by private philanthropy.
KEY SERVICES PROVIDED
Neighborhood Health Clinic provides comprehensive healthcare services at no cost to low-income, working adults who are uninsured. Patients benefit from primary and specialty care, medications, counseling, lab tests, education, and healthy lifestyle classes. Specialty services include radiology, cardiology, dentistry, physical therapy, and more. To address the growing needs of the Naples community, the Clinic is expanding by the addition of a clinical pathology laboratory, increasing the campus to 45,000 square feet. This expansion will enhance the Clinic’s ability to serve patients at their medical home and support both the Naples community and the physicians who care for it.
LEADERSHIP
Leslie Lascheid, Chief Executive Officer
Keith Maples, Chief Development Officer
STARability Foundation
Mission // To transform the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
KEY SERVICES PROVIDED
For four decades, STARability Foundation has been shining a light on abilities. Formed by a small community of caring parents, STARability has become one of Southwest Florida’s leading nonprofits. Today, the organization is opening a world of possibilities for hundreds of individuals ages 14 and older by offering a variety of inclusive programs focused on vocational training, continuing education, teamwork, social engagement and community involvement. Their compassionate team supports people with disabilities by providing life-transforming opportunities that emphasize teamwork and a connection to the community, while strengthening awareness and respect for individual abilities.
LEADERSHIP
Karen Govern, CEO
88 12th Street North Naples, FL 34102 | (239) 261-6600 neighborhoodhealthclinic.org
720 Goodlette-Frank Rd. N. Suite 400 Naples, FL 34102 | (239) 594-9007 starability.org
Girls on the Run
Mission // Girls on the Run inspires girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident using social-emotional learning, life skills, and physical activity.
KEY SERVICES
PROVIDED
Girls on the Run Southwest Florida (GOTR) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a world where every girl is aware of, and activates, her limitless potential while being free to boldly pursue her dreams. Through three intentionally designed and research backed programs, GOTR empowers girls from 3rd to 8th-grade to recognize their inner strength, increase their level of physical activity and imagine their future possibilities. They are inspired to confidently stand up for themselves and others through GOTR’s innovative integration of fun physical activities, life-skills lessons, and impactful community projects.
Mission // A professional opera company known for excellence and innovation through quality opera, musical performances, education and community engagement programs.
KEY SERVICES
PROVIDED
Opera Naples is an artistic powerhouse, dedicated to presenting high-quality opera productions and concerts featuring prominent international performers and directors. Opera Naples has presented well-known grand operas – which this season include Don Pasquale, The Magic Flute, La bohème and The Mikado. An advocate of community service and education outreach, Opera Naples serves over 4,000 students each year. They are also committed to nurturing promising young talent through a national-search Resident Artists program and the Luciano Pavarotti Foundation Opera Naples Academy, led by a faculty of prominent opera luminaries who offer an immersive program of vocal instruction, lectures and masterclasses.
KOVA Foundation
Mission // Inspiring hope and enhancing lives by supporting non-profits that improve the wellbeing of individuals and families in need.
KEY SERVICES
PROVIDED
The KOVA Foundation’s mission is to provide resources to non-profit organizations that support individuals and families in need. 100% of private and public donations are given to the charities they support. In partnership with Lee Health Regional Cancer Center, KOVA Foundation launched Emma’s Wish in 2022 to grant wishes for adult patients in Southwest Florida with Stage IV breast cancer. The main goal being to provide joy and comfort during life-threatening or endof-life illness by granting patient’s wishes. KOVA Foundation is also passionate about offering scholarships for treatment through Hazelden Betty Ford to those battling addiction and mental health challenges.
Mission // COMING SOON a vision that unites the passion for the arts with the serenity of nature.
KEY SERVICES PROVIDED
Theater in the Garden is a space that welcomes, accommodates, and celebrates the ever-growing cultural life of Collier County. Theater in the Garden will provide a venue for artistic organizations to offer a variety of cultural experiences. It will embrace technology and innovation and allow audiences to gather under the stars. A rare opportunity for guests to enjoy performances amid the enchanting beauty of nature.
(239) 404-6765 | theaterinthegarden.com Theater in the Garden Tim A classic auditorium
Lindsey Sablan WINK News This Morning
Corey Lazar WINK News This Morning
PHILANTHROPIC CALENDAR
PHILANTHROPIC CALENDAR
David Lawrence Centers’ Sounds Minds supports mental health care and aims to destigmatize the topic by having A-listers (last season, they brought Brooke Shields) share their personal experiences on the stage. Next up, Dennis Quaid speaks at the March 20 event.
The season is packed with glitzy galas, fundraising festivals and intimate events to support important causes throughout Southwest Florida. Check the organizations’ websites for updates and more information.
COLLIER COUNTY
October
Oct. 11
Swinging With Purpose at The Quarry Golf Club to benefit Wellfit Girls.
Tea With History at Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center to benefit Jewish Historical Society of Southwest Florida.
3 p.m. $108.
Dress Code: Business casual
Chairs: Monica Goodwin, Ellen Frankel and Elena Novik jhsswf.org
Jan. 15
Gentle’men Against Domestic Violence at Grey Oaks Country Club to benefit The Shelter for Abused Women & Children.
5 p.m. $350.
Dress Code: Business casual
Chairs: Colin Estrem and Corey Lazar naplesshelter.org
Jan. 15
Sip for a Cause at The Maddox to benefit Naples Woman’s Club.
Time and tickets TBA.
Dress Code: Business casual napleswomansclub.org
Jan. 15
Star Light, Star Bright at Royal Poinciana Golf Club to benefit Pathways
Early Education Center of Immokalee. 6 p.m. $450.
Dress Code: Semiformal
Chairs: Hallie Lundon and Nancy McGinty pathwaysearlyeducation.org
Jan. 16
Artful Arrangements at Naples Art District to benefit Naples Art District.
1 p.m. Complimentary.
Dress Code: Casual
Chairs: Danell Somers naplesartdistrict.com
Jan. 17-28
Naples Winter Wine Festival — Online Auction to benefit Naples Children & Education Foundation. Online campaign. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Chairs: Nena Beynon, Libby Germain and Julia Heidt nwwfonlineauction.com
Jan. 18
Celebration of Creation at Naples Botanical Garden to benefit Additional Needs.
4 p.m. Complimentary.
Dress Code: Casual additionalneeds.info
Jan. 18
Empty Bowls Event at Cambier Park to benefit Empty Bowls Naples. 11 a.m. $30.
Celtic Ball at St. John Neumann Catholic High School to benefit St. John Neumann Catholic High School. 4:30 p.m. $250.
Dress Code: Semiformal sjnceltics.org
Jan. 25
Golden Gala at Hideaway Beach Club to benefit YMCA of Collier County. 6 p.m. $275.
Dress Code: Semiformal ymcacollier.org
Jan. 25
Naples Winter Wine Festival at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón to benefit Naples Children & Education Foundation. 11 a.m. $17,500.
Dress Code: Casual Chairs: Nena and Bill Beynon; Debbi and Bill Cary; Denise and Brian Cobb; Shirlene
Elkins; Valerie Boyd and Jeff Gargiulo; Libby and Rick Germain; Julia and Rob Heidt, Jr.; Barbie and Paul Hills; Simone and Scott Lutgert; Shelly and Ralph Stayer napleswinefestival.com
Jan. 25
Run for the Paws at Paradise Coast Sports Complex to benefit Humane Society Naples.
8 a.m. $30.
Dress Code: Casual hsnaples.org
Jan. 25
West Coast Muscle Car Show at North Collier Regional Park to benefit Avow Foundation.
9 a.m. $20.
Dress Code: Casual Chair: Ron Torp avowcares.org
Jan. 31
Hope Gala at Elite Jets hangar to benefit Breakthrough T1D — Southern Florida.
6 p.m. $600.
Dress Code: Semiformal Chairs: Gwendolyn Heasley and Jessica Shwedel breakthrought1d.org
Also in January
Lunch Open House at SVDP Naples Headquarters to
benefit St. Vincent de Paul Society Naples.
11 a.m. Complimentary.
Dress Code: Business casual Chair: Kim Schul svdpnaples.org
Naples Night for Sight at The Players Club & Spa to benefit Foundation Fighting Blindness. 5:30 p.m. $100.
Dress Code: Business casual Chair: Bobbie Ramsey fightingblindness.org
Jan. — Mar.
Nick Linn Lecture Series at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón to benefit Friends of the Library of Collier County. 12 p.m. $400.
Dress Code: Business casual Chairs: Patricia Reed and Marlene Haywood collier-friends.org
Jan. — Mar. Nonfiction Author Series at Hilton Naples to benefit Friends of the Library of Collier County.
Oh What A Night: Dinner and a Show featuring The Modern Gentlemen at Island Country Club to benefit Marco Island Center for the Arts.
5 p.m. $250.
Dress Code: Semiformal Chairs: Christine and Donald Koppel, Cynthia and Stanley Springer marcoislandart.org
Feb. 17
Founders Luncheon at Grey Oaks Country Club to benefit Christ Child Society of Naples.
12 p.m. $225.
Dress Code: Business casual
Chairs: Valerie Palmieri and Cherry Smith christchildnaples.org
Feb. 17
Mending Broken Hearts Designer Boutique at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón to benefit The Shelter for Abused Women & Children. Time TBA. Complimentary.
Dress Code: Business casual naplesshelter.org
Feb. 18
Mending Broken Hearts with Hope at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón to benefit The Shelter for Abused Women & Children.
11 a.m. $400.
Dress Code: Business casual
Chairs: Carol Joseph and Cindy Scalise naplesshelter.org
Feb. 20
Night of a Million Dreams Gala at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón to benefit Better Together. Time and tickets TBA.
Dress Code: Semiformal Chairs: Chadd and Andrea Hodges and Christian and Kelli Spilker bettertogetherus.org
Feb. 20
Once Upon A Time — A Storybook Gala at Grey Oaks Country Club to benefit Fun Time Early Childhood Academy. 5:30 p.m. $500.
Dress Code: Casual Chairs: Elizabeth Axberg, Lisa Sanchez and Pam Heffernan; Honorary Chair: Marsha Murphy funtimeacademy.org
Feb. 20
The Winston Churchill Dinner at AC Hotels by Marriott to benefit The English-Speaking Union, Naples Branch.
6 p.m. $225.
Dress Code: Business casual
Chairs: Jeanne Mosher and Karen Lannan esuus.org
Feb. 22
Bucket List Bash at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón to benefit American Cancer Society.
6 p.m. $750.
Dress Code: Semiformal
to Support Youth Haven
WEDNESDAY
SATURDAY MARCH 22, 2025 at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón
Starry Nights
Chair: Donna Solimene blb.acsgala.org
Feb. 22
International Fest at Mercato to benefit Cultural Heritage Center of SWFL.
11 a.m. Complimentary.
Dress Code: Casual
Chair: Pearl Cruz-Morrison culturalheritageswfl.org
Feb. 26
Great Futures Gala & Youth of the Year Awards at Club Pelican Bay to benefit Boys & Girls Club of Collier County. 5:30 p.m. $750.
Dress Code: Semiformal
Chairs: Mary Pat Hussey, Mary Osborn and Audrey Pengelly bgccc.com
Feb. 27
Celebrate the League at The Club at Olde Cypress to benefit The League of Women Voters of Collier County. 6 p.m. $200.
Dress Code: Semiformal
Chair: Teresa Stohs lwvcolliercounty.org
Feb. 28
Paws by the Bay Fashion Show & Luncheon at Naples Yacht Club to benefit Humane Society Naples.
11 a.m. $250.
Dress Code: Business casual
Chair: Kathy Parks King hsnaples.org
Also in February
St. Vincent de Paul Speaker Forum at Vineyards Country Club to benefit St. Vincent de Paul Society Naples. 4 p.m. $100.
Dress Code: Business casual
Chair: Rick Roth svdpnaples.org
March
Mar. 1
Experience Ethiopia at Heritage Bay Golf & Country Club to benefit Grace Center Foundation. 5 p.m. $300.
Dress Code: Business casual Chairs: Michelle Robinson and Christina Svec gracecenterfoundation.org
Mar. 1
Fostering Success Gala at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón to benefit Fostering Success. 5 p.m. $500.
Dress Code: Semiformal fosteringsuccess.net
Mar. 2
Celebrating TWO Million
Books at private residences in Collier County to benefit Books for Collier Kids. All day $500.
Dress Code: Casual
Chair: Nora Kolmer booksforcollierkids.org
Mar. 3
Once Upon a Dream Gala at The Ritz-Carlton, Tiburón to benefit Gulfshore Playhouse. 5:30 p.m. $1,200.
Dress Code: Semiformal Chairs: John and Carol Walter gulfshoreplayhouse.org
Mar. 4
Signature Event at Private Golf Club in Naples to benefit Ave Maria School of Law. 5:30 p.m. $1,000.
Dress Code: Semiformal avemarialaw.edu
Mar. 4
Triumph 2025 at Arthrex One to benefit Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center. 5:30 p.m. $400.
Magic Under the Mangroves at Conservancy of Southwest Florida Nature Center to benefit Conservancy of Southwest Florida.
Time and tickets TBA.
Dress Code: Black-tie
Chairs: Toni and Charlie Mueller, Linda and Victor Grijalva conservancy.org
Mar. 8
Mind on the Run 5K at Edison Bridge to benefit NAMI Lee, Charlotte and Hendry counties.
4 p.m. $25.
Dress Code: Casual Chairs: Vacharee Howard and Al Rich namilee.org
Mar. 8
NCH Ball at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples to benefit NCH.
6 p.m. $750.
Dress Code: Black-tie nchmd.org
Mar. 8
Saturday Night Fever — A Disco Extravaganza! at The Island Country Club to benefit Marco Island Historical Society.
5:30 p.m. $250.
Dress Code: Semiformal
Chairs: Jim and Allyson Richards themihs.org
Mar. 10
2025 Imagine Solutions Conference at Arthrex One to benefit Imagine Solutions Conference. 8:30 a.m. $700.
Dress Code: Business casual Chair: Randy Antik imaginesolutionsconference. com
Mar. 12
Signature Event at Arthrex One to benefit Kids’ Minds Matter.
5:30 p.m. Tickets TBA.
Dress Code: Semiformal
Chairs: Debbie and Bill Toler kidsmindsmatter.com
Mar. 14
Flower Show “Lights, Camera, Action“ at Naples Botanical Garden to benefit Naples Garden Club.
8 a.m. $25.
Dress Code: Casual
Chairs: Mercy Abrams and Ann Hunter naplesgardenclub.org
Mar. 14
Hope Shines Luncheon at Arthrex One to benefit NAMI Collier.
11:30 a.m. $325.
Chairs: Business casual
Dress Code: Toni Mueller namicollier.org
Mar. 16
Friends of Artis—Naples Gala at Artis—Naples to benefit Artis—Naples.
5:30 p.m. $1,000.
Dress Code: Black-tie artisnaples.org
Mar. 19
Annual Dinner at Hilton Naples to benefit Collier County 100 Club.
6 p.m. $100.
Dress Code: Semiformal collier100club.org
Mar. 20
Bash for the Bay at JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort to benefit Friends of Rookery Bay.
6 p.m. $275.
Dress Code: Beach Chic rookerybay.org
Mar. 20
DLC Sound Minds Signature Event featuring Dennis Quaid at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón to benefit David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health.
5 p.m. From $500.
Dress Code: Semiformal
Chairs: John and Kelly DeAngelis dlcsoundminds.org
Mar. 21
Best in Show Gala at Elite Jets hangar to benefit Humane Society Naples. 6 p.m. $500.
Dress Code: Black-tie hsnaples.org
Mar. 21
Southwest Florida Heart Ball at Naples Grande Beach Resort to benefit American Heart Association.
6 p.m. $500.
Dress Code: Black-tie
Chairs: Wilfredo Emanuel and Pamela Calligaro heart.org
Mar. 22
Let’s Make A Splash Cocktails & Dinner Event at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples to benefit Africa 6000 International.
5 p.m. $700.
Dress Code: Semiformal Chairs: Teresa Murtland and Doug Pitt africa6000intl.org
Mar. 22
Starry Nights Gala at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón to benefit Youth Haven.
5:30 p.m. $500.
Dress Code: Black-tie Ingrid Aielli, Rufino Hernandez, and Dr. Deborah Houk; Honorary Chairs: Elizabeth and Stanley Star starrynights.youthhav enswfl.org
Mar. 25
Bloody Mary Brunch to benefit Alliance for Period Supplies of SWFL. Venue and
tickets TBA. 10 a.m.
Dress Code: Casual
Chairs: Katherine Bettis and Teri Osiecki apsofswfl.org
Mar. 26
Arty Party at FineMark
National Pank and Trust, Pelican Bay to benefit Naples Art District.
Wines in the Wild at Bailey Homestead Preserve to benefit Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation.
6:30 p.m. Tickets TBA.
Dress Code: Semiformal sccf.org
Nov. 9
Bark In The Park at Buckingham Park to benefit Gulf Coast Humane Society.
9 a.m. $25.
Dress Code: Casual gulfcoasthumanesociety.org
Nov. 10
Psalms, Hymns & Spiritual Songs Concert featuring Selah and Art Exhibit at First Presbyterian Church of Bonita Springs to benefit International Network of Creatives.
7 p.m. $25.
Dress Code: Casual
Chairs: William S. Barnett
and Jeffrey Faux internationalnetworkof creatives.org
Nov. 12
Fashion Show & Luncheon at Hyatt Coconut Point to benefit Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida. 10:30 a.m. $125.
Dress Code: Casual Chair: Pat Smart leehealthfoundation.org
Nov. 13
Let the Good Times Roll:
Casino Night at Music & Arts Community Center to benefit
Gulf Coast Symphony.
6 p.m. $50.
Dress Code: Semiformal gulfcoastsymphony.org
Nov. 15
“Get Down to Science and Let’s Boogie” at IMAG History & Science Center to benefit IMAG History & Science Center.
7 p.m. $150.
Dress Code: Disco
Chair: Greg Blurton theimag.org
Nov. 16
Fantasy in the Forest: 50th Anniversary Celebration at Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium to
benefit Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium.
6 p.m. $100
Dress Code: Semiformal calusanature.org
Nov. 16
Nashville Night Music Festival at Founder’s Square to benefit Babcock Ranch Foundation.
3 p.m. $35.
Dress Code: Casual babcockranchfoundation.org
Nov. 19
Calusa Blueway Kayak Fishing Tournament at Scotty’s Bierwerks to benefit
Candlelighters of Southwest Florida. 6 a.m. Tickets and dress code TBA.
Chair: Diana Stockbridge candlelightersofswfl.org
Nov. 19
Taste of the Islands at Sanibel to benefit Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW).
11 a.m. $10.
Dress Code: Casual tasteoftheislands.org
Nov. 21
Inaugural Sunset Soirée at Valerie’s House: Family Is Forever Home to benefit
Pignatano
Valerie’s House.
6 p.m. $250
Dress Code: Business casual Chairs: David and Cheryl Copham valerieshouse.org
Nov. 30
Starlight Auction at Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa to benefit Animal Refuge Center.
Breakfast with Santa at City of Palms Park to benefit Premier Mobile Health Services. 9 a.m. Complimentary.
Dress Code: Casual Chair: Dr. Nadine Singh premiermobilehealth.org
Dec. 7
Christmas Carol Sing at First Presbyterian Church of Fort Myers to benefit Community Cooperative.
1 p.m. & 4 p.m. Complimentary.
Dress Code: Business casual Chairs: Stefanie Ink Edwards and Jade Bird communitycooperative.com
Dec. 7
Wine & Wonder Uncorked at Wonder Gardens to benefit Wonder Gardens. 5:30 p.m. $50.
Dress Code: Casual wondergardens.org
Dec. 8
Deck the Halls at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall to benefit Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers. Time, tickets and dress code TBA. mastersingersfm.com
Dec. 13
Charity Clay Shoot at Bermont Shooting Club to benefit Lee BIA
Builders Care. 7:30 a.m. $350.
Dress Code: Casual leebuilderscare.com
Dec. 13
Grampy’s/RMHC SWFL Golf Tournament at Fiddlesticks Country Club to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities Southwest Florida. 7 a.m. Tickets TBA.
Dress Code: Golf rmhcswfl.org
Dec. 15
Christmas with the Mastersingers at Peace Lutheran Church to benefit Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers. Time, tickets and dress code TBA. mastersingersfm.com
January
Jan. 1
YogaCAN at Alliance for the Arts to benefit Cancer Alliance Network. 9 a.m. $55.
Dress Code: Casual canceralliancenetwork.org
Jan. 12
Monthly Arts and Crafts
Show at Sanibel Community House to benefit The Sanibel Community Association. 9 a.m. Complimentary.
Dress Code: Casual sanibelcommunityhouse.net
Dr. Timothy Roupas is a proud supporter of the SWFL Arts.
Jan. 15
Gala at Bonita Bay Club to benefit New Horizons of Southwest Florida. 6 p.m. $325.
Dress Code: Semiformal Chair: Judy Dove newhorizonsofswfl.org
Jan. 17-18
Southwest Florida Wine and Food Fest at Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa to benefit SWFL Children’s Charities.
12 p.m. $2,000.
Dress Code: Resort casual
Chairs: Josh and Lisa Dorcey swflwinefest.org
Jan. 17
WILD About CROW at The Forest Country Club to benefit Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW).
5:30 p.m. $300.
Dress Code: Semiformal crowclinic.org
Jan. 24
MaineMax Yacht Gala — An Evening Under The Stars at MarineMax Fort Myers to benefit Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida.
March to a Million Meals to benefit WINK FEEDS FAMILIES and Harry Chapin Food Bank. Online campaign. By donation. winkfeedsfamiles.com
Feb. 2
Love Your Neighbor at The Heights Center to benefit The Heights Foundation.
5 p.m. Tickets TBA.
Dress Code: Semiformal heightsfoundation.org
Feb. 13
Gala at Wonder Gardens to benefit Wonder Gardens.
6 p.m. $250.
Dress Code: Business casual wondergardens.org
Feb. 15
Asian Street Food Festival at Millennial Brewing Company to benefit Cultural Heritage Center of SWFL.
5 p.m. Complimentary.
Dress Code: Casual Chair: Pearl Cruz-Morrison culturalheritageswfl.org
Feb. 15
Edison Festival of Light Parade at Downtown Fort Myers to benefit Edison Festival of Light. Time TBA. Complimentary.
Dress Code: Casual edisonfestival.org
Feb. 15
Fine Craft Expo at Cape Coral Art Center to Southwest Florida Fine Craft Guild.
9 a.m. and 1 p.m. $35.
Dress Code: Casual nicholscup.org
Feb. 15
Nichols Cup Auction & Gala at Fiddlesticks Country Club to benefit Bobby Nichols-Fiddlesticks Charity Foundation. 6 p.m. Tickets TBA.
Dress Code: Semiformal nicholscup.org
Feb. 15
Nichols Cup Tennis & Pickleball Tournament at Fiddlesticks Country Club to benefit Bobby Nichols-Fiddlesticks Charity Foundation.
9 a.m. Tickets and dress code TBA. nicholscup.org
Feb. 15
Ride-A-Thon at Babcock Ranch Preserve to benefit Special Equestrians. 8 a.m. $10.
Dress Code: Casual Chair: Dana Hollenzer specialequestrians.net
Feb. 17
Nichols Cup Pro-Am Golf Tournament at Fiddlesticks Country Club to benefit Bobby Nichols-Fiddlesticks Charity Foundation. Time, tickets and dress code TBA. nicholscup.org
Feb. 20
Golfing “FORE” Keep Lee County Beautiful at Topgolf to benefit Keep Lee County Beautiful. 6 p.m. $125.
Dress Code: Casual Chair: Trish Fancher klcb.org
Feb. 22
Burrowing Owl Festival at Rotary Park to benefit Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife. 10 a.m. From $5.
Dress Code: Casual ccfriendsofwildlife.org
Feb. 22
Spring Concert with Gulf Coast Symphony at Music & Arts
Community Center to benefit Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers. Time, tickets and dress code TBA. mastersingersfm.com
Feb. 22
Storybook Ball at Marriott Sanibel
Harbour Resort & Spa to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities Southwest Florida. 6 p.m. $400.
Dress Code: Black-tie rmhcswfl.org
Feb. 23
GO Gala at Moorings Presbyterian Church and Hilton Naples to benefit Gulfshore Opera. 4 p.m. $400.
Dress Code: Semiformal
Chair: Natalie Marsalli gulfshoreopera.org
Feb. 24
Banquet at Summit Church — University Campus to benefit Ride Nature.
6 p.m. $50.
Dress Code: Business casual ridenature.org
Feb. 25
Women Build Kickoff Event to benefit Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties. 6 p.m. Venue and tickets TBA.
Dress Code: Casual habitat4humanity.org
Feb. 28
American Virtuosi Gala Dinner & Concert at Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center to benefit Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center. 5 p.m. $145.
Dress Code: Semiformal sbdac.com
Feb. 28
Celebration of Hope and Healing at Neighborhood Health Clinic to benefit Neighborhood Health Clinic.
6 p.m. $200.
Dress Code: Semiformal
Chair: Susan Jones neighborhoodhealthclinic.org
Also in February
Minnesota Twins Celebrity Golf Classic at Topgolf to benefit Lee Health Cancer Institute.
4 p.m. $250.
Dress Code: Casual leehealthfoundation.org
PTO Fairways to Opportunity Golf Tournament at TopGolf to benefit Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida.
9 a.m. Tickets TBA.
Dress Code: Casual goodwillswfl.org
March
Mar. 1
Farm to Table Gala at Alliance for the Arts to benefit Alliance for the Arts.
6 p.m. Tickets TBA.
Dress Code: Business casual artinlee.org
Mar. 1
Kings’ Night in the Vineyard Gala at Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa to benefit Royal Palm Academy.
6 p.m. $250.
Dress Code: Semiformal
Chair: Amanda Arnold royalpalmacademy.org
Mar. 6
National Shell Show at Sanibel Community House to benefit The Sanibel Community Association.
9 a.m. By donation.
Dress Code: Casual sanibelcommunityhouse.net
Mar. 6
Sam Galloway, Jr. & Friend’s Soup Kitchen Benefit at Sam Galloway Ford to benefit Community Cooperative.
5 p.m. Tickets TBA.
Dress Code: Semiformal
Chairs: Stefanie Ink Edwards and Jade Bird communitycooperative.com
Mar. 8
Cause for the Coast benefit Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation.
Building Game Changers
Changing their game and the world
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We exist to enable kids to build the strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of new challenges By seamlessly integrating the game of golf with like skills curriculum, we create learning experiences that build inner strength, self confidence, and resilience that kids carry to everything they do
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all across our community. We invite you to join our Capital Campaign and the building of our First Tee Learning Center for the 1,000 plus kids we currently reach annually, We hope you will join us in building game changers!
Casino Royale Gala at Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center to benefit Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center.
6 p.m. $150.
Dress Code: Black-tie sbdac.com
Mar. 23
Taste of Love at The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon to benefit Special Equestrians.
5 p.m. $125.
Dress Code: Casual Chair: Adele Smith specialequestrians.net
Mar. 28
A Toast To Potential: ‘Ignite the Spark’ at Luminary Hotel & Co. To benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast.
6 p.m. $150.
Dress Code: Semiformal bbbssun.org
Mar. 29
Annual Gala at Caloosa Sound Convention Center to benefit Florida Repertory Theatre.
5:30 p.m. $300.
Dress Code: Semiformal Chairs: Dinah Bloomhall and David Fritz floridarep.org
Also in March
BBQ, Bands & Brew at Caloosa Sound Amphitheater to benefit Lee BIA Builders Care.
11 a.m. $10.
Dress Code: Casual leebuilderscare.com
April
Apr. 2
Project Refuge — A Couture Fashion Show Using Trash to benefit J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Venue, time and dress code TBA. $150. dingdarlingsociety.org
Apr. 11
Playmakers Tailgate Party at The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon to benefit Tommy Bohanon Foundation.
6 p.m. $125.
Dress Code: Business casual Chairs: Tommy and Katie Bohanon tommybohanon foundation.org
Apr. 12
Nude Nocturne at Alliance for the Arts to benefit Alliance for the Arts.
6 p.m. $45.
Dress Code: Business casual artinlee.org
Apr. 17
10th Anniversary Bonita Springs Short Film Festival
Gala at Prado Stadium 12 Theatre to benefit Bonita Springs Short Film Festival. Time, tickets and dress code TBA.
bonitaspringsfilmfestival.org
Apr. 19
Beer in the Bushes at SCCF Headquarters to benefit Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation.
6 p.m. Tickets TBA.
Dress Code: Casual sccf.org
Apr. 26
Autism Acceptance Awards
Gala at Caloosa Sound Convention Center to benefit Family Initiative.
5:30 p.m. $350.
Dress Code: Black-tie Chair: Jessica Van Hart fi-florida.org
Apr. 26
Children’s Light Foundation
Annual Gala at Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort to benefit Children’s Network of
Southwest Florida.
5:30 p.m. $200.
Dress Code: Black-tie
Chairs: Andrew and Joanna Pastrikos and Catherine Kelly childrenslightfoundation.org
Also in April
Grande Dames Tea at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre to benefit Pace Center for Girls, Lee.
1 p.m. Tickets TBA.
Dress Code: Business casual pacecenter.org
May
May 1
Prayer Breakfast at Hammond Stadium at Lee Health Sports Complex to benefit Southwest Florida Community Foundation.
6 a.m. Complimentary.
Dress Code: Casual Chair: Ron Inge communityprayerbrea kfast.com
May 3
Swing for New Horizons Golf Tournament at West Bay Club to benefit New Horizons of Southwest Florida.
7:30 a.m. $250.
Dress Code: Business casual Chairs: Wendy Kephart and Kim Spencer newhorizonsofswfl.org
May 25
Tailgate on the Turf at Bishop Verot High School to benefit Bishop Verot Catholic High School. Time and tickets TBA.
Dress Code: Casual bvhs.org
Also in May
Breakthrough Awards to benefit Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida.
Venue, time and tickets TBA.
Dress Code: Semiformal goodwillswfl.org
June
Jun. 7
Bowling Tournament at Lightning Strikes Bowl to benefit Keep Lee County Beautiful. 6 p.m. $150.
Dress Code: Casual Chair: Tisha Bayne klcb.org
Also in June
FUNky Fashion Show at Moose Lodge 2199 to benefit Pace Center for Girls, Lee.
6 p.m. $65.
Dress Code: Business casual pacecenter.org
The Collier Community Foundation makes more...
housing environmental resiliency
disaster relief
arts/culture
healthcare access
education
mental health services
basic needs services good ...possible through the power of collective giving.
Learn how you can help make more possible at colliercf.org/what-we-do/more
HOME / Spaces, concepts and characters for inspired design
214 Stylish Living: A Scandinavian-Florida abode in Naples
This Hlevel Architecture home bridges the homeowner’s Swedish roots with an appreciation for Florida living.
On the Scandinavian Peninsula, where winter is long and cold, homes are designed to be cozy and simple—tight little spaces that hold in the heat and maximize the light. “It’s almost the opposite of Naples,” Sara Blomqvist laughs. She and her husband, Peter, are both from Sweden, and grew up visiting the United States. She went to college in Connecticut and Peter spent time in California before the two settled back in their native Sweden, where they worked as builders. Throughout their adult life, as they married and started to have kids, the family vacationed in Florida. They decided to get a vacation home in Naples in 2018. “Every time we came on vacation, we never really wanted to go home,” Sara says. Within a few years, the Blomqvists set up permanent residence in town and bought a narrow lot on Oak Avenue, near Vanderbilt Beach. Over the next few years, they worked with architect Brandt Henning—who owns Naples’ Hlevel Architecture with his wife, Michaela Reiterer Henning—to
ARCHITECT: Brandt Henning, Hlevel Architecture
BUILDER: Tom Broccolo Custom Homes
INTERIOR DESIGN: Sara Blomqvist
PHOTOGRAPHY: Dan Cutrona
build a family home that bridges their Scandinavian modern design sensibilities with the materials and needs of Florida homes. Like many of Brandt and Michaela’s European clientele, the Blomqvists appreciate the Hennings’ understanding of Old World sensibilities and contemporary design.
The home’s restrained, vertical footprint balances the Blomqvists’ Scandi ethos and American market needs. “In Sweden, you’re not allowed to build large houses,” Sara says. “We designed the home a little bigger than what we wanted, in case we ever sell.” Maximizing space remained a primary driver.
The ground-floor layout gives the sense (and flood protection) of an elevated home but remains usable with its enclosed footprint, housing a large kids’ playroom and a gym in front of the
lanai and pool. The second floor houses the couple’s bedroom; their daughter, Ester’s room; the open-concept great room and kitchen; and the alfresco kitchen. On the third floor, there’s an office, the boys’ (Anton and Frans) bedrooms, a central TV and gaming space, and a hotel suite-like guest room looking out to the Gulf.
Overall, the scheme is minimalist but warm. “The design is clean, but not in a sterile kind of way,” Sara says. To keep things from looking stark, the team employed materials that evoke natural and weathered textures outside and inside the home. Out front, TAU Cerámica Corten tiles in a bronze finish fold over and around the entryway and continue as an accent above the garage.
“We wanted something with a patinaed metal look but knew
Above: On the facade, Naples’ Hlevel Architecture used TAU Cerámica Corten bronze tiles to lend a weathered, lived-in touch.
Right: Walnut covers various surfaces in the home on Oak Avenue, including the stairs, which are illuminated with LED tape. Previous spread: Pecky cypress extends from the wine wall to the ceiling, framing the dining area.
Homeowners Sara and Peter Blomqvist (right) blend their contemporary, Nordic sensibility with Old Florida elements. Below: The pool deck’s giant swing is a favorite spot for lounging beneath the pergola, which extends from the house and dips into the pool, linking the indoors to the alfresco area and uniting vertical and horizontal architectural elements.
we couldn’t put metal out there,” Sara says, conscious of the blistering sun. The tiles provide depth against the stucco facade and sharp architectural lines.
Inside, wood tones inform the surface materials and decor and provide striking focal points. The rich walnut in the kitchen cabinets repeats on the opposite side of the room in the floating cabinets and shelves that flank the fireplace. The walnut continues on the stair treads and railings, which rise from the first to the third floor as a sculptural cynosure. “We took that walnut through the whole house,” Sara says.
Pecky sinker cypress—a classic Florida material, milled from logs that have been lying underwater for up to a century—covers the wine cellar wall and stretches to a strip of ceiling above the dining table, with distinctive holes and veining. “They were intrigued by some of the elements of Old Florida vernacular and tied them into the design very well,”
Brandt says. The pecky shows up again in the wall behind the TV in the living room. “We used the wood to accentuate the open volumes and create nice spacial elements,” the architect adds. LED tape lighting lines the pecky sinker cypress insert in the dining room and the stairway’s glass railings, setting the home aglow at night.
“I thought I’d go a little crazy since it’s such a small space,” Sara says of the petite powder room with palm-printed wallpaper and a pedestal sink.
Left: The second-floor outdoor kitchen extends from the main living area, with blue cabinetry complementing azure nods inside.
“I’m always cooking, or my husband is grilling, so it’s nice to hang out there while we’re getting food ready.”
Sara Blomqvist on the second-floor outdoor kitchen and living space.
The second-floor balcony off the openconcept great room includes a dining table and living area with canal views and screens that open inward.
Sara judiciously used color, patterns and artful flair to lend the home a personal, playful and fashionable aesthetic. Following the European knack for effortless style, the interiors are smart but not overdone. At the entryway, guests find a pair of stools with hundreds of wooden dowels that seem stiff and impractical but prove to be soft (springy and wrapped in foam) for a nice place to sit and kick off shoes. “I thought they were really fun, and they’re surprisingly comfortable,” she says about the stools, sourced from Clive Daniel Home in Naples. A print of actor Jack Nicholson smoking a cigar graces the stairway wall, which, on another level flaunts paintings from Swedish artists Carolina Gynning and Peter Dahl. Metallic-like blue wallpaper wraps the elevator shaft and up to the second-story entryway wall for continuity and to draw the eye up toward the RH chandelier and its nearly 700 drop crystals, which Sara hung one by one, standing on a scaffold.
Each bathroom has its persona, from the powder room with its York Palmetto Black Green wallpaper to the daughter’s whimsical ensuite bathroom with its scalloped, aqua tiles. The standout is the couple’s primary bath, where porcelain, Cristallo tiles cover the floors and walls and a large backlit, man-made Cristallo slab frames the freestanding tub. “Here, we played with solids and
“We wanted to create an axis to maximize the views to the south and west to capture open water and sunsets.” —
Brandt Henning, architect and owner of
Hlevel
Gulf hues carry throughout the home, including the couple’s bedroom, where a patterned wallpaper plays off the flower-shaped chair from Clive Daniel Home in Naples. Below: The couple’s bath shines, with its backlit, man-made Cristallo wall, free-standing tub, floor-toceiling porcelain, Cristallo tiles and rose-gold fixtures.
voids to create interest,” Brandt says, noting the floating countertop, backlit mirrors and glass enclosure for the water closet. Rose gold fixtures play off the brownish-pink tones in the crystal.
Recalling another tenet of the Blomqvist’s Scandinavian roots, the home exalts nature at every turn. All of the spaces were designed to take full advantage of the location on a canal and the ample light that pours into the new build. “We wanted to create an axis to maximize the views to the south and west to capture open water and sunsets,” Brandt says. When you first approach the home, glass-paneled doors look in and through the home out to the back garden and water. Off the lanai, a pergola connects to the house and dips into the pool. “We liked the idea of visually linking it to the house to unite those vertical and horizontal elements,” he says. “I’m not a huge fan of symmetry, but I love balance and composition, the idea of accentuating different areas and creating a hierarchy.”
Kingdom Chandelier
Kelli is a big fan of lighting designer Lindsey Adelman. “Her material usage range and combinations, scale choices, and the organic multi-directional shapes impress a freedom that we could all use a good dose of,” Kelli says. She was delighted to come across this collaboration between Lindsey and Brooklyn-based designer Karl Zahn. Their 61-bulb Kingdom Chandelier is modeled after the burro’s tail succulent, with plump bulbs draped in a perfect arc—a reflection of our modern-day yearning for sleek elegance and the imperfect beauty of nature.
The Blomqvists wanted a clean but warm aesthetic, reminiscent of the cozy homes in their native Sweden. Clean-lined furnishings contrast the plush sectional, and Swedish-made knickknacks dot the floating shelves.
lindseyadelman.com
Floridian pecky sinker cypress, found in the dining room, reappears on the TV wall.
Tones of cream and taupe carry the decor, with blue as an anchor. The nautical palette carries through the outdoor spaces on each floor, including the cabinetry for the alfresco kitchen, extending from the main living area on the second floor. “I’m always cooking, or my husband is grilling, so it’s nice to hang out there while we’re getting food ready,” Sara says. The family chose long-lasting polyvinyl chloride (PVC) paneling for the cabinets. “I wanted something really durable that could withstand saltwater and humidity,” she says. The hue ties into the blue accents in the great room. “We have blue chairs, blue wallpaper—we always have to add that blue back in,” she says. Swedish knickknacks—the
only things the family brought from their native country—dot the living room tables, couches and floating shelves, with candle holders, pillows and glassware from brands like Skogsberg&Smart, Svenskt Tenn, Orrefors, Kosta Boda and Georg Jensen.
After scouring American retailers, she found much of her furniture and larger objects at RH, including the dining table’s glass chandelier—a rectangular block of crystal prisms that shine across the main living areas like emerald-cut diamonds. It all comes together in a family home that’s bright and uncluttered, but cozy, too—the efficiency of a small house with generous American dimensions.
Artistic Edge
In each issue, we tap local design pros to share their favorite global finds. This month, Gulfshore Interior Design’s Brooke Meyer points us to pieces that pack a colorful and artful punch. The designer draws from her background studying art history and studio art, as well as her work in furniture and textile design, to infuse spaces with craftsmanship, creativity and sophistication.
Courtesy Venjhamin Reyes, Boca Do Lobo
Sculpted out of 1,088 triangles, with 10 types of wood and metallic leafing, the Pixel Cabinet blends sophistication with unrestrained playfulness. “It almost looks like an avant-garde building with a stained-glass mirrored effect,” Brooke says. Inside, the roughly 5-foot stunner with a polished brass base houses nine drawers; doors lined with plush, diamond-quilted silk; and antique mirror surfaces. The digitally inspired cube can be customized with artful finishes—from a sleek, monochrome configuration to a mosaic of hand-painted ceramic tiles resembling Spanish azulejo. Brooke suggests using the cabinet as a jewelry box, a bar cabinet or at the end of a long hallway as an artful statement piece.
bocadolobo.com
Boca Do Lobo Pixel Cabinet
A natural focal point, this 4-foot-wide chandelier by reputed Parisian interior designer Laura Gonzalez is handmade in France to resemble glass petals. Of the five soft, naturalist colorways, Brooke prefers the ethereal pink. “The brass metal structure holding the organically shaped, pink glass sets the stage for whimsy and elegance,” she says.
lauragonzalez.fr
Courtesy Laura Gonzalez
A web of hand-wrought iron connects the upholstered ‘pebbles’ that form this organically inclined headboard from international design atelier Christopher Guy. “I love when you can create a functional piece of furniture that also serves as art,” Brooke says. She recommends designing the room around the intricate feature, detailing the headboard wall with warm wood veneer and a silk wallcovering, offset by simple yet functional nightstands and layering in sculptural lighting.
christopherguy.com
Courtesy Christopher Guy
Rugs are a strong driving force in Brooke’s designs. “Sometimes, it’s the first thing we pull for a space,” she says. This one, designed by famed Spanish architect and designer Patricia Urquiola, serves as an ode to the idea of the circle as a foundational design element, with rooms organized in a ring layout, rounded furnishings used, or objects arranged around a circular focal point to enhance unity and flow. Hand-knotted by Nepalese artisans (with 125,000 individual knots per square meter), the plush, durable Rotazioni looks just as good underfoot or hung as a tapestry. Brooke appreciates the overlapping and repeating pastel colors and cylindrical shapes and how they give the rug a multidimensional quality. She suggests using the piece in a neutral-colored room: “Mix in furniture in lacquered finishes and accent it with a really simple and modern light fixture.”
cc-tapis.com
Rotazioni Rug by Patricia Urquiola from CC-Tapis
Courtesy Roche Bobois
Roche Bobois Curved Bubble 2 Sofa
An update on Roche Bobois’s iconic, 2014-launched Bubble Sofa, the take-two version retains the playful form with an even more curvaceous frame you can’t help but want to jump onto. French designer Sacha Lakic draws from his love of fast cars and motorcycles for the curvilinear and sculptural shape, which uses a super-soft, textured, wool honeycomb mesh engineered to mold to your body and bounce back, retaining its shape. Brooke likes to point clients toward curved seating. “The undulating curves create nooks for cozying up,” she says. The sofa is available in more than 30 colors and two fabrics, including the newer Câlin (the name roughly translates to ‘hug’). Brooke recommends going for the Bleuet hue. “The color plays the part nicely as a ‘neutral’ in a colorful space, yet blends in beautifully with many different palettes,” she says.
roche-bobois.com
LIFE / Rituals, resources and goods for a balanced life
It Takes a Village
Naples’ Jordan Dunin demystifies the labyrinthine, ever-growing world of wellness coaching to promote healing and growth through his online platform, HatchPath.
When was the last time you asked for help?
Jordan Dunin had little choice in the matter in the summer of 2016, after he dove off a boat into the shallows of Ontario’s Lake Muskoka, breaking his neck and suffering a traumatic brain injury. During his recovery, Jordan was so debilitated he had to drop out of college. Soon after, he was diagnosed with chronic Lyme disease (the bacterial infection that can lead to long-term fatigue, pain and cognitive issues, is often exacerbated by and diagnosed after an immunity-disrupting trigger). The combination of life-altering events forced Jordan down a five-year road to recovery that involved trying every treatment under the sun and building a vast network of experts to help regain his motor skills and mental stability. His commitment to wellness paid off. This summer, Jordan completed his first Half Ironman triathlon, finishing in just over six hours, about the time it takes
seasoned athletes to complete the back-toback 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike ride and 13.1-mile run. Jordan is also celebrating the second anniversary of his company, HatchPath, a personal marketplace for wellness coaching. After Jordan’s arduous road to find the proper support, the Queen’s University at Kingston commerce graduate launched the web-based platform to connect clients nationwide with structured health programs and hundreds of vetted coaches in more than 19 wellness fields—from nutrition and spirituality to personal development. “We all have an area where we’re not great,” Jordan says. At the core, HatchPath provides a bridge between providers and clients within the vast, booming wellness world. Estimated as a $5.6 trillion industry by the Global Wellness Institute, the field is rife with scammers, pseudoscientific claims and lots of confusion and overwhelm. Much of the industry goes unregulated, which
can make it difficult for clients to find legitimate services and providers. “There’s a lot of unregistered, unlicensed, undocumented coaches out there,” Jordan says. “We kind of regulate the unregulated.”
Jordan and his team review prospective partners’ formal certifications and display the credentials on coaches’ profiles for clients to see, along with a tool for community monitoring through user reviews. HatchPath also books one-on-one meetings with applicants to learn about their wellness journeys and experiences in their practice areas. Jordan believes empathy is vital to promoting healing and growth and is born from experience. “When I was
going through Lyme disease, I struggled with people telling me what to do who didn’t overcome it themselves,” he says. Guides with familiarity filled him with hope and actionable takeaways. “They were a living example that all I wanted was possible,” adds Jordan, who now pays it forward as a Lyme disease coach.
The 28-year-old entrepreneur sees wellness coaching as supplemental, not replacing traditional medicine and psychotherapy. For years, Jordan struggled to progress as he cycled in and out of hospitals and doctors’ offices. He struggled through multiple surgeries, gut-wrecking prescriptions, injuries resulting from
treatments, and antidepressants that made him suicidal. Meanwhile, he felt responsible for his injury and berated himself for being reckless with his well-being and the toll his pain took on loved ones. But from that dark place, he was open to the greatest change. Jordan’s now-wife, Lauren, a holistic nutritionist, introduced him to clean eating and meditation, and a neighbor put him in touch with hypnosis coach Bec Symonds, who specializes in emotional detoxing.
Bec—now a HatchPath coach—helped Jordan realize he was stuck in fight-orflight mode. Until he escaped his chronic anger, sadness and guilt, no treatments
Through his digital wellness coach finder, HatchPath, Jordan Dunin also collaborates on in-person events with like-minded organizations.
would work. The results started slow, but with a new diet and mental practice, Jordan felt himself grow stronger in a way he hadn’t in years of traditional treatments alone. Through it all, Jordan learned good health is all-encompassing and requires a holistic approach. HatchPath’s more than 400 coaches cover every facet of well-being through structured programs delivered via
one-on-one virtual sessions. Rather than simply serving as a coach-finder, the platform is set up with hundreds of modular, multi-week programs centered on topics as varied as skin-health nutrition, trauma recovery, feng shui, flexibility and fostering mental resilience.
The curricula provide accountability, an actionable roadmap, and a consistent
intake of reinforcement and motivation. A fitness reboot may start by developing a meal plan and continue with tailored personal training blocks and check-ins to discuss roadblocks and successes or simply to vent. One five-star nutrition program is broken into 12 one-hour meetings, with modules focused on sub-topics like the mind-gut connection, understanding
Brian Tietz
HatchPath was born of Jordan’s struggle recovering from a head injury and coping with Lyme disease—now, he’s thriving and recently completed his first Half Ironman race. The platform connects users with hundreds of vetted wellness coaches and structured programs.
carbs and sugar, nutritional goal-setting, mindful eating with meditation training, and the importance of sleep hygiene in weight management. Sessions build on each other for manageable, incremental change. Jordan says each small gain creates a ripple effect that fuels your momentum. “You see the power that you have in your own life to change,” he says.
To simplify the often-daunting process of finding a wellness coach, HatchPath brings everything into one user-friendly
platform—no third-party services, like Zoom or Venmo, needed. “Everything from payment, booking, scheduling and the actual consultation to messaging, ratings and reviews is handled within our system,” Jordan says.
And, he’s constantly working to expand his reach. HatchPath offers corporate accounts, through which business owners can allocate funds for employees to book programs; and earlier they started working with nonprofit Operation Healing Forces
We deliver natural, youthful results using modern techniques in state of the art facilities with personal and compassionate care.
Jon F. Strohmeyer is board certified in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and is fellowship trained in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. A nationally recognized facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, he has studied alongside some of the world’s leading surgeons. Practicing in Naples since 1991.
Surgical Procedures
• Chin Augmentaiton
• Ear Surgery
• Eyelid Surgery
• Facelift
• Forehead lift
• Liposuction
• Nasal Surgery
• Necklift
• Botox, Dysport, Xeomin
• Cosmetic Fillers
• Laser Skin Care Center
• Latisse
• Lumenis Laser Skin Resurfacing
• EmbraceRF Microneedling
• Sciton BBL
• Halo Laser
to serve U.S. Army Special Forces veterans and their families. Now, the group is HatchPath’s biggest business generator, with more than 400 sessions facilitated for veterans, addressing the toll military service can take on emotional and financial well-being.
With about 133 million struggling with at least one chronic condition, Jordan has made it his goal to reach 1 million people. What happens when he hits the milestone? “We go out and make it bigger,” he says.
Visit our office today, and receive your complimentary copy of Face Value.
Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger
With a range of doctortested alternative therapies, user-friendly model and genuine hospitality, Restore Hyper Wellness makes it easy to supercharge your health.
After a few minutes in one of Restore Hyper Wellness’ eucalyptus wood-lined, infrared saunas, my shoulders drop, my jaw relaxes and my diaphragm expands—I hadn’t noticed the tension until then. It’d been so long since I had stopped for a break that I didn’t realize the stress was clinging to me like a heavy suit of armor. My mind takes longer to catch up, and I try to distract myself with an episode of Planet Earth on the smart TV in front of the sauna. Before long, I turn off the screen and allow myself to tune inward.
Over the past few years, Restore has opened three Southwest Florida locations, including a new space off Immokalee Road in North Naples. Run by a team that includes a biotech entrepreneur; a University of California, Berkeley, Columbia University and Harvard University trained doctor; and a former SoulCycle exec, the fast-growing wellness franchise lures athletes, driven professionals and biohackers by the thousands. Part of a growing crop of proactive wellness centers, Restore sets itself apart with
Restore Hyper Wellness’ three Southwest Florida locations lure athletes, high-achieving biohackers, and people managing chronic illness and pain.
a comprehensive menu (from cryotherapy and hyperbaric oxygen chambers to IV drips to biomarker testing) delivered in one sleek space with an easy-to-use system, spalike hospitality and high-tech aesthetic. Registered nurses administer services like IV drip therapy, licensed estheticians do facials, and Restore’s medical director tests all equipment used in their 230-plus locations at the company’s Austin facility. The science behind alternative therapies like those found at Restore is still inconclusive—there isn’t enough support for traditional, large-scale research. But, it’s hard to argue with the wealth of anecdotal evidence for gains in athletic recovery and pain and stress management.
By the end of my 35-minute infrared session, I’m drenched and feeling like I’ve sweat off all my excess cortisol. Unlike wet saunas, which heat the air around you, infrared heats your body directly, increasing sweating and reaching deeper into tissues to help expedite recovery. You choose your session length (from 30 to 45 minutes) and get a private room—equipped with a shower, Native toiletries and a smart TV—for 55 minutes. As I shower, I start to envision Restore as a regular part of my routine. With a 10-credit package, I could come back for cryo, red-light and/or com-
pression therapy—all easily bookable on an app. IV drips (like the fountain-of-youthseeking millionaires’ darling NAD+), facials and hyperbaric therapy are separate but easy to tack on.
I express curiosity about the cryotherapy chamber, said to reduce inflammation, improve mood and sleep, boost metabolism and a host of other benefits with a few minutes of exposure to sub-zero temps. Before long, I’m in a towel wrap, socks, booties and mittens, ready to step into a negative-210-degree, nitrogen gas-filled tank—claustrophobia and cold aversion be damned. I muscle my way through the 3-minute freeze with some music and welltimed check-ins from the staff. Afterward, I don’t feel like running laps around the parking lot, as many report, but I’m more awake and feel a rush of joy.
On the way out, I see a woman on her laptop getting a compression treatment. Inflatable sleeves squeeze her limbs to improve circulation, soreness and mobility while she squeezes in some work. I appreciate Restore’s come-as-you-are approach. No sanctimonious rules, no lectures on unplugging. You do you, and as the good vibes sink in, it won’t be long before you willfully disconnect and tune into your ever-invigorated body.
SHOPPING DESTINATIONS
GALLERY
Gallery One has been the leading art gallery on 5th Avenue for more than 30 years, providing a diverse range of art pieces to adorn every room in your home.
Gallery One offers a curated selection to cater to every individual's taste and style. Step into our gallery and let your imagination soar as you explore the beauty and creativity that our artists have to offer. Your journey to finding the perfect piece of art starts here at Gallery One.
Inquire about our Gallery One Designer for private appointments and in home consultations.
Tara Grinna's Visionary Approach to Fashion and Life
Renowned for her exclusive resort and swim brand, Tara Grinna embodies a visionary approach to both fashion and life itself. Beyond her role as a designer, Tara is a true innovator with a deep passion for creativity and a profound appreciation for life's simple pleasures.
When she's not immersed in her design studio, Tara can often be found shopping vintage for unique finds that inspire her future collections or renovating her husband’s family home in Norway, a place she considers her personal sanctuary. Her love for rescuing dogs adds a compassionate dimension to her character, reflecting a commitment to kindness and care in all aspects of her life.
Tara's frequent visits to Milan and its surrounding regions serve as more than just a source of inspiration; they are opportunities to connect with partners and explore new ways to blend chic style with comfort while maintaining the highest standards of Italian quality. This dedication to innovation and versatility is evident throughout her brand, offering clients a truly unique and personalized experience
A New Luxury Experience in Bonita Springs
In her latest project, Tara Grinna has unveiled an exquisite luxury shopping experience in Bonita Springs at the Promenade This stunning space is designed not only to showcase her brand's offerings but also to attract clients from the Naples area, providing every reason to make the 30-minute drive north.
The space also houses the newly launched Signor Grinna label, featuring the finest in men's golf and resort wear alongside unique, exotic handmade leather goods and accessories. This dedicated men’s area offers a luxurious, relaxed environment for shopping in comfort.
Italian-Made Handbags: Exclusivity Redefined
In addition to her resort and swim collections, Tara Grinna has introduced a line of Italian-made luxury handbags created in partnership with renowned Italian artisans known for their work with the world’s leading fashion houses. Tara’s latest handbag, The Livia, is the epitom e of exclusivity: this extremely limited slouch clutch is available only through a carefully curated purchasing experience Access is restricted by zip code, ensuring that each client enjoys a bespoke, one-of-a-kind acquisition.
26841 S Bay Dr #150 Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Lead Designer, Tara Grinna
LIFE ON THE GULF / Flavors, institutions
DINING GUIDE
Fort Myers' Coldwater Oyster Market has a raw bar for delicacies like lobster and oysters that come with tasting notes.
The Dining Guide is crafted each month based on editorial discretion and may include restaurants that advertise regularly (denoted by an asterisk). Please email diningout@gulfshorelife.com to report changes in a restaurant’s location, prices or menu.
Chef AJ Black creates authentic Italian pizza, pasta and seafood specialties from waterfront fish houses on Isles of Capri and on Marco Island.
$$$ ITALIAN o p w
THIRD STREET SOUTH
Barbatella
1290 Third St. S., (239) 2631955. barbatellanaples.com
Meet up at the stunning bar or on the relaxed patio and enjoy casual Italian cuisine from the team behind Sea Salt. $$$ ITALIAN o p
The Bevy 360 12th Ave. S., (239) 228-4220. naplesbevy.com
Sip craft cocktails and varied influences at this indoor-outdoor local favorite off Third Street South.
$$$ MODERN AMERICAN b o p
Campiello/The Club Room
1177 Third St. S., (239) 4351166. campiellonaples.com. A favorite for its contemporary Italian cuisine and courtyard. During season, The Club Room, a restaurant within, has
its own menu and live music most nights.
$$$ ITALIAN o p v
D’Amico’s The Continental American Provisions and Craft Bar
1205 Third St. S., (239) 6590007. damicoscontinental. com. Savor top-quality cuts of steaks from all over. Stylish indoor and outdoor decor enhances the experience.
$$$$ STEAK o p v
Dining Guide Key : b Brunch o Outside Dining p Pet-Friendly v Valet w Water Views
Tina Sargeant
MONTHLY WINE DINNERS
Extend your fine dining experience with our seasonal monthly wine dinners. Each event features a curated selection of wines paired with delectable dishes.
Our sommelier will guide you through each pairing, providing insights into the flavors and origins of the wines. These evenings are a celebration of culinary and vinous excellence, perfect for wine enthusiasts and food lovers alike.
PRIVATE DINING OPTIONS
Discover why Angelina’s is the ideal choice for holiday parties, family gatherings, corporate events, or celebrating life’s most precious moments.
Choose from a variety of room sizes, and work with our culinary team to create a customized menu that will impress your guests. Our professional staff ensures that every detail is meticulously attended to, making your event truly special.
REFINED HAPPY HOUR
Every evening from 4 to 5:30 p.m., we offer a delightful selection of half-priced wines and beer by the glass, a $10 featured cocktail, and delicious small plates.
Whether you are reconnecting with friends or looking to unwind in luxuriously comfortable surroundings, our Happy Hour provides the ideal setting.
YOUR TABLE AWAITS...
Prepare to be impressed at Angelina's, where excellence is woven into every aspect of your dining experience. From our meticulously curated wine selection to our decadent desserts, every detail is thoughtfully crafted to delight your senses. Join us and discover why Angelina's is a destination for those who appreciate the finer things in life.
Jane’s Cafe on 3rd 1209 Third St. S., (239) 261-2253. janesgardencafe.com. Come for the lobster Benedict and stuffed French toast, stay to sit around the lovely koi fountain on the sunny patio.
$$ CAFE b o p
Ridgway Bar & Grill
1300 Third St. S., (239) 2625500. ridgwaybarandgrill.com. A quintessential Old Naples restaurant. For light bites and coffee, head to neighboring Tony’s Off Third.
$$$ MODERN AMERICAN b o p
Sea Salt
1186 Third St. S., (239) 434-7258. seasaltnaples.com. Loved for sophisticated seafood and accompaniments, this restaurant offers monthly wine dinners and events.
$$$ MEDITERRANEAN o p v
Mediterrano
336 13th Ave. S., (239) 2617498. mediterrano-naples.com Bright decor and a lush patio complement robust dishes and decadent desserts.
$$$ MEDITERRANEAN o
FIFTH AVENUE SOUTH
Bha! Bha! Persian Bistro 865 Fifth Ave. S., (239) 5945557. bhabhabistro.com. Iranian chef Michael Mir serves his homeland’s indulgent flavors in a jewel box of a dining room.
$$$ MIDDLE EASTERN o
Bontà Bakery
824 Fifth Ave. S., (239) 2346631. bontabakery.com. Italian pastry chefs use authentic ingredients to prepare pastries, pizza, sandwiches and gelato.
$ ITALIAN o p
Bistro 821
821 Fifth Ave. S., (239) 2615821. bistro821.com. An open kitchen serves a menu filled with creativity, including its original Neapolitan pasta and seafood dish.
$$$ MODERN AMERICAN o p
Chops City Grill
837 Fifth Ave. S., (239) 2624677. chopscitygrill.com. An elegant, Baroque-inspired steakhouse dry-ages cuts in-house. $$$$ STEAK o p
Del Mar
494 Fifth Ave. S., (239) 3500134. delmarnaplesrestaurant. com. Cameron Mitchell’s twostory, fine-dining locale draws from various Mediterranean cuisines.
365 Fifth Ave. S., (239) 3154019. thefrenchnaples.com. Lauded chef Vincenzo Betulia serves escargot and Wagyu
steak frites in an elegant atmosphere. Tucked into the back, intimate Rouge has a speakeasy feel and glamour.
$$$ FRENCH b o p
HobNob Kitchen & Bar
720 Fifth Ave. S., Suite 101, (239) 580-0070. hobnobnaples.com. Updated takes on American cuisine inside a cool, contemporary dining room.
$$$ MODERN AMERICAN o p
Ichi Togarashi
800 Fifth Ave. S., Suite 102, (239) 778-5324. togarashinaples.com. A favorite for its authentic takes on dim sum, seafood and 10 types of ramen.
$$ ASIAN
Keewaydin's on Fifth
711 Fifth Ave. S., (239) 2625787. keewaydins.com. The team's approach to American fare takes a coastal and global twist. $$$ MODERN AMERICAN b o v
La Pescheria/Molto Trattoria
474 Fifth Ave. S., (239) 316-7322 (La Pescheria). lapescherianaples.com. (239) 261-553 (Molto Trattoria). moltonaples.com. The Neris' Italian standbys offer fresh seafood (La Pescheria) and classic comfort recipes (Molto) within steps of each other; plus there's a newer, darling wine bar, Casa Neri, next to Molto. $$$$ ITALIAN o p v
Le Colonial 457 Fifth Ave. S., (239) 3729700. naples.lecolonial.com. Jaw-dropping interiors set the stage for exciting takes on the culinary category.
$$$ FRENCH VIETNAMESE o
Ocean Prime
699 Fifth Ave. S., (239) 4300404. ocean-prime.com
Cameron Mitchell presents surf and turf, an elegant dining room and highly attentive service. $$$$ MODERN AMERICAN v
Osteria Tulia/Bar Tulia
466 Fifth Ave. S., (239) 2132073. osteriatulia.com. Go for Sicilian-inspired fare in a rustic-chic setting or craft cocktails at Bar Tulia gastropub next door. $$$ ITALIAN o p
Pazzo! Cucina Italiana
853 Fifth Ave. S., (239) 4348494. pazzoitaliancafe.com. Beautiful presentations and twists on Italian favorites.
$$$ ITALIAN o p
Sails Restaurant
301 Fifth Ave. S., (239) 3602000. sailsrestaurants.com. This uncompromising establishment offers fine-dining to the max—and a stellar Champagne brunch. $$$$ SEAFOOD b o p v
Sushi Thai Downtown
898 Fifth Ave. S, (239) 430-7575. sushithaidowntown.com. Find a mix of sushi and Thai dishes with locations throughout
Collier and Lee counties.
$$ ASIAN o p
Truluck’s
698 Fourth Ave. S., (239) 530-3131. trulucks.com. A fine-dining locale touting seafood from the Gulf and beyond.
A courtyard setting serving Asian and French influences in The Escalante Hotel.
$$$ MODERN AMERICAN o p
The Vine Room
465 Fifth Ave. S., (239) 3161202. vineroom.com. Behind an ivy-shrouded door, this cocktail lounge crafts drinks with flair, plus small plates.
$$ COCKTAIL LOUNGE
DOWNTOWN NAPLES
The Claw Bar/The London Club
221 Ninth St. S., (239) 231-3912. theclawbar.com. Southern charm, the best oysters and elegant seafood are found at The Claw Bar inside the Bellasera Resort. Upstairs, The London Club serves the same menu, with a sultrier vibe and live jazz.
$$$$ SEAFOOD b o v
District/Staff Only/The Kitchen & The Mini Bar
1200 Central Ave., Suite 105, (239) 428-3101. districtnaples. com. A mini culinary complex in Naples Design District, with the sexy bar District, speakeasy Staff Only and alfresco The Kitchen & Mini Bar.
$$$ SEAFOOD/
MODERN AMERICAN b o
LoLa 41
560 Ninth St. S., (239) 3993300. lola41.com/location/ lola-41-naples. Influenced by the cultures along the 41st parallel north, Lola 41 excels
PJK Neighborhood Chinese*
835 4th Ave. S., (239) 3670300. pjkchinese.com. From restaurateur Paul Fleming, with elevated takes on Americanized Chinese fare. $$ CHINESE
Grappino
90 Ninth St. N., (239) 3314325. grappinonaples.com. This Aielli Group spot offers a fine selection of charcuterie and build-your-own pasta dishes. $$$ ITALIAN o
The Lake Park Diner
944 Seventh Ave. N., (239)
location at Founders Square, the casual locale serves organic fare with vegan options, plus diner classics.
$$ MODERN AMERICAN b o p
Limón Rooftop Bar
455 12th St. S., (239) 9443755. limonrooftop.com
Contemporary chic inside with a pool outside and modern Med fare on the plate.
$$ MEDITERRANEAN o
Nosh on Naples Bay
1490 Fifth Ave. S., Suite 101, (239) 384-9208. noshon naplesbay.com. Chef Todd Johnson crafts a menu of haute small plates.
$$$ ECLECTIC o v w
The Rooster Food + Drink
600 Goodlette-Frank Road N., Suite 101, (239) 228-5973. theroosternaples.com. Comforting breakfast and lunch. $$ AMERICAN b o p
Seventh South Craft Food + Drink
849 Seventh Ave. S., Suite 101, (239) 231-4553. seventhsouth.com. Among Naples’ top restaurants, where food and drinks earn equal acclaim.
$$$$ MODERN AMERICAN o p
Unidos
1 Ninth St. S., (239) 331-3668. unidosrestaurant.com. The likes of Peruvian ceviche, Cuban ropa vieja and
Argentine-style grilled meats unite in perfect harmony.
$$$ LATIN AMERICAN o
Warren Naples
111 Tenth St. S., (239) 3302611. warrennaples.com. An expansive whiskey and wine collection headline alongside a contemporary menu.
$$$ MODERN AMERICAN
CRAYTON COVE
Bleu Provence
1234 Eighth St. S., (239) 2618239. bleuprovencenaples. com. Channel Southern France with the cuisine and Naples’ only Grand Award-winning wine list.
$$$ FRENCH o p v
The Boathouse on Naples Bay*
990 Broad Ave. S., (239) 6432235. boathouseonnaplesbay. com. This waterfront restaurant dishes up fresh seafood. $$ SEAFOOD o w
Chez Boët
755 12th Ave. S., (239) 6436177. chezboetnaples.com. French staples paired with an impressive Scotch list.
$$$ FRENCH o p
The Dock at Crayton Cove* 845 12th Ave. S., (239) 2639940. dockcraytoncove.com. This laid-back spot serves Florida seafood on Naples Bay. $$$ SEAFOOD b o p w
M&M's Cafe at Tin City*
1200 5th Ave. S., Suite 122, (239) 261-5317. cafemn.com. Enjoy more than 30 flavors of housemade ice cream, among other treats.
$ AMERICAN
The Syren Oyster & Cocktail Bar
909 10th St S., (239) 610-1559. syrenoysterbar.com. Located just northeast of Crayton Cove, within the Naples Boat Club, this seafood-centric hotspot is the latest creation from lauded restaurateur Peter Tierney (The Claw Bar, The London Club). Go for the Naples Bay views; stay for the globally tinged menu.
$$$$ SEAFOOD o w
EAST NAPLES
21 Spices by Chef Asif
4270 Tamiami Trail E., Suite 21, (239) 919-8830. 21spicesdining. com. Authentic cuisine from an award-winning chef.
$$$ INDIAN o p
Carole’s Place Café & French Bakery
8793 Tamiami Trail E., (239) 3318003. carolesplacecafe.com. French pastries with a robust breakfast and lunch menu.
$ BAKERY b o
Celebration Park
2880 Becca Ave., (239) 3167253. celebrationparknaples. com This waterfront food truck park has a lively bar scene and boat-up slips.
$$ ECLECTIC o p w
Kareem’s Lebanese Kitchen
4270 Tamiami Trail E., (239) 3154167. kareemskitchen.com Try shawarma wraps, salads and chicken with za’atar potatoes.
$$ MIDDLE EASTERN o p
Espíritu Peruvian Cuisine
3861 Tamiami Trail E., (239) 2853924.espirituperuviancuisine.com. Don’t miss the ceviche here.
$$ PERUVIAN o
Lima Restaurant
5047 Tamiami Trail E., (239) 280-0167. lima-restaurant. com. Authentic Peruvian cuisine and a wide selection of pisco are the calling cards.
$$$ PERUVIAN o
LowBrow Pizza & Beer
3148 Tamiami Trail E., (239) 529-6919. lowbrowpizzaand beer.com. Creative wood-fired pies are served with craft brews in a fun, art-filled space.
$$ ITALIAN o p
Rebecca’s Cocktail & Wine Bar
2955 Bayshore Drive, (239) 799-1801. rebeccas naples.com. Gorgeous decor and stellar charcuterie headline the latest from the namesake Bayshore visionary.
Classic Cuban cuisine with fun twists and attentive service.
$$ LATIN AMERICAN o p
Old Vines Supper Club
2795 Davis Blvd., Suite 1, (239) 417-4466. oldvinesnaples.com. Find seasonal tasting menus and a weekly wine dinner on Wednesdays at this refined yet unpretentious East Naples hideaway from chef Brooke Kravetz.
$$$$ MODERN AMERICAN
Tacos & Tequila Cantina
4834 Davis Blvd., (239) 732-8226. tacosand tequilanaples.com. Tacos with lots of clever spins, plus margaritas aplenty.
If you’re a fan of New York’s iconic Peter Luger chophouse, opt for this tiny joint founded by one of its former chefs.
$$$$ STEAK o
Cibao Grille
814 Neapolitan Way, (239) 434-6653. cibaogrille.com. Dishes from the owners’ native Dominican Republic mix with American classics.
$$$ MODERN AMERICAN o p
DiGusto
4180 Tamiami Trail N., (239) 228-9414. digustoitaly.com. Authentic Italian pasta and other specialties presented with simple elegance.
$$$ ITALIAN
Dorona 2110 Tamiami Trail N., (239) 529-2819. dorona naples.com. The Aiellis’ chic steakhouse has a menu with Mediterranean-style seafood, pasta and prime cuts. $$$$ STEAK o p
Escargot 41
4351 Tamiami Trail N., (239) 793-5000. escargot41. com. This traditional spot features a page of escargot specials alone.
$$$ FRENCH o p
Fernández the Bull
Multiple locations in Collier and Lee counties. fernandez thebull.com. Authentic Cuban dishes, such as picadillo a la criolla and ropa vieja. $$ LATIN AMERICAN o p
Fujiyama
2555 Tamiami Trail N., (239) 261-4332. naples fujiyama.com. Japanese master chefs prepare dinners with flair at your hibachi table. $$ ASIAN
FUSE Global Cuisine/ FUSE BBQ
2500 Tamiami Trail N., Suite 114, (239) 455-4585.
fuseglobalcuisine.com. Cuisines from around the world, stellar barbecue and cocktails with creative punch.
$$$ ECLECTIC o p
Harold’s Place
2555 Tamiami Trail N., (239) 263-7254
naplesharoldsplace.com. This chickee bar serves a top-shelf charbroiled burger and poolside ambience.
$ AMERICAN o
Hogfish Harry’s*
600 Neapolitan Way, (239) 7767623. hogfishharrys.com. The menu sources most of its seafood from local fishers.
At this Argentinian and Uruguayan parrillada, you’ll find grass-fed beef and other South American specialties.
$$$ LATIN AMERICAN o p
Moura Bistro
3369 Pine Ridge Road, (239) 738-8883. mourabistro.com. Flavorful Lebanese fare, such as falafel, tabbouleh salad and shawarma.
$$ MIDDLE EASTERN o p
Nat Nat
3080 Tamiami Trail N., Suite 1, (239) 919-8732. natnat naples.com. A coffee shop by day, evening menus showcase scratch-made shareable plates and natural wines in a buzzy space.
$$$ MODERN AMERICAN o p
Shula’s Steak House
5111 Tamiami Trail N., (239) 430-4999. shulasnaples. com. Late NFL Hall of Fame coach Don Shula’s brainchild.
$$$$ STEAK
Spanky's Speakeasy* 1550 Airport-Pulling Road N., (239) 643-1559. spankysspeakeasy.com. The 40-year-old Naples staple serves everything from broiled seafood to filet mignon. $$ SEAFOOD, AMERICAN o w
Swan River Seafood & Fish Market
3741 Tamiami Trail N., (239) 403-7000. swanriver seafood.com. Find Cape Cod-style seafood and a market with fresh catches, wine and more.
$$$ SEAFOOD o p
Turco Taco 410 Ninth St. N., (239) 431-6682; 1514 Immokalee Road, Suite 116, (239) 431-6682. theturcotaco. com. Bright, comforting flavors infuse the menu.
5555 Tamiami Trail N., (239) 596-9112. bricktops. com/naples. This locale draws crowds for a wellchoreographed menu of seafood and steaks that appeal to a variety of appetites. $$$ AMERICAN b
True Food Kitchen
health-driven menu caters to flexitarians but has plenty of options for vegetarians and vegans. $$ CAFE b o p
NORTH NAPLES
BALEEN
9891 Gulf Shore Drive, (239) 598-5707. laplayaresort. com. A stunning dining room and tables on the beach for dining on creative cuisine, overlooking the Gulf.
$$$ MODERN AMERICAN b o v w
The Bay House
raw bar and mangrove-lined views. $$$ SEAFOOD o v w
Bicyclette Cookshop
819 Vanderbilt Beach Road, (239) 514-3333. bicyclette cookshop.com. Helmed by a Food Network Choppedwinning chef, with an inventive menus—don't miss it.
$$$ MODERN AMERICAN o
Black Forest Restaurant 2366 Immokalee Road, (239) 592-4784. blackforestnaples.
com. Find classic German and Austrian fare like traditional sauerbraten and schnitzel.
$$ EUROPEAN
Bone Hook Brewing Co. 1514 Immokalee Road, (239) 631-8522. bonehook brewing.com. A microbrewery with a taproom and full kitchen. $$ BAR BITES o p
Côte d’Azur
11224 Tamiami Trail N., (239) 597-8867. cotedazur restaurant.com. Old World French cuisine in a cozy, Provençal setting.
$$$ FRENCH
The Crust 8004 Trail Blvd., (239) 2448488. thecrustpizza.net. A sports bar with stellar pizza.
$ ITALIAN
Deep Lagoon Seafood & Fish Market
Multiple locations in Lee and Collier counties. deeplagoon.
com. The family behind Pinchers owns this popular eatery. $$$ SEAFOOD o p
The Grill/Gumbo Limbo/Nolita/Sofra at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples* 280 Vanderbilt Beach Road, (239) 598-3300. ritzcarlton.
com. The beach resort hosts several favorites: privateclub-like The Grill and Italian gem Nolita on the finer end; poolside, Mediterranean, Sofra and beachfront Gumbo Limbo for more casual eats.
$$$$ ASIAN, STEAKHOUSE, ITALIAN, MEDITERRANEAN, AMERICAN b o v w
Food & Thought 2 7941 Airport-Pulling Road, (239) 791-3663. foodandthought2.com. The longtime Naples organic grocery debuted a cool, second location in 2022, with a sitdown restaurant and menus that draw from the owner’s nearby farm.
$$ AMERICAN b o p
Grain de Café 8803 Tamiami Trail N., (239) 594-8081. frenchcafe naples.com. The pain
au chocolat, quiches and crepes are worth a visit.
$$ FRENCH b o
Jimmy P’s Burgers & More
1201 Piper Blvd., Suite 11, (239) 514-1800. jimmyps burgers.com. Superior meats are a local tradition here. $$ AMERICAN o p
Namba
8847 Tamiami Trail N., (239) 592-4992. nambanaples. com. Enjoy a remarkable selection of ramen, sushi and small plates.
$$ ASIAN
New York Pizza & Pasta
11140 Tamiami Trail N., (239) 594-3500; 8855 Immokalee Road, (239) 597-3800. nypp. com. Go for hand-tossed pies. $$ ITALIAN o p
Parmesan Pete’s
7935 Airport-Pulling Road, (239) 992-3663. parmesan petes.com. Order large portions of eggplant, veal and chicken Parms, meatballs and lasagna.
$ ITALIAN o p
Ria at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón* 2600 Tiburon Drive, (239) 593-2000. rianaples.com. Find food and cocktails inspired by Latin American street markets, served up alfresco.
$$$$ LATIN AMERICAN o v
Simit Fresh Mediterranean
1230 Airport-Pulling Road, (239) 331-4477. simitfresh. com. Lunch is a good bet, but cultural fare and seafood shine on the dinner menu.
$$$ MEDITERRANEAN
The Turtle Club
9222 Gulfshore Drive N., (239) 592-6557. turtleclubnaples. com. A longtime favorite for toes-in-the-sand lunch and divine seafood dinners.
A pan-Asian joint with fresh sushi, ramen, bar bites and Korean barbecue.
$$ ASIAN o MERCATO
Bar Tulia
9118 Strada Place, Suite 8150, (239) 438-1031. bartulia.com.
The second location of this Italian gastropub features expertly crafted cocktails, homemade pasta and woodfired pizza.
$$ ITALIAN b o p
The Hampton Social 9114 Strada Place, (239) 2022038. thehamptonsocial.com. A chic, rosé-all-day bar scene complemented by great seafood and noshes.
$$ NEW AMERICAN b o p
Old Vines Mercato
9105 Strada Place, Suite 3125, (239) 591-5351. oldvines.
net. The parent restaurant to Naples’ top supper club also has stellar happy hours (two daily). Esteemed chef Daniel Swofford leads the kitchen team, making for forward-thinking menus that do justice to the sophisticated wine and cocktail lists.
$$$ MODERN AMERICAN o
Rocco’s Tacos
9123 Strada Place, (239) 5008226. roccostacos.com. Go for the roughly 500 selections of tequila and mezcal.
$$ MEXICAN b o p
The 239 Naples
9108 Strada Place, (239) 6311902. the239naples.com. The restaurant keeps the focus on local growers and producers.
$$ MODERN AMERICAN b o
GALLERIA SHOPPES AT VANDERBILT
Alpine Restaurant
2355 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Suite 158, (239) 325-9499. alpineofnaples.com. The best of German, Slovak, Czech, Polish and Hungarian fare.
$$ EASTERN EUROPEAN b o p
Real Seafood Co. Naples
8960 Fontana Del Sol Way, (239) 591-3523. realseafoodcorestaurant.com.
Fish from New England, the Great Lakes and the Gulf pair with local produce. $$$$ SEAFOOD
The Cave Bistro & Wine Bar
2343 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Suite 604, (239) 513-0095. thecavenaples.com.
A magnificent selection of wines and small plates.
$$$ WINE BAR o p
Mister O1 Extraordinary Pizza*
2355 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Suite 176, (239) 631-6844. mistero1.com.
Extraordinary isn’t hyperbole; try the star-shaped pizza with ricotta-stuffed crust for proof. Look out for a second location in Downtown Naples.
$$ ITALIAN o p
MARCO ISLAND
844 Gulf and Prime 844 Bald Eagle Drive, (239) 544-9844. 844gulfandprime. com. Stunning spaces make an apt backdrop for shareable small plates and robust entrees.
$$$ MODERN AMERICAN w Ario
400 S. Collier Blvd., (239) 642-2695. arioatjw marco.com. At the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort, Ario has a sophisticated aesthetic, elevated culinary offerings and an impressive bar program.
$$$$ STEAK o v
Island Gypsy Café & Marina Bar
292 Capri Blvd., (239) 394-1111. theislandgypsy.com. A go-to on Isles of Capri—just north of Marco Island proper— the restaurant's alfresco, marina setting is as salty as its seafood specialties and casual ship-shaped bar (once a fishing yacht).
$$ SEAFOOD o w
LeeBee Fish Restaurant
350 Royal Palm Drive, (239) 389-0580. leebefish.com. A fisherman-owned seafood market and restaurant, it sells products right off the boat.
$$ SEAFOOD o
The Oyster Society
599 S. Collier Blvd., (239) 394-3474. theoystersociety.com. At this chic locale, the raw bar has more than 80 oyster selections, as well as sushi and fresh catches.
$$$ SEAFOOD o p
Sale e Pepe
480 S. Collier Blvd., (239) 393-1600. sale-e-pepe.com. A gem with Italian dishes, a formidable wine cellar and a waterfront patio overlooking the beach.
$$$ ITALIAN o p v w
Tesoro
400 S. Collier Blvd., (239) 393-3208. tesoroatjwmarco.com. Beach views and coastal fare make for a dreamy dinner.
$$$ MEDITERRANEAN o v w
Verdi's American Bistro
241 N. Collier Blvd., (230) 394-5533. verdisbistro.com. Specialties include crispy duck, rack of lamb, apple strudel and a distinguished wine list.
$$$ AMERICAN
Preeti Dewan Founder & Owner
LEE COUNTY
BONITA SPRINGS
Angelina’s Ristorante*
24041 S. Tamiami Trail, (239) 390-3187. angelinasof bonitasprings.com. This fine Italian restaurant has plush banquettes, live piano music and an award-winning wine list. $$$ ITALIAN o v
The Bohemian
27975 Old 41 Road, Suite 104, (239) 451-9619. thebohemian bonita.com. The team behind Downtown Coffee and Wine
Company presents a globally inspired menu.
$$$ ECLECTIC o
Chartreuse Craft
Cocktail Lounge
27313 Old 41 Road, (239) 9492776. chartreuselounge.com.
Swanky and hip, with personable bartenders shaking up cocktails you’ve never had before; plus, there’s a dessert menu. $ COCKTAIL LOUNGE
Chops City Grill
8200 Health Center Blvd., (239) 992-4677. chopsbonita. com. The sister restaurant to Naples’ elegant steakhouse.
com. A perfect stop for quick bites and water views.
$$ SEAFOOD o p v w
DeRomo’s Gourmet Market & Restaurant*
26811 S. Bay Drive, Suites 140 and 148, (239) 325-3583. deromos.com. This restaurant with a big-city vibe is part of an Italian market.
$$$ ITALIAN o p
Downtown Coffee and Wine Company
27546 Old 41 Road, (239) 272-6068. downtowncoffeeand winecompany.com. Light bites accompany specialty coffee and more than a dozen wines by the glass.
$ CAFE b o p
El Basque Vin & Pintxo Bar
25245 Chamber of Commerce Drive, (239) 301-4973. elbasque. com. Spanish and French influences merge at this tapas-style wine bar.
$$$ BASQUE p o
Jimmy P’s Charred 25301 S. Tamiami Trail, (239) 390-0301. jimmypssteaks.com. Enjoy superior meats and shareable side dishes.
$$$$ STEAK
Lapa’s Costa Rican Bistro
26251 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 9, (239) 221-7016. lapascr. com. Our editors' favorite lunch
spot serves up authentic Latin fare, like arroz con pollo, gallos and tostadas.
$$ LATIN AMERICAN
The Other Side Bistro
24630 S. Tamiami Trail, (239) 992-7433. otherside bistro.com. Chef Brian McCarley serves comfort dishes with modern flair.
$$$ MODERN AMERICAN o p
Malinche Mexican Cuisine
3250 Bonita Beach Road SW, Suite 202, (239) 301-2902. malinchebonitasprings.com.
Brothers Jorge and Antonio Salazar dish traditional Central and Southern Mexican flavors.
$$ MEXICAN
Petar’s Restaurant
3300 Bonita Beach Road, Suite 120, (239) 249-4064. petarsrestaurant.com. Chef Petar Al Kurdi has developed a strong following for his deftly prepared cuisine.
$$$ MODERN AMERICAN o
Rooftop at Riverside
27333 Old 41 Road, (239) 268-0080. eatdrinkparadise. com. The rooftop craft bar overlooks a half-dozen food trucks and the Imperial River.
$$ ECLECTIC o p
Roy’s Restaurant
26831 S. Bay Drive, Suite 100, (239) 498-7697. roysrestaurant.
com. Enjoy celebrity chef Roy Yamaguchi’s Hawaiian and Pacific fusion fine dining.
$$$ ASIAN o
A Table Apart
4295 Bonita Beach Road, (239) 221-8540. atableapart. com. Fusion influences from the Pacific Rim and beyond.
$$$ ECLECTIC
Wolfmoon
27975 Old 41 Road, Suite 107, (601) 557-3238. wolfmoon. co. Go for some of the best croissants and coffee in town—hands down.
$ CAFÉ o
Wylds Café
4271 Bonita Beach Road, (239) 947-0408. wyldscafe.com. Three chefs join forces for this fine-dining experience.
$$$ MODERN AMERICAN ESTERO
Divieto Ristorante
23161 Village Shops Way, Suite 101, (239) 390-2977. divietoristorante.com. The famous fettuccine Alfredo is prepared in a hollowed-out Parmesan wheel. $$$ ITALIAN o p
El Gaucho Deli Café
22905 Lyden Drive, (239) 317-2994. elgauchoinca. com. From the same talented husband-wife team that brings Peruvian-Argentinian fusion to Fort Myers, this locale intertwines South and North American flavors.
$ ECLECTIC b
El Nido
23161 Village Shops Way, Suite 113, (239) 319-1900. elnidoeats.com. A contemporary joint using local ingredients for house-made sauces and a modern spin on Latin dishes. $$ MEXICAN o p
Real Seafood Co.
8001 Plaza Del Lago Drive. realseafoodcorestaurant.com
The former Naples restaurant serves fish from New England, the Great Lakes and the Gulf paired with local produce.
$$$$ SEAFOOD
Tacos & Tequila Cantina
10952 Eagle Village Drive, (239) 330-8226. tacosandtequila naples.com. Tacos with clever tweaks, plus margaritas. $
MEXICAN o p
FORT MYERS
SOUTH FORT MYERS
Artisan Eatery
8951 Daniels Parkway, (239) 887-4844. artisan eatery.com. Look for outstanding specials at this stamp-sized favorite.
$ MODERN AMERICAN b
Backyard Social
16371 Corporate Commercial Way, (239) 703-7077. backyardsocial.com. One of the region’s food truck-outdoor bar concept with eight vendor takeout options.$$ ECLECTIC o
Flock Wine Bistro
9405 Cypress Lake Drive, Suite 1, (239) 245-7105. flockwinebistro.com. Inspired by Rome’s hipster Monti neighborhood, this wine bar offers curated vinos, obsessionworthy small plates and pizzaflatbread hybrids.
$$ WINE BAR
Coldwater Oyster Market
5611 Six Mile Commercial Court, (239) 220-5918. coldwateroystermarket.com. Oysters and seafood from the North Atlantic and Pacific Northwest from Chef Adam Nardis. $$$ SEAFOOD o p
Cubans Be Like
13300 S. Cleveland Ave., Suite 21, (239) 789-1869. cubans belike.com. Cuban favorites define the menu— don’t miss the vaca frita.
$$$ CUBAN o
Ember
7091 College Parkway, Suite 9, (239) 771-8818. emberfortmyers.com.
A gem with tabletop barbecue, fusion dishes and sushi.
$$$ ASIAN
Fancy’s Southern Café
8890 Salrose Lane, Suite 101, (239) 561-2988. fancyssoutherncafe.com.
Elevated Southern favorites in a casual atmosphere.
$$ AMERICAN b o p
Harold’s
15250 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 107, (239) 849-0622. haroldscuisine. com. Chef Harold Balink’s cozy, farm-to-table bistro and bourbon bar.
$$$ MODERN AMERICAN
Liberty
12995 S. Cleveland Ave., Suite 112, (239) 689-5528. eatliberty.us. Chef Bob Boye’s gem features artfully presented, progressive menus of complex small plates.
$$$ MODERN AMERICAN
MAKS Asian Kitchen & Sushi
13650 Fiddlesticks Blvd. Suite 206, (239) 985-9632. maksfl.com Masters at sushi, the Mak brothers also prepare lovely Japanese noodle and rice dishes.
$$ ASIAN
Mastello Ristorante & Steakhouse
7890 Summerlin Lakes Drive, Suite 101, (239) 936-3660. mastello.com. Depend on upscale creations dished in a gorgeous dining room.
$$$ ITALIAN
Osteria Celli
15880 Summerlin Road, Suite 308, (239) 267-1310. osteriacelli.com. Fresh pasta is a highlight.
$$$$ ITALIAN
Two Meatballs in the Kitchen
8880 Salrose Lane, (239) 489-1111. twomeatballsmenu. com. With a second location in Cape Coral, it brings classic and house-tweaked Italian favorites to the table, including gluten-free pasta. $$ ITALIAN
BELL TOWER SHOPS
DaRuMa Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Lounge 13499 S. Cleveland Ave., (239) 344-0037. daruma restaurant.com. Enjoy Teppan-style tableside cooking, tempura and sushi.
$$$ ASIAN o p
McGregor's Public House
13499 S. Cleveland Ave., (239) 990-3336. mcgregors publichouse.com. Delightful interpretations of Irish cuisine made with from-scratch goodness. $ IRISH o
CENTRAL FORT MYERS
El Gaucho Inca
4383 Colonial Blvd., (239) 2757504. elgauchoinca.com. A mix of Argentinian and Peruvian dishes with a clone in Estero.
Southern classics and comforts at this regional mainstay. $ AMERICAN b
Ginger Bistro
4650 Cleveland Ave., Suite 8, (239) 689-3113. gingerbistrousa.com.
Traditional dim sum and Cantonese barbecue are highlights. $$ ASIAN
KJ’s Steakhouse
10950 S. Cleveland Ave., (239) 275-4745. kjsfreshgrill. com. They pride themselves on aging and searing.
$$$ MODERN AMERICAN o p
MCGREGOR CORRIDOR
Azure
15301 McGregor Blvd., Suite 1, (239) 288-4296. azurefortmyers.com. Enjoy modernized French classics with a Southern flair.
$$$ FRENCH o
Blanc
13451 McGregor Blvd., Suite 10, (239) 887-3139. blancentertainment.com.
France meets Asia at Chef Jean Claude Rogé’s intimate restaurant. $$$ ECLECTIC
Cibo
12901 McGregor Blvd., Suite 16, (239) 454-3700. cibofortmyers.com. This popular Italian spot serves stellar food and wines. $$$ ITALIAN
Jordan’s Wine Bar and Cellar
12901 McGregor Blvd., Suite 14, (239) 313-7056. The latest venture from chef Gloria
Jordan-Cabral, with novelties and next-level sandwiches. $$ WINE BAR
Lan Xang
1400 Colonial Boulevard, Suite 57, (239) 689-8603. lanxangftmyers.com. Popular for takeout and dine-in, its pan-Asian—Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, Indian—flavors are spot-on. $$ ASIAN
Roadhouse Café
15660 San Carlos Blvd., Suite 280, (239) 415-4375. road housecafefl.com. Try a wide range of dishes, including steak. $$$ MODERN AMERICAN
A Fine Art Experience
Visit our vibrant Art District for a one-of-a-kind experience, where you can meet over 100 of our artists in person while strolling through their galleries and watching them work in their studios, each of them creating original fine art that is as unique as the District itself.
OPEN STUDIOS
Every Thursday and Saturday 1-5 PM November through April
DOWNTOWN FORT MYERS
10 Twenty Five
33 Patio De Leon, (239) 208-6903. 10twentyfive. net. A from-scratch kitchen adds culinary legitimacy to its rooftop and downstairs scene of craft cocktails, live music and clever pub fare. $ AMERICAN b o p
Bay Street Yard
2136 Bay St., (239) 2705941. baystreetyard.com Downtown’s new beer garden offers fresh food truck bites and thoughtfully curated cocktails in an alfresco setting. $$ ECLECTIC o
Bruno's of Brooklyn 2112 Second St., (239) 278-0211. brunosofbrooklyn. com. Acclaimed Sicilian cuisine by way of New York City, soon to move to a new location on downtown's main drag.
$$ ITALIAN
The Silver King Ocean Brasserie/Oxbow Bar & Grill/Beacon Social Drinkery*
Luminary Hotel & Co., find fine-dining at The Silver King, riverfront eats at Oxbow Bar & Grill, Ella Mae's Diner and the rooftop Beacon Social Drinkery.
$$$ SEAFOOD o v w
The Standard Restaurant
1520 Broadway, (239) 219-6463. thestandardftmyers.com. Fromscratch eats and craft cocktails.
$$$ MODERN AMERICAN b p
The Veranda
2122 Second St., (239) 332-2065. verandarestaurant.com. Fort Myers’ grande dame provides top-notch service and Southerninspired specialties.
$$$ MODERN AMERICAN o p v
Wisteria Tea Room & Cafe
2512 Second St., (239) 689-4436. wisteriatearoom.com. A charming historic home with several prix-fixe options for afternoon tea and nibbles.$$ TEA ROOM b o
Hidden behind Publix amongst a marina and backwater mangroves, its sophisticated menu and second-story patio views win favor.
$$$ SEAFOOD o w
JWB Grille
451 Crescent Street, (239) 899-4094. margaritaville resorts.com. The new Margaritaville Resort’s eatery offers international flavors with local flair in an elevated setting overlooking the beach.
$$$ MODERN AMERICAN w
SANIBEL ISLAND
Bleu Rendezvous
751 Tarpon Bay Road, (239) 565-1608. bleurendez vous.com. This restaurant is lauded for authentic French fare, such as coq au vin and cassoulet. $$$ FRENCH o p
Cielo
1244 Periwinkle Way, (239) 472-5555. cielo-sanibel. com. Elevated island fare and craft cocktails.
$$$ MODERN AMERICAN v
Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille* Locations throughout Lee County. docfords.com. Seafood, mojitos and a namesake rum bar.
975 Rabbit Road, (239) 9557673. rosalitascantina.com/ sanibel. Modern Mex cuisine in a contemporary setting.
$$ MEXICAN b
The Timbers Restaurant & Fish Market
703 Tarpon Bay Road, (239) 472-3128. timbersofsanibel. com. Fresh fish off the docks and fine steaks make up the old-school menu in this longtime institution.
A locals’ pick for lunch, dinner and happy hour, its consistent menu adds signature twists to fish and beef dishes.
$$$ MODERN AMERICAN o p v
Tutti Pazzi
1200 Periwinkle Way, (239) 966-7654. tuttipazzisanibel. com. Pizza and classic Italian mastered with authenticity and simplicity.
$$ ITALIAN
Wickies Lighthouse Restaurant
362 Periwinkle Way, (239) 4721100. wickieslighthouserestau rant.com. Two high-powered restaurants combined after Hurricane Ian for this hybrid of casual and gourmet in a clean, modern space.
$$$ MODERN AMERICAN b o p
CAPTIVA ISLAND
Keylime Bistro at Captiva Island Inn*
11509 Andy Rosse Lane, (239) 395-4000. keylimebistrocaptiva.com.
A colorful island spot on Boca Grande and expected to reopen on Captiva spring 2025.
$$$ MODERN AMERICAN b o p
The Mucky Duck
11546 Andy Rosse Lane, (239) 4723434. muckyduck.com. A British pub with seafood platters, beer and live music.
$$ AMERICAN o p w
RC Otter’s Island Eats*
11506 Andy Rosse Lane, (239) 3951142. captivaislandinn.com.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner with live music.
$$ AMERICAN b o p
Sunshine Seafood Cafe and Wine Bar*
11508 Andy Rosse Lane, (239) 472-6200. captivaislandinn.com. A sophisticated, beachy cafe with beloved chef Ryan Kida at the helm.
$$$ SEAFOOD
Crow's Nest Steakhouse, Old Captiva House and The Shipyard
15951 Captiva Drive, (239) 472-5161. tween-waters.com. ’Tween Waters Island Resort presents refined fare in its casual and elevated locales.
$$$ SEAFOOD
CAPE CORAL & PINE ISLAND
Café YOU
1423. SE 10th St., (239) 6000966. cafeyou2.wordpress. com. Global and gluten-free dishes populate the breakfast and lunch menus.
$ CAFÉ
Cork Soakers Deck & Wine Bar
837 SE 47th Terrace, (239) 542-6622. corksoakers.
net. An irreverent tone shows in the decor and on the menu.
$$ MODERN AMERICAN b o p
Fathoms Restaurant & Bar
5785 Cape Harbour Drive, Suite 106, (239) 542-0123. fathomsrestaurant.com.
Upscale cuisine with international influences.
$$$ MODERN AMERICAN o p w
Fish Tale Grill
By Merrick Seafood 1229 SE 47th Terrace, (239) 257-3167. fishtalegrill. com. With an adjacent fish market, many items earn nods. $$$ SEAFOOD b o
Front Porch Social
4721 Vincennes Blvd., (239) 347-8914. frontporch socialcc.com. A breezy, shaded patio, small plates and fab cocktails make for a
perfect date spot.
$$ MODERN AMERICAN b o
Gather
5971 Silver King Blvd., Suite 116, (239) 673-9939. gather cape.com. Celebrated chefs blend Mediterranean flavors with classics.
$$$ MODERN AMERICAN b o w
Next Door
5971 Silver King Blvd., Suite 114, (239) 984-2453. nextdoorcape.com. From the team at Gather, Next Door elevates small dishes with focused flair.
$$$$ ITALIAN o
Ginger Bistro
2366 Surfside Blvd., Suite C-101, (239) 558-8865. gingerbistrousa.com. Authentic Chinese fare and traditional Cantonese barbecue. $$ ASIAN
Clever Pacific Rim dishes and signature rum drinks.
$$ ECLECTIC b o p
Lobster Lady Seafood Market & Bistro
1715 Cape Coral Parkway, (239) 471-0136. lobsterlady seafood.com. In addition to lobster, find a barge-load of sushi selections, crab,
snapper and the entire roll call of local seafood.
$$$ SEAFOOD o p
Marker 92 Waterfront Bar & Bistro/ Nauti Mermaid
5961 Silver King Blvd., (239) 541-5000. marriott.com
Bay views and entrees from these two restaurants at The Westin Cape Coral.
$$$ SEAFOOD b o p w
Nevermind Awesome Bar and Eatery
927 Cape Coral Parkway E., (239) 257-9444. nevermind awesomebar.com. This legendary establishment tucks into the Cape Coral dining scene with a history of off-grid sandwiches and cocktails that delight.
$$ MODERN AMERICAN
Nice Guys Pizza
1404 Cape Coral Parkway E., (239) 549-7542. niceguyspizza. com. Its cultish following crams into a colorful space known to enjoy pizzas like Street Corn Named Desire.
$$ MODERN AMERICAN o p
Point 57 Kitchen & Cocktails
3522 Del Prado Blvd. S., (239) 471-7785. point-57.com.
A critically acclaimed menu in a contemporary open bar
Steaks like the 24-ounce porterhouse are the power-hitters, but it also excels in seafood and creative side dishes to share.
$$$$ STEAK
Sage on 47th
1015 SE 47th Terrace, (239) 542-0200. sageon47th. com. A locally grown chef returns to his roots with this buzzy space.
$$ MODERN AMERICAN b o
Tarpon Lodge Restaurant*
13771 Waterfront Drive, Bokeelia, (239) 283-3999. tarponlodge.com. Dine in a 1920s fishing lodge.
$$$ MODERN AMERICAN o w
The Waterfront Cafe Restaurant & Marina
2131 Oleander Street, (230) 9665026. waterfrontrestaurantmarina. com. A fixture on the canals of St. James City, it’s a boat-in favorite for well-crafted seafood creations and sandwiches without pretension.
$$ SEAFOOD o p w
TOP EVENTS FOR OCTOBER
Fill your calendar with fall festivities, momentous exhibits and delights from the stage and screen in Southwest Florida. As events may change, we recommend you check with the organizations for the latest information.
Anglers cast a line in Naples, Goodland and Chokoloskee on October 25 for Conservancy of Southwest Florida’s Redsnook Catchand-Release tournament, supporting the nonprofit’s clean water fund.
Through Oct. 27
Internalizing the External: A New Perspective on Nature at Naples Botanical Garden
An avid nature lover from a young age, Naples-based Ran Adler transforms disparate, earthen materials into other-worldly, 3D displays, which were custom-created for the Garden. naplesgarden.org
Oct. 1 — Feb. 15
Reflections of South Florida: A 50 Year Art Adventure at Marco Island Historical Museum
Naples famed plein-air painter Paul Arsenault commemorates five decades of capturing the soul-stirring beauty of Southwest Florida with a retrospective exhibit of paintings and mosaics. This milestone show comes as part of Marco Island Historical Society’s ongoing 30-year anniversary celebration. themihs.org Life on the Gulf — Agenda
Oct. 2-20
Rumors at The Naples Players
American playwright Neil Simon’s murderous farce, Rumors, takes the recently renovated, 452-seat Kizzie Theater mainstage. The 1988 comedy kicks off when four couples arrive at the 10th wedding anniversary celebration for New York’s deputy mayor, only to find that the mayor is injured and his wife is missing. naplesplayers.org
Oct. 4-6, 11-13, 18-20, 25-27
Haunted Walk at Calusa Nature Center, Fort Myers
Take a ghostly walk through the Calusa Nature Center, where darkened trails could lead to fright and delight. Parents, proceed with caution. Some scares may be too spooky for kids and young teens. All proceeds from the event go toward the preserve’s animals. calusanature.org
Oct. 4-7, 11-13, 18-20, 25-27
Farmer Mike’s 10th Annual Fall Festival & Corn Mazes, Bonita Springs and Fort Myers
Map your way through three separate corn mazes, munch on snacks from the farm’s N’Season Restaurant, peruse vendor markets and enjoy a variety of kids activities Friday to Sunday throughout the month. And, come out during the week to select your soon-to-be jack-o’lantern from Farmer Mike’s pumpkin patch. farmermikesupick.com
Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center’s annual Wicked Walk returns to Fort Myers on October 24 and 25, with Halloween-themed art, skits, musical performances, dances and spooky storytelling from more than 150 Lee County Public Schools students.
Courtesy Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center
Paul Arsenault’s Caribbean House, Caribbean Garden (2020)/Courtesy Marco Island Historical Museum
Naples’ beloved expressionist Paul Arsenault marks 50 years of capturing the region’s flora, fauna, streets and architecture with a retrospective exhibit at Marco Island Historical Museum, opening October 1.
Naples International Film Festival
The 16th annual Naples International Film Festival is an unparalleled opportunity for film lovers to gather and experience some of today’s best independent films in a friendly and welcoming environment. Get your tickets to one or all of these exciting events today!
Opening Night Film and Party
Thursday, October 24, Doors Open 6pm | Film 7pm · Hayes Hall
Generously sponsored by The Woodruff Institute.
Cinema Under the Stars
Friday-Saturday, October 25-26, 7:30pm · Norris Garden
Films at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
Friday-Sunday, October 25-27 · Mercato, Naples
Closing Night Awards Ceremony, Film & Wrap Party
Sunday, October 27, 5:30pm · Daniels Pavilion
Batman (1989) in Concert - 35th Anniversary Tour
Naples Philharmonic
Jack Everly, principal pops conductor
Sunday, October 27, 7:30pm · Hayes Hall
Jack Everly’s appearance as Principal Pops Conductor is generously endowed by John W.* and Jeanne M. Rowe. (*Deceased)
For tickets & information:
artisnaples.org/NIFF
239-597-1900
5833 Pelican Bay Blvd
Festival Presenting Sponsors Dr. Richard Lublin and Christine Lublin.
Assemblage artist Ran Adler believes in finding order within disorder, gathering seemingly disparate, nature-inspired materials to create harmonious works. Discover his latest creations at Naples Botanical Garden through October 27.
Oct. 5
Forest Bathing at Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Preserve, Naples Immerse yourself in the lush greenery of Rookery Bay with forest bathing, the Japanese practice that promotes mindfulness by spending quiet, observant time in nature.
Led by certified guide Robin DeMattia, of Naples’ Go Forest Bathing, the two-hour sensory experience encourages you to be present by soaking in the sights, sounds and smells of the outdoors. goforestbathing.com
Oct. 7
Naples Area Board of Realtors 2024 Golf Tournament at Vineyards Country Club
Individual tickets include unlimited golf, breakfast, lunch and drink tickets, as well as a raffle entry for a cash prize. All proceeds from the event go toward the NABOR Charitable Foundation, the Naples Area Board of Realtors’ nonprofit that’s provided nearly $500,000 to critical organizations, like St. Matthew’s House, Guadalupe Center and Valerie’s House. vineyardscountryclubnaples. com
Oct. 8 — Nov. 7
Opening Group Exhibition at Harmon-Meek Gallery, Naples
The storied Naples gallery opens its 61st season with an exhibition of masterful paintings, sculptures and collages from beloved artists represented by Harmon-Meek, like Mally Khorasantchi, Hunt Slonem and Richard Segalman. harmonmeekgallery.com
Oct. 11-13, 18-20
Boo at the Zoo at Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day, the zoo transforms for a wildly spooktacular celebration for families. Go for the pirate expedition cruise, magic shows and trick-ortreating among the wildlife. napleszoo.org
Oct. 12 — Feb. 2
Alex Katz: Theater and Dance at Artis—Naples, The Baker Museum
American figurative artist Alex Katz’s longtime fascination with theater and dance yielded six decades of imaginative collaborations with choreographers, dancers and avant-garde theater troupes.
See The Baker Museum’s comprehensive exhibition of Katz’s paintings, set designs and never-before-exhibited sketches, alongside lectures from subject matter experts in November and January. artisnaples.org
WOMEN OF INITIATIVE LUNCHEON
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22 | THE RITZ-CARLTON, NAPLES
2024 HONOREES: Angela Meister
Anne Fleming
Barbie Hills
Carolyn “CAT” Tieger
Mary Susan Gallien Clinton
Grab your best seaside chic attire & get ready to celebrate the beautiful community we live in while supporting the arts!
SEASIDESoirée
N a p l e s , F l o r i d a N O V . 2 0 2 4 23 R D
Get tickets and sponsorships here!
5 : 0 0 - 9 : 0 0 p . m .
SEAGATE BEACH CLUB
Join us for a celebration of Collier County’s arts with live music, art installations, culinary delights, cocktails, & sunset at the beach!
Honoring Harriet Heithaus
A t t i r e
S e a s i d e C h i c - s h o e s a r e o p t i o n a l !
U n i t e d A r t s C o l l i e r . o r g
Clyde Butcher’s lens has captured the pristine beauty of Big Cypress National Preserve and the Everglades since 1984. On October 19, the artist displays new photography at Big Cypress Gallery in Ochopee.
Gwendolyn Heasley 2025 Gala Chair Jessica Shwedel 2025 Gala Chair Emeritus JAN 31 2025
11-03-2024 5-8:00 PM THE CLUB AT KALEA BAY NAPLES, FL
TRAVEL BACK IN TIME AND GROOVE TO THE TUNES OF THE 70S & 80S AT OUR “RETRO REVIVAL” FUNDRAISER SUPPORTING CANCER ALLIANCE NETWORK LET'S CELEBRATE THE ICONIC ERA OF DISCO, FUNK, ROCK, AND SOUL WHILE MAKING A DIFFERENCE FOR OUR LOCAL CHILDREN AND FAMILIES BATTLING CANCER! Scan or long press the QR code to buy tickets
Oct. 16 — Nov. 10
Almost, Maine at The Naples Players
A modern classic by American playwright John Cariani, Almost, Maine explores themes of love and loss through nine nuanced short stories set in the fictional town of Almost, Maine. naplesplayers.org
Oct. 17 — Nov. 21
Note to Self at Wasmer Art Gallery, Arts Complex, FGCU
In Note to Self, three Florida Gulf Coast University alums exhibit introspective, autobiographical works of textile art, printmaking, photography and painting. Meet the artists at the October 17 opening reception. fgcu.edu
Oct. 18-20, 25-27
39th Annual Cape Coral Oktoberfest at German-American Social Club of Cape Coral Southwest Florida’s largest Oktoberfest celebration returns with two weekends of German cuisine, live music and plenty of beer. capecoraloktoberfest.com
Oct. 19
STARability’s 7th Annual Run, Walk & Roll 5K at Paradise Coast Sports Complex, Naples This joyful jog at Naples’ Paradise Coast Sports Complex brings Southwest Floridians of all ages and walks of life together to build community, promote inclusivity and garner support for STARability’s programs while
Keynote Speaker, Whitney Lam Gilliard, will share her inspiring story of growing up in foster care and how it fueled her passion for advocating change and redefining outcomes.
Hit the green at Vineyards Country Club for the Naples Area Board of Realtors 2024 Golf Tournament on October 7. Proceeds support the group’s foundation, which helps alleviate needs around hunger, poverty and grief.
For more information, visit leecattlebarons com or contact Nina Gasparrini at (617) 216-4128 or nina.gasparrini@cancer.org
The evening’s mission moment will support the Collier & Lee Counties Health Equity Fund This fund is designed to focus on addressing health equity and health disparities in Collier and Lee Counties. Initiated in 2023, this fund - the first of it’s kind for the American Cancer Society - is helping our neighbors by supporting critical patient service needs in the community that were previously unmet and undertaking ambitious projects with health partners to increase cancer screenings
IMPACT OF THE COLLIER & LEE COUNTIES HEALTH EQUITY FUND
Lodging
In 2023, ACS provided 1,816 nights at Hope Lodges to 58 Collier and Lee Counties patients and caregivers, resulting in $354,120 in savings to those patients.
Screening
This fund is supporting four projects in our community to increase colorectal & lung cancer screening rates, as well as access to biomarker testing, with a goal of reaching nearly 2,000 individuals.
Transportation
In 2023, we have served 414 patients providing 3,268 rides in Collier and Lee Counties, breaking down barriers and providing access to care.
celebrating our neighbors with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Last year’s race broke registration records with more than 400 participants. starability.org
Oct. 19
Swamp Celebration 2024 at Clyde Butcher’s Big Cypress Gallery, Ochopee
Celebrate 50 years of Big Cypress National Preserve
at beloved environmentalist couple Clyde and Niki Butcher’s gallery, where they’ll exhibit new photography and notes from their travels. The team hosts guided swamp walks, educational lectures and an insider’s view of the magic of the swamp. clydebutcher.com
Oct. 24-25
Wicked Walk at The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, Fort Myers
SBDAC goes spooky in this annual collaboration with Lee County Public Schools. Join a guided evening tour through the center for an immersive experience with student-made works of art, dance routines, skits,
installations and musical performances inspired by classic monster stories and haunted theater tales. sbdac.com
Oct. 24-27
16th Annual Naples International Film Festival at Artis—Naples
This festival is a film buff’s dream, with revelatory works of cinema followed by post-screening filmmaker and
actor talkbacks exploring the making and meaning behind each picture. For peak glamour, check out the opening night red carpet party—filled with haute cuisine and bubbly—and the final night’s film in concert. This year, Naples Philharmonic performs the score for the 1989 Batman artisnaples.org
Oct. 25-27
Stone Crab Festival at Tin City, Naples
Celebrate the start of stone crab season with music, drinks and heaps of Gulfcaught seafood. The weekend festival kicks off Friday at 5 p.m. with a ceremonial cracking of the first stone crab claw and a performance from the regional cover band Soapy Tuna. stonecrabfestival.com
Oct. 25-27
Redsnook Catch & Release
Charity Fishing Tournament at Conservancy of Southwest Florida, Naples Gather your fishing buddies for Conservancy of Southwest Florida’s annual fishing tournament. Friday evening’s kickoff party sets the mood for a two-day competition where angling teams across Collier County hunt for redfish, snook and tarpon. Snap a photo
of your catch on the tournament measuring board (tarpon should be measured boatside, not onboard) and release it for consideration in Sunday’s award reception. conservancy.org
Oct. 26
Edison and Ford Winter
Estates Fall Festival, Fort Myers
Find craft vendors, food trucks, music and activities for children at one of Edison
Join Us
Chair: Don Fites
Featuring Legendary Golf Professional, Jay Haas
Pairings Party | Sunday, November 17, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.
Charity Classic Pro-Am | Monday, November 18, 2024 | 9:00 a.m. Tee - Off
Bay Colony Golf Club
For more information or to purchase tickets or sponsorships, visit immokaleefoundation.org/pro-am or call 239-430-9122.
At Cars and Coffee 239, in Mercato, aficionados gather every third Sunday of the month to chat about and peruse hundreds of vintage muscle cars and modern cruisers. Catch the next meet-up on October 13.
Unplug and soak in the sights, sounds and smells of the pristine Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve with a guided forest bathing experience on October 5.
February 18, 2025 ~ The Ritz-Carlton Tiburón
Denise Brown is the sister of Nicole Brown Simpson, ex-wife of O.J. Simpson who was acquitted of her murder in 1994.
Denise and her sisters were recently featured in a Lifetime docuseries, The Life & Murder of Nicole Brown Simpson. In the three decades since her sister’s murder, Denise has advocated for victims of domestic violence and helped pass the Violence Against Women Act.
PROCEEDS BENEFIT
The Shelter for Abused Women & Children
For more information, contact Susan Utz at sutz@naplesshelter.org 239.775.3862 • naplesshelter.org
and Ford Winter Estates’ biggest events of the season. edisonfordwinterestates.org
Oct. 26
Elle King at Seminole Casino Hotel, Immokalee
Grammy-nominated “Ex’s & Oh’s” singer Elle King brings her characteristic swagger to the stage at Seminole Casino Hotel as part of her “Baby Daddy’s Weekend” tour. paradisecoast.com
Oct. 27 — Nov. 24:
Anything Goes at Gulfshore Playhouse, Naples
Anything Goes takes audiences onboard the S.S. American, where a quest for love leads to passenger hijinx all across the Atlantic, with notable songs from American composer and songwriter Cole Porter, like “Anything Goes” and “I Get a Kick Out of You.”
gulfshoreplayhouse.org
Recurring Events We Love
With live music on the streets, nibbles at local galleries and shops and other fun diversions, these monthly events keep us coming back.
Oct. 4
Fort Myers Art Walk, Downtown Fort Myers Fort Myers’ growing arts scene is on full display on the first Friday of the month. Don’t miss the accompanying rooftop party at Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center.
Oct. 10
Evening on Fifth in Old Naples
The shops stay open late, restaurants offer dining specials and live music lines the historic streets of Naples’ Fifth Avenue South on second Tuesdays.
December 5, 2024, 5:30pm
Royal Poinciana Golf Club, Naples, Florida
Chairs: Jan and Kim Kantor
Join us at the Opera Naples annual benefit gala!
Scan QR code for tickets or contact us directly 239-963-9050 | operanaples.org
Oct. 18
of the best tricked-out cars in town. carsandcoffee239.com
Oct. 30
Art After Hours at Artis—Naples, The Baker Museum
Art After Hours invites you to a complimentary viewing of Artis—Naples, The Baker Museum’s latest exhibitions on the last Wednesday of each month from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. artisnaples.org
TICKETS ON SALE NOW
Shot — March 1972 — Publisher Harry R. Denmead — “Along the Gulfshore”
Suited and Booted
When our inboxes start to fill with nonprofit gala and luncheon invitations, we know Southwest Florida’s social season is back in full swing. Among the artful invites, we look forward to seeing the fantastical themes organizations dream up to elevate their mission-driven parties. This season, you might don disco pants for the raucous Retro Revival in support of Cancer Alliance Network one day and then pull out the neons for a head-to-toe kaleidoscopic power look for Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples’ color-themed Night at the Museum another day. Our predecessors set the bar with events like this sprightly dance at the Royal Poinciana Golf Club, which Gulfshore Life covered in 1972. And, we continue to ensure that when we gather for a cause, we skip the pretense and double up the fun—on-theme dressing is always encouraged.
Patrick J. carrigan, DMD Jose M. Horak, DMD eDwarD a. scHerDer, DMD, JD robert c. HeDgePatH, DMD katie n. roDriguez, DMD, Ms kurtis P. Hussey, DMD
