Annual Community Campaign Launches with Celebration and Purpose

By Debbie Laites and Phyllis Strome, 2026 Annual Community Campaign Co-chairs

As high season returns to Naples, Jewish Federation of Greater Naples is hard at work planning an exciting lineup of events in support of the 2026 Annual Community Campaign. The Community Kickoff for the Annual Community Campaign is the first of many wonderful events and marks a special opportunity when our Naples family comes together after the summer months to reconnect with friends and recommit to our shared values

We are thrilled to announce our first gathering of the season: The 2026 Annual Community Campaign Kickoff EventWednesday, December 10, 2025 –7:00 p.m.Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center

This year, we are excited to welcome comedian Shaun Eli as our special guest. Having headlined comedy shows across five continents, Shaun brings a vibrant sense of humor that is both cheerful and universal. His performance is sure to infuse the evening with joy and laughter, setting a celebratory tone for the season ahead.

A Call to Connection, Contribution, and Community

Beyond the celebration, this campaign season is a time to reflect on how JFGN uses dollars that are given for the Greater Naples area, the community where we live. Your contributions help sustain vital programs supported by Federation.

Throughout the season, we will spotlight the many organizations that benefit directly from your generosity. These programs play a crucial role in nurturing the next generation and strengthening our Jewish identity and values.

Here are the first organizations we’re proud to feature:

• PJ Library: Offering free, award-winning Jewish books to families with children from birth to age 12, PJ Library celebrates Jewish values and traditions in homes across our community.

• PJ Our Way: Designed for kids ages 9–12, PJ Our Way empowers children to choose their own Jewish-themed books and engage with a safe online community to share reviews and videos.

• BBYO: A platform for Jewish teens to build leadership skills, deepen their connection to Judaism, and form lasting friendships, BBYO is cultivating tomorrow’s leaders in a meaningful, inclusive environment.

• Jewish Student Chabad Center at FGCU: Through Shabbat dinners, holiday events, and educational programs, Chabad provides Jewish college students with joyful and welcoming spaces to explore and celebrate their heritage.

Each of these organizations reflects a common mission: to support and safeguard our youth by providing enriching, educational environments rooted in Jewish values.

Hope, Healing, and Tikkun Olam

In a world that often feels divided and overwhelming, our commitment to Tikkun Olam—repairing the world— remains more important than ever. It is through our shared mission and collective action that we can bring hope, unity, and positive change to Greater Naples and beyond.

Can we count on you to invest in your home here in the Greater Naples Jewish community?

We look forward to welcoming you at our Kickoff Event on December 10 and seeing you throughout the campaign season as we come together in celebration, solidarity, and philanthropy.

PLAN TO ATTEND

Kickoff Event for the 2026 Annual Community Campaign

Wednesday, December 10, 2025 – 7:00 p.m.Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center(4720 Pine Ridge Rd.)