Donors meet the kids their dollars go to

Reporter: Rachel Cox-Rosen
Published: Updated:

The Naples Wine Festival auction brought in nearly $26 million last year. They hope to top that number at Saturday’s auction.

On Friday, donors got to meet the organizations and kids who benefit from their donations. It’s called Meet the Kids Day.

The theme of this year’s Naples Winter Wine Festival is Generosity in Full Bloom. Artis Naples was in full bloom Friday, showing donors how the children have bloomed with the help of the Naples Children and Education Foundation, or NCEF.

Everyone knows it takes a village to raise a child, and in Collier County, NCEF built that village.

They provide shelter.

“They come with nothing sometimes, and our grant funds are able to get them clothing, diapers, wipes, formula,” said Hillary Lemaster, St Matthew’s House.

They provide education.

“I want to become a physical therapist, help people out. I don’t think I could do that on my own. I need my help from the teachers, the staff, the mentors, and all that,” said Youvensley Methelus, S-Stride student.

They provide opportunity.

“Youth Haven brought me a lot of opportunities. They got me to FIU. They’re getting me scholarships,” said Johane Saintio from Youth Haven.

They provide healthcare.

“Many times, we are the first line of these children to see a dentist,” said Susan Gorman, program coordinator at the UF dental outreach program.

Kids tell their own stories to make sure donors understand the impact of their dollars.

“This day is so special because you get to meet the grantees out there who are receiving the funds and are changing children’s lives forever, making a real impact in the trajectory of their life,” said John Quinn, trustee of Naples Children and Education Foundation.

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