CHAPTER 189
Caught in the Act of Kindness - April 2025
Celebrating individuals, groups and organizations that share their time, talent and treasure to meet the needs in our community.
“It is important to recognize that everyone can make a little bit of difference, and that in aggregate, our individual daily efforts add up.” ~ Monique Péan
Photo courtesy of Tony Zollo
The Naples Children & Education Foundation has invested over $34 million in close to 50 non-profit organizations supporting underprivileged and at-risk children in Collier County.
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Presented by the Naples Chapter of the Ferrari Club of America, the 21st Annual Naples Automotive Experience generated over $2.7 million with net proceeds supporting St. Matthew’s House in delivering programs and services to those experiencing homelessness, hunger, substance abuse and poverty in Southwest Florida.
Nicole Phelps, Bill Toler, Debbie Toler and Michael Phelps
This year’s Kids’ Minds Matter signature gala, “The Ripple Effect,” featured all-time Olympic great and mental health advocate Michael Phelps, raising more than $2.6 million in support of pediatric mental and behavioral health care in our region.
Carmen and Dr. Horez Baila, Regis and Alison Bernardi, Dr. Allison Schmitts
Neighborhood Health Clinic raised $1.7 million for patient services at this year’s annual “Celebration of Hope and Healing” event. Additionally, Grey Oaks Country Club’s GO Cares philanthropic initiative raised more than $140,000 to support NHC patient services and United Church of Marco Island granted $20,000 to support the clinic’s medication therapy protocols for chronic disease patient care.
Dennis Quaid poses for photos with guests at DLC’s annual “Sound Minds” event.
David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health raised more than $1.6 million at its annual signature event, “Sound Minds,” featuring an inspiring conversation with Emmy Award-winning actor and two-time Golden Globe nominee Dennis Quaid. The nonprofit also received a $1 million grant from the Naples Children & Education Foundation to support the creation of the Van Domelen Children’s Center of Excellence.
Anellos at Gala
Florida Repertory Theatre’s “I Only Wanna Be With You – A British Invasion Fundraising Gala” raised over $800,000 — the highest total amount in the theatre’s 27-year history — to help sustain and enhance its nationally recognized professional theatre offerings and outreach programs which serve children throughout Southwest Florida.
Keynote speaker Joe Theismann, center, joined by NAMI Collier program participants at Hope Shines 2025. Photo: NAMI Collier
NAMI Collier County’s 2025 annual “Hope Shines” event, headlined by Super Bowl champion quarterback and sports commentator Joe Theismann, raised $540,000 to support NAMI’s Children’s Mental Health Program.
Freedom Waters Foundation hosted its 11th Annual Kind Mariners Ball themed “Ko’Olina – A Place of Joy” raising approximately $300,000.
Following its successful third annual golf scramble, the Building Dreams Foundation donated $130,000 to the following Southwest Florida charities: Ground Up Ministries; Habitat for Humanity Collier County; Harry Chapin Food Bank; the Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center; Hope Clubhouse of SWFL Inc.; the 2025 Chubb Classic; Red Cross Hurricane Helene and Milton Relief; the Shelter for Abused Women & Children; Teen Challenge Ft. Myers; and Valerie's House.
Bill Starr, Richard LeBer and Lois Thome
The Copperleaf Charitable Foundation’s fifth annual Copperleaf Hunger Walk raised $60,000 to support Harry Chapin Food Bank and its mission of addressing food insecurity in Southwest Florida.
Thanks to the generous support of a $50,000 grant from The United Way of Collier County and the Keys and an $8,000 grant from the American Academy of Dermatology, Pathways Early Education Center of Immokalee installed a brand-new playground shade system.
Moorings Women’s Golf Association member Kim Price; STARability instructor Woodly Charles; STARability Chief Development Officer Elisabeth Del Pero; STARability participants Haley C. and Adam V.; STARability Chief Program Officer Madison Nehls; and STARability CEO Karen Govern - Image courtesy of the Moorings Women’s Golf Association
Moorings Women’s Golf Association of the Moorings Golf and Country Club raised $35,000 at its charity golf tournament to support STARability Foundation.
“Purple Tea” Organizing Committee
More than 300 Southwest Florida women, dressed in purple for solidarity, attended the third annual “Purple Tea,” a free breast health symposium led by renowned breast health experts and sponsored by Advocate Radiation Oncology, Lee Health Cancer Institute, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Fort Myers Alumnae of Delta Sigma Theta and IFoundMyDoctor.com.
Photo provided: Period supply recipient
Windstar on Naples Bay granted $10,000 to Alliance for Period Supplies of SWFL, which will provide essential period supplies for 660 women and girls in the Bay Shore area every month for six months, ensuring they can manage their health with dignity and confidence.
For consideration in Caught in the Act of Kindness, email an example of how an individual, group or organization went above and beyond to help those in need to inspireme@ebellamag.com. Please include a related high-resolution photo as well.
