Naples Children & Education Foundation, founders of the Naples Winter Wine Festival

Collier CARES is working diligently to keep its Hurricane Milton webpage updated with the latest post-hurricane resources to support our community during this challenging time. As recovery efforts continue, the webpage provides critical information on meal distribution sites, FEMA assistance, medical care, housing support and more. By visiting colliercares.org or downloading the Collier CARES app from the App Store or Google Play Store you can access these essential resources directly, even if you're offline. Please share this information with anyone in need of assistance as our community comes together to recover and rebuild.

In the aftermath of the hurricane, the strength of our community lies in how we come together to support those in need—not just in our county, but across all of Southwest Florida. Your donations and volunteer efforts make a difference in providing relief, rebuilding homes and restoring hope for families impacted by the storm.  Together, we can lift up our neighbors and help SWFL recover. Every act of kindness counts. Let’s unite and show the power of community!

In the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, it’s critical for residents to stay informed about ongoing recovery efforts and available resources. As the community begins to rebuild, staying up-to-date ensures that individuals and families can access the support they need—whether it’s disaster relief assistance, food pantries, housing resources or other essential services. Recovery after a storm can be a long process, and having the latest information can make a significant difference in navigating challenges like food insecurity, housing displacement and mental health support. To help our community get back on its feet, we’ve compiled key recovery resources that are regularly updated. Please share and tag any additional resources or information!

Hurricane Milton is on its projected path towards Florida, with the majority of landfall expected later today. To ensure you are prepared and have access to local resources, we strongly recommend using the Collier CARES App.  Here are a few steps to take now: ✅ Download the Collier CARES App on your mobile device from the App Store or Google Play Store ✅ Visit the Hurricane Milton Resource page here: https://lnkd.in/eRD2FaxU ✅ Go to the "Search Settings" page and turn on Push Notifications for real-time alerts ✅ Add important resources to your favorites so they are accessible offline ✅ If you already have the app, ensure it's updated to the latest version and open it for full offline functionality Remember, even if you lose internet access, you’ll still be able to view More Resources webpages, your saved favorites, and Crisis Hotlines through the Collier CARES Mobile App. Stay safe and stay prepared!

In recognition of National Child Health Day, NCEF highlights the vital link between access to high-quality health services and the overall physical and mental wellbeing of children. Early detection and treatment of conditions, particularly in areas like oral health and vision, are crucial in preventing more serious issues. However, underserved families often face barriers to routine care, resulting in unnecessary emergency room visits and hospitalizations for preventable conditions. Child health goes beyond the physical, as the growing mental health crisis in Collier County reveals an increasing need for a holistic approach. Mental health partners are facing limited access, more severe cases and rising demand for crisis support. NCEF emphasizes the importance of integrating mental health services into primary care visits and providing essential screenings for oral health and vision in early learning centers and schools, fostering a comprehensive approach to child healthcare.

October 6th marks the beginning of Mental Illness Awareness Week, a crucial time to shed light on the mental health challenges faced by millions, particularly our youth. NCEF recognizes that mental health conditions impact everyone, but young people are especially vulnerable. In 2022, a startling 47.4% of youth ages 11-17 reported feeling sad or depressed on most days, an alarming trend that highlights the growing mental health crisis among children and adolescents. Persistent feelings of sadness lasting more than two weeks can be a key warning sign of a developing mental illness in children. These symptoms should not be overlooked, as they may indicate a more serious underlying condition that requires attention. Parents, guardians and educators are urged to share these concerns with healthcare professionals, who can properly assess, diagnose and recommend potential treatment options. Increasing awareness of signs such as prolonged sadness is essential in ensuring that youth receive the care and support they deserve, helping them thrive mentally and emotionally.

Sommelier highlights! The Featured Sommeliers that will join us during the 2025 Naples Winter Wine Festival include Danielle Aita of Colgin Cellars in St. Helena, California.  Danielle Aita has been working in the wine, food and hospitality industry for 20 years. Prior to joining Colgin Cellars in 2016, she worked as a sommelier for Chef’s Nancy Oakes and Daniel Humm before running the wine department at Bouchon Yountville for Chef Thomas Keller. As director of sales for Colgin Cellars, she oversees and manages their global distribution and sales, and is also actively involved in private client events for the winery throughout the year.

The Naples Children & Education Foundation (NCEF) has announced that DOMAINE DU COMTE LIGER-BELAIR, the legendary Burgundy wine estate, will headline an exclusive Vintage Cellar event on January 23, 2025, at Bleu Provence in Old Naples, as part of the 25th Annual Naples Winter Wine Festival. This pre-festival event will feature an intimate wine tasting and luncheon led by the estate’s owner, Count Louis-Michel Liger-Belair, offering guests a vertical tasting of renowned vintages from the estate. The wines will be presented by #NWWF featured sommeliers participating throughout the festival weekend.🍷✨ The Vintage Cellar will highlight the historic legacy of Domaine du Comte Liger-Belair while raising funds to fulfill the mission of NCEF. Read the full Press Release here: https://lnkd.in/e-jzqd64

The incredible lineup of world-renowned vintners joining us during the #NWWF25 includes Ann Colgin & Joe Wender of Colgin Cellars in St. Helena, California. Ann Colgin, founder and chairwoman of Colgin Cellars, is a Texas-born vintner, art collector and philanthropist. She studied at Vanderbilt and New York University before starting her career at Sotheby’s, eventually leading its West Coast Wine Department. Inspired by Napa Valley, she founded Colgin Cellars in 1992. Ann actively supports modern art, serving on boards like LACMA and the Centre Pompidou. She’s a founding vintner and Honorary Trustee of the #NWWF. Joe Wender, CEO of Colgin Cellars, grew up in Oklahoma and graduated from Northwestern, Yale Law School and Harvard Business School. A key figure at Goldman Sachs, he played a major role in U.S. bank mergers. Joe’s love of wine began during his time in New York, where he met Ann Colgin. Married in 2000, Joe continues to manage Colgin Cellars and serves as an Advisory Director at Goldman Sachs, while also holding positions on several corporate boards and nonprofits, including the Actor’s Fund.

NWWF25 Celebrity Chef highlights! Today we are featuring Dean Fearing of Fearing's Restaurant in Dallas, Texas. Raised by grandmothers who taught him Southern cooking, James Beard Award winner and culinary icon Chef Dean Fearing, owner of the acclaimed Fearing’s in The Ritz-Carlton Dallas perfected regional dishes and helped shape southwestern cuisine, using locally sourced ingredients long before it was trendy. A Culinary Institute of America graduate, Fearing spent over two decades as executive chef of The Mansion on Turtle Creek before opening Fearing’s in 2007, earning accolades like Esquire’s "Restaurant of the Year." He’s also a cookbook author, television personality, and guitarist, who has entertained celebrities and dignitaries alike.