Naples Children Foundation aids RCMA in boosting Collier kids' education

IMMOKALEE, Fla.— The Naples Winter Wine Festival is back this weekend, bringing with it a legacy of incredible fundraising for children in Collier County. Known as the world's top charity wine auction, over 25 years, the festival has raised more than $336 million to date for the Naples Children Foundation.

In downtown Immokalee, a mural depicting farm-working communities symbolizes the area's tight-knit rural spirit. This mural is part of the Redlands Christian Migrant Association (RCMA), which offers child care and education to nearly 800 kids in Collier County.

Jay Robison, Corporate and Sponsorship Gifts Manager for RCMA, explained that the RCMA is there to help families who can't afford traditional schooling options.

"That's where RCMA comes into, comes in to help," said Robison.

Ida Eguia, Immokalee Area Coordinator for RCMA, conducts at-home site visits for children in Immokalee.

"Some of these kids might be even going out to the groves, working with their parents if they didn't have a place to come," said Eguia.

The RCMA Child Development Center offers a safer alternative. Grants from the Naples Children Foundation (NCF) fund specialist salaries and dual-language learning tools at the center.

"You can see it right behind me. It goes to the kids making sure that they have the head start that they need getting ready to kindergarten," said Eguia.

Eguia emphasized the peace of mind that the center provides to families.

"For the families to have that peace of mind, that they can come here and that they know that their children are very well cared for, and that's all thanks to the NCF foundation that we get our grant through," said Eguia.

After graduating from RCMA's early learning program, children can continue their education at the RCMA Immokalee Community Academy, a dual-language school for kindergarten through eighth grade.

"We are at the RCMA Immokalee Community Academy, Kinder to 8th, Dual Language School," said Zulaika Quintero, Principal of the academy.

Quintero shared that the school serves as a second home for students.

"It's really hard for a lot of parents to have a safe place for our students to go home to. So they rather stay here until parents are home from work," said Quintero.

Many after-school resources at the academy are funded by grants from NCF.

"We learn more in here, and then we get more education," said Eviana Velasquez, a fifth grader at the academy.

Fifth grader Jason Pulido shared his after-school activities.

"I do running club, and sports club. Sometimes we go to the park, we play, like, soccer, we go, like, play at the park or something we do here," said Pulido.

Quintero, reflecting on her own journey, expressed pride in her role.

"Looking back, who would have thought a farm worker child who migrated with her parents every year... is now leading a phenomenal school that is A rated and is just giving so much to our students and families," said Quintero.

Fifth grader Evelyn Perez shared her aspiration to become a doctor.

"I want to be a doctor," said Perez. "Because we could help patients, and if people are sick, we could help them."

The RCMA continues to lay the foundation for bright futures in Immokalee. With support from the community and organizations like the NCF, these children are set on paths to achieve their dreams.