Naples Wine Festival kicks off with inspiring stories from local children: Meet the kids

NAPLES, Fla.—The Naples Children Foundation launched its annual "Meet the Kids Day" as the official start of the Naples Winter Wine Festival. 

This event allowed supporters to witness firsthand how their contributions are transforming lives in the community. 

This year's focus includes seven strategic initiatives, with health care as the fund-a-need. The initiatives support services like mental health care, vision and oral health, primary care, and early learning. 

Organizers aim to meet kids where they are and provide access to the support they need to succeed. 

From college-bound seniors to kids just beginning to dream big, the day offered donors a firsthand look at how these initiatives translate into real impact and real futures.

Each booth at the festival represented a nonprofit funded by the foundation, with many staffed by the children and families they serve. The Naples Children Foundation has raised more than $336 million for vulnerable children, and the impact is evident in the dreams of the kids involved.

"I want to be an artist," one child said. "I want to be a doctor," another expressed. "I want to be a teacher," a third shared.

Mileyda Lopez Figueroa, inspired by her experiences, said, "I kind of have always known that I wanted to go into the medical field. I love helping people, but with NCH and the different tours that I was able to participate in, it just encouraged me to want to go to the medical field a lot more."

Support from organizations like the Guadalupe Center has been crucial for many. Jazzabel Vidaurri said, "I feel like without them, we wouldn't be able to be where we're at today."

The event also highlighted deeply personal stories of change and growth. Kaitlan Ostendorf shared, "I was homeless, and so I didn't have a place to go, and I was able to come to Youth Haven. The entire facility is dedicated to supporting you, so they're always there. Like, if you're like, hey, I want to do this, they're like, okay, what's the next step?"

Various nonprofits, from foster care to grief support, united under the theme "Picture This." Maria Jimenez Lara, CEO of the Naples Children Foundation, said, "Picture this: a healthy lifestyle. Picture this: access to care, access to early learning. A community coming together."

Trustee William Cary emphasized the impact of the event, saying, "When you see these kids, and you look into their eyes, and you realize that this day, you know, starts the process to make a direct impact on their lives. It changes everything for you."

The stories shared were filled with hope and resilience. Dahlia Mard, a young girl who lost her mother, said, "I want to be a health care person for pandas because they were my mom's favorite animal, and I don't want them to get hurt."

The Naples Winter Wine Festival continues with a high-profile charity auction set for Saturday.