Naples Children Foundation teaches middle schoolers the power of giving back

NAPLES, Fla. (WINK) — The Naples Children Foundation is shaping the philanthropists of the future through lessons taught inside and outside the classroom.

Maria Jimenez-Lara, the CEO of the Naples Children Foundation, was back in school Wednesday, speaking to dozens of middle school students at the Community School of Naples. For 30 minutes, they were asked questions, gave ideas and learned what it meant to be a philanthropist.

"If I could flip a switch and make world hunger, like everybody has meals, I would do that. But that's not possible. It has to start with someone, and I want that person to be me," Ryan Helenbolt, a Community School of Naples student, said.

The foundation taught students that giving back goes beyond a dollar sign — it starts in their homes and in their hearts. That message holds true to eighth grader Valentina Germana.

"Voice matters, money doesn't. So, if you have a voice but you don't have a lot of money, the word spreads. It's like a chain reaction," Germana said.

"I just want to volunteer more and help out my community more because I know that I'm so grateful for everything I have, and I'm so fortunate. But there are others out there that aren't," Germana said.

Briana Leschen, assistant director of communications, said it's the organization's mission to raise global change makers. For 26 years, the organization has given back to the children of Collier County through fundraising events.

With the annual Naples Wine Festival less than six months away, the organization is not slowing down on its mission.

"Until the needs are resolved, we're here to stay, and we're here to continue raising money for vulnerable children to make an impact on education, healthcare, child advocacy and early learning," Jimenez-Lara said.

The Naples Children Foundation raises millions of dollars for the children of Collier County through the annual Naples Winter Wine Festival. It is set for Jan. 29-31.