The Charity Register

If you’re looking for a way to get involved in your community, either by volunteering or making a donation, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve compiled a list of 320 nonprofit organizations in Collier and Lee counties, complete with descriptions and contact information, so you can find out how to help. The sheer volume may be overwhelming, but that’s a good thing—behind each listing is a dedicated group of people, lots of goodwill, and most importantly, stories of improved lives and communities.

One such story features hundreds of young students across Collier County who now know that the parcel with the neon pink label that arrives in their classroom each month isn’t just a box of books. It’s a treasure chest. The telltale pink sticker means it’s from First Book, a national nonprofit organization that gives children from low-income families the chance to read and own their own new books. Since 1992, the program has worked with existing literacy programs across the country to distribute more than 45 million books, including popular titles like Dr. Seuss’ Green Eggs and Ham and E.B. White’s Charlotte’s Web.

The children of Jolie Ducey’s pre-kindergarten class at Estates Elementary School in Naples
are among more than 900 students from our area who received 12 books each as part of a special incentive to keep them reading after classes end and into the summer.
For the children who may not have owned books before the program, First Book is far from a faceless organization. "I love all the books that you gave me this year," wrote one student, Mark, in a thank-you note addressed simply to First Book. "You are a good friend."

Collier County

American Business Women’s Association, Neapolitan Chapter
Promotes professional development for members by increasing business efficiency, improving earning power, promoting good relations between employers and employees, securing employment and advancing women through social, business and educational ways. To support this organization, become a member or sponsor a female employee.
Executive director: Nina Christensen
Contact: (239) 513-4652
P.O. Box 10653
Naples, FL 34101
www.abwaneapolitan.org

African Literacy Art & Development Association
Enhances American literacy of African culture and history through projects that utilize contemporary and traditional African art to build awareness of the peoples of Africa. To support this organization, volunteer for grant-writing, publicity or fundraising; donate or sponsor an event.
Executive director: James B. Lancaster Jr.
Contact: (239) 566-9961
3394 Cerrito Court
Naples, FL 34109
www.aladafrica.org

All Kids Play Foundation of Corkscrew Community
Benefits children in the community by creating the first boundless playground in Southwest Florida. To support this organization, donate for playground equipment and supplies.
Executive director: Cassie Pangaribuan
Contact: (239) 304-4491
15275 Collier Blvd., No. 201
Naples, FL 34119

Alzheimer’s Support Network
Assists families affected by memory disorders. To support this organization, volunteer or donate.
Executive director: Suky Pollard
Contact: (239) 262-8388
660 Tamiami Trail N., Suite 21
Naples, FL 34102
www.alzsupportnetwork.org

American Association for University Women, Greater Naples
Promotes equity, lifelong education and positive societal change for women and girls.  To support this organization, volunteer, donate or become a member.
Executive director: Harriet Lancaster
Contact: (239) 566-9961
P.O. Box 9742
Naples, FL 34101
www.aauwgnb.org

American Association for University Women, Marco Island
Promotes equity, lifelong education and positive societal change for women and girls.  To support this organization, attend monthly meetings, share time and talents with members or support local and national scholarships for women.
Executive director: Dianne Wetjen
Contact: (239) 304-0395
14347 Manchester Drive
Naples, FL 34114

American Cancer Society of Collier County
A nationwide, community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating
cancer as a major health problem. To support this organization, volunteer, donate or participate in events.
Executive director: Laura Lykins
Contact: (239) 261-0337
990 First Ave. S., Suite 200
Naples, FL 34102
www.cancer.org

American Red Cross of Collier County
Disaster preparedness and response, health and safety classes, service to the military and international training. To support this organization, donate funds or supplies, or volunteer.
CEO: Deborah Horvath
Contact: (239) 596-6868
2610 Northbrooke Plaza Drive
Naples, FL 34119
www.colliercountyredcross.org

Art League of Marco Island
Promotes education and appreciation of excellence in the arts. To support this organization, become a member, donate or purchase from art sales.
Executive director: Christine Neal
Contact: (239) 394-4221
1010 Winterberry Drive
Marco Island, FL 34145
www.marcoislandart.com

Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
The largest forest of old-growth bald cypress in North America, with a 2.25-mile boardwalk trail that winds through the sanctuary and its wildlife. To support this organization, donate or become a Friend of Corkscrew.
Executive director: Ed Carlson
Contact: (239) 348-9151
375 Sanctuary Road W.
Naples, FL 34120
www.corkscrew.audubon.org

Ave Maria University Foundation
Committed to further teaching, research and learning in the abiding tradition of Catholic thought in both national and international settings. To support this organization, donate, become a founder or take part in naming opportunities at the new campus.
President: Nicholas J. Healy Jr.
Contact: (239) 280-2500
5050 Ave Maria Blvd.
Ave Maria, FL 34142
www.avemaria.edu

Baby Basics
Provides and distributes free diapers to children under three from working poor families in Collier County. To support this organization, donate, volunteer or become part of the leadership team.
Executive director: Jean Ann Lynch
Contact: (239) 352-4310
8570 Danbury Blvd., Suite 202
Naples, FL 34120

Bach Ensemble
Forty-voice vocal ensemble that presents baroque music concerts and workshops. To support this organization, sponsor an event or donate.
Founder and president: Vic Silvestri
Contact: (239) 732-1055
3667 Arctic Circle
Naples, FL 34112
www.thebachensemble.org

Bosom Buddies Breast Cancer Support
Provides financial assistance for the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer for residents of Collier County and Bonita Springs. To support this organization, sponsor or attend events.
President: Joetta D. Abbazio
Contact: (239) 417-4600
4330 Tamiami Trail E.
Naples, FL 34102

Boys & Girls Club of Collier County
Offers a consistent, structured and positive place for the youth of Collier County. To support this organization, volunteer, tutor, attend an event or donate.
Executive director: Mary Boyce-Johnson
Contact: (239) 325-1700
7500 Davis Blvd.
Naples, FL 34104
www.bgccc.com

Cancer Alliance of Naples
Improves the quality of life of local individuals and families affected by cancer by providing need-based financial assistance, information and support. To support this organization, volunteer or donate.
Executive director: Kathy Nicklaus
Contact: (239) 436-4673
733 Fourth Ave. N.
Naples, FL 34102
www.cancerallianceofnaples.com

Care Club of Collier County
Operates adult day care for those suffering memory loss. To support this organization, donate, volunteer or serve on the board.
Executive director: Luanne Wahlstrom
Contact: (239) 353-1994
1800 Santa Barbara Blvd.
Naples, FL 34116
www.colliercareclub.org

Catholic Charities of Collier County
Social service agency that provides established, effective programs to men, women and children regardless of race or religion. To support this organization, donate or volunteer.
Executive director: Bob Saunders
Contact: (239) 455-2655
2210 Santa Barbara Blvd.
Naples, FL 34116
www.catholiccharitiescc.org

Cedar Montessori School
Provides Montessori education for children in multi-age groups at three levels: toddler, 18 months to three years old; primary, three to six years; and elementary, six to 12 years. To support this organization, enroll your child, donate or attend the gala.
Executive director: Roy Marshal
Contact: (239) 597-7190
10904 Winterview Drive
Naples, FL 34109
www.cedarmontessori.com

Center for Reduction of Religious-Based Conflict
Educates people about the problems surrounding religious-based conflict and fosters respect for all religions. To support this organization, donate or volunteer.
Executive director: Terry Trowbridge
Contact: (239) 821-4850
649 Fifth Ave. S., Suite 201
Naples, FL 34102
www.center2000.org

Chaine des Rotisseurs’ Culinary & Hospitality Education Foundation of Southwest Florida (CHEF)
Supports culinary and hospitality industries by providing scholarships to deserving individuals in Southwest Florida. To support this organization, donate, create a scholarship or attend a fundraising event.
President: Jeannette Boucher
Contact: (239) 591-8470
1905 Seville Blvd., Suite 312
Naples, FL 34109
www.chefswfl.org

Children’s Advocacy Center of Collier County
Provides the medical and social diagnosis of child abuse and neglect. Minimizes trauma to abused children and enhances families’ capabilities to provide a safe environment. To support this organization, volunteer for the gala or golf committee.
Executive director: Jackie Stephens
Contact: (239) 263-8383
1036 Sixth Ave. N.
Naples, FL 34102
www.caccollier.org

Children’s Museum of Naples
Will provide an exciting, inspiring environment where children and their families play, learn and dream together. Scheduled to open in 2008. To support this organization, donate.
Executive director: Joe Cox
Contact: (239) 784-1879
P.O. Box 2423
Naples, FL 34106
www.cmon.org

Christ Child Society of Naples
Advocates for basic healthcare, literacy education, and a clean and safe place for children to live and play. To support this organization, donate towards food or other basic needs or volunteer literacy skills training.
President: Valery Moore
Contact: (239) 777-4374
P.O. Box 770179
Naples, FL 34108
www.christchildsocietyofnaples.org

CHS Healthcare
Provides basic primary and dental care to underserved children. To support this organization, volunteer or donate.
Executive director: Richard B. Akin
Contact: (239) 658-3138
1454 Madison Ave.
Immokalee, FL 34142
www.collier.org

Classic Chamber Concerts
Offers monthly concerts October through April featuring the Philadelphia Piano Quartet and renowned guest artists. To support this organization, attend concerts, donate or sponsor a guest artist or concert.
Executive director: Catherine Frecker
Contact: (239) 434-8505
P.O. Box 10393
Naples, FL 34101
www.classicchamberconcerts.org

Coalition of Immokalee Workers
Dedicated to eliminating sweatshop conditions and modern-day slavery in the agricultural industry. To support this organization, donate, volunteer or invite a farmworker to speak at your faith community, school or community group.
Executive directors: Lucas Benitez and Greg Asbed
Contact: (239) 657-8311
P.O. Box 603
Immokalee, FL 34143
www.ciw-online.org

Collier County Audubon Society
Promotes an understanding of and interest in wildlife and the natural environment that supports it, and furthers the cause of conservation of all natural resources. To support this organization, participate in our programs and field trips, volunteer or donate.
Executive director: Lori Beall
Contact: (239) 643-7822
660 Tamiami Trail N., Suite 32A
Naples, FL 34102
www.collieraudubon.org

Collier County Domestic Animal Services
A public animal shelter. To support this organization, donate or volunteer to walk or bathe pets.
Executive director: Margo Castorena
Contact: (239) 530-6950
7610 Davis Blvd.
Naples, FL 34112
www.collierpets.com