On February 21, 2026, The Education Foundation of Collier County – Champions For Learning hosted its signature fundraising event, the Night for Champions Gala, at the Ritz-Carlton, Naples. More than 250 guests gathered not only to celebrate education in Collier County, but to confront a pressing reality: talented students without support to navigate pathways to success after high school and talented teachers without sufficient support and recognition.
Because of our community’s dedication to and investment in the future of Collier County, Night for Champions was a successful night to support education and raised over $935,000 for the students and educators Champions For Learning serves in Collier County. Roughly 80% of students enrolled in our Student Programs qualify for free or reduced school meals and over half are the first in their families to consider post-secondary education. These students often lack guidance on college and career readiness.
Champions For Learning Educator Programs serve over 400 educators in traditional public, charter, and private schools in Collier County. In a state facing significant teacher shortages and one of the lowest average teacher salaries when adjusted for cost of living, supporting and recognizing excellent educators is essential. When teachers feel unseen or unsupported, many teachers who positively change student lives leave the classroom.
The event program featured powerful testimonials showcasing the lasting impact of Champions For Learning’s programs.
- Elizabeth Garcia, an Advanced Language Arts teacher at Manatee Middle School (a Title I school), spoke about the importance of receiving the Golden Apple in 2020 and a Classroom Grant award for the 2025-2026 school year. Both experiences were not only meaningful for her professional growth but have helped her students become more confident readers and writers, preparing them for success outside of language arts classes.
- Harris Gonzalez, a senior student enrolled in Champions For Learning’s Student Programs, stood up with his volunteer mentor, Andrew Fogarty, and discussed the challenges of being in eighth grade and not knowing what his future held or if his dreams were even realistic. He shared how Andrew encouraged him to pursue his dreams and Champions For Learning gave him the resources and opportunities to do so. Andrew emphasized the importance of mentorship in helping both students and mentors grow by sharing ups and downs and facing challenges togethers. Harris plans to attend Florida Gulf Coast University to study Construction management and minor in Real Estate.
- John Estey, a dedicated volunteer and supporter, explained that the reason he and his wife invest generously in education is because it changes the direction of students’ and teachers’ lives permanently.
“The success of Night for Champions that refuses to accept limited educational opportunities,” said Dr. Eric Williams President and CEO of Champions For Learning. “When more than 60% of students in our schools face economic hardship and many teachers stretch their own resources to support their classrooms, philanthropy becomes a powerful force for educational opportunity. Every guest who raised a paddle helped open doors for students and educators with their generosity. Together, we are ensuring that educational success is not defined by circumstances.”
Champions For Learning is incredibly grateful to our Graduate Sponsors of Night for Champions: Suncoast Credit Union; Freshman Sponsors: London Bay and Stock Development Johnson; Scholar Sponsors: Publix Super Markets Charities and Wilson & Johnson; Event Underwriters: B&I Contractors, Inc. and Event Sponsors: Florida Gulf Coast University, Naples Illustrated, and Naples Daily News. We thank our sponsors for their support and being a part of this incredible evening.