(239) 643-4755
info@championsforlearning.org

Night for Champions

Meet our 2022-2023 Heart of the Apple Recipient and 2022-2023 Champions!

Champions For Learning is honored to announce this year’s Champions for learning as well as the Heart of the Apple Recipient. These are individuals who have helped change the lives of Collier County students. Congratulations to this amazing group of community leaders!

Heart of the Apple Recipient:

 

Gary Personette

Gary has been a volunteer since 2012, beginning with the Golden Gate High School Pilot project. He has mentored 5 Champions For Learning students. He has been a Board member, an Ambassador, a selection committee volunteer, a financial aid coach, and an event volunteer. Gary was instrumental in bringing the IncubatorEDU Entrepreneurship program to Collier County Public Schools, which prepares students to be creative and resilient problem solvers and critical thinkers. This program has

grown exponentially under Gary’s guidance over the past several years, this year expanding to all CCPS Elementary Schools.

 

Champions:

Pat Botthof
Pat has been a volunteer since early 2017, first serving as an event volunteer for Night of Champions. Since then, she has fulfilled several volunteer roles, including mentoring and serving on the ambassador council to support outreach and retention efforts.

 

 

Braulio Colón
As Vice President of Florida Student Success Initiatives, Braulio has facilitated a partnership with Champions For Learning to further improve college-prep and completion rates for limited-income, first-generation and underrepresented students in SWFL.

 

 

Ritch Cuvier
Ritch is a graduate from Champions For Learning / Take Stock in Children 11th grade Program. He currently works in IT for John R. Wood Properties. Ritch has been an active alumni volunteer, participating in networking opportunities and sharing his experience as a Champions For Learning graduate.

 

 

Serge Ecityan
Serge is on the board for Champions For Learning, and is actively involved in the Champions Advisory Council, Planned Giving Committee, Take Stock in Children Selection Committee, and the Classroom Grant Selection Committee. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst with BMO Wealth Management, which has sponsored Champions’ graduation event, Countdown to Cap & Gown, for the past 6 years.

 

Kim & Gary Price
Kim and Gary have supported Champions For Learning over the years in a number of ways; Gary has Chaired the Night of Champions, served on the Professional Advisors Network and Golden Apple Selection Committee, and both Kim and Gary’s businesses have been donors and event sponsors.

 

Marti & Gordon Watson
Marti and Gordon have been involved with Champions For Learning and the Take Stock program in the roles of mentor, selection committee members and donors since they came to Naples over 20 years ago. Gordon & Marti helped to build the relationship with FSW that lead to the TSIC 11th grade pilot.

 

These individuals will be honored at Champions For Learning’s signature event, Night of Champions on Saturday, February 25, 2023.

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Creating Champions for Night of Champions

The preparation for an event the caliber of Night of Champions begins months out. However, the color schemes and seating charts are not the only things being prepared.

“The preparation for Night of Champions happened well before the event. The prep started weeks ago during our lab sessions with students,” says Ashlie Johnson, Chief Program Officer, Champions For Learning.

12th grade students began preparing for Night of Champions weeks prior to the event.

What began with networking mixers ended with high school seniors putting their newly learned skills to the test Friday, February 4th.

Night of Champions is a signature event at Champions For Learning, this year sponsored by Huntington Private Bank. The event celebrates the community of Champions that have changed the lives of hundreds of Collier County students. This important celebration showcases the vibrant community, students and volunteers who help make Champions For Learning successful.

High school seniors who participated in this year’s event first learned how to converse with a stranger. They were taught and practiced scenarios such as entering a conversation, exiting a conversation and interrupting a conversation.

The following week, students put their newly learned conversation skills to the test at the Naples Yacht Club, where they learned proper etiquette and table manners. Former Mayor of Naples, Bill Barnett and Brenda O’Connor of the Naples Yacht Club, were in attendance to teach students the power of a good handshake.

“All of the efforts we have made in preparation, were truly to equip the students so they could be authentically themselves and actually enjoy the evening,” says Johnson.

Preparation for the event also included teaching students how to write an effective thank you note. This, to ensure table hosts at the event are shown appreciation and thanked.

These lifelong lessons will set students up for success in whatever they do.

High school seniors are not the only students being impacted by this event. Students like Jeffrey, an 11th grader at Lorenzo Walker TechnicalStudents conversing at Night of Champions High School and part of the Champions for Learning program, recognize the importance of Night of Champions.

‘I felt like it was an opportunity for me to contribute to the community, especially Champions For Learning. I know they do a lot for the students. The least you can do as a student is try and help contribute with them,” says Jeffrey.

Jeffrey dedicated a Monday afternoon to helping Champions For Learning stuff envelopes for the event. A tedious task that he completed with a smile.

“I could be home, doing some homework or just chilling in my room. I felt like, I always want to contribute, especially with this program. They offer a lot of opportunities. They offer a lot of help for not just me, but to every single student who is a part of Champions,” says Jeffrey.

Next year, current 11th graders like Jeffrey in the Champions For Learning program will have the same opportunity to learn etiquette and life skills in preparation for Night of Champions.

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Celebrating Champions

This piece was originally printed in Naples Illustrated (January 2022): https://www.naplesillustrated.com/ni-current-issue/

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Champions For Learning Announces 2021-2022 Champions

Champions For Learning is proud to announce this year’s honored Champions and Heart of the Apple recipients.

The honorees are being recognized at the Night of Champions Dinner on Friday, February 4, 2022, at Arthrex One for their impact on the lives of students through mentoring, leadership, collaboration and community involvement with educators or students. These honored Champions exemplify what it means to make a commitment to our students and their future. As a partner with Arthrex, sharing a common vision for innovation in our community, we are pleased to be hosting this special celebration at Arthrex One.

The 2021-22 Night of Champions honorees are: Hope Daley and Matt Dykes of Guerilla Media, Guenther Gosch, Angie E. Joseph, Janet Perna and Melanie Rose of the Perna-Rose Foundation for Hope, and Kristy Schoen Pollard of the Schoen Foundation. This year’s Heart of the Apple recipients, Marcelo and Betty Alvarez, are also being honored for their sustained and committed leadership in support of building the culture of learning in our community through the mission of Champions For Learning.

“It is a great honor to be highlighting a group of community leaders who are dedicated to impacting students,” says Susan McManus, President of Champions For Learning. ”The Night of Champions honorees truly embody what it is to be a Champion for our students’ future.”

We would like to thank our generous sponsors:

Presenting sponsor: Huntington Private Bank

Major sponsors include Naples Daily News, Naples Illustrated, Suncoast Credit Union, Stock Development, and scholarship sponsor, Florida Gulf Coast University.

Proceeds will support Champions For Learning student programs. Tickets for this event are $350. To learn more about how you can join in, please visit https://championsforlearning.org/night-of-champions/ or call (239) 643-4755.

Table and event sponsorships are also available. For more information, please contact Champions For Learning at 239-643-4755 or Events@ChampionsForLearning.org.

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Champions For Learning looks forward to in-person events in 2021-2022!

Champions For Learning looks forward to returning to in-person events for the 2021-2022 season!

Join in Friday, February 4, 2022 at Arthrex One for Night of Champions! 

As Champions For Learning’s signature event, Night of Champions celebrates the community of champions that has changed the lives of hundreds of Collier County students. This important celebration showcases our vibrant community, students and volunteers. Night of Champions includes a reception, three-course dinner, and silent auction.

Several high-impact sponsorship opportunities are available. Sponsorships support our student mentoring and scholarship programs, lifting the barriers that students on the path to career and college face and inspiring them to achieve.

Join in Friday, April 22, 2022 at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort for our Golden Apple Celebration of Teachers!

Beyond simply an event, the Golden Apple Celebration of Teachers showcases our community’s educators’ innovative best practices that are exciting to students about learning and increasing student learning. During this community-wide event, the 2022 Golden Apple recipients, Golden Apple Teachers of Distinction, and the Collier County Public Schools Teachers of the Year are honored for the tremendous impact they make for our young people.

Golden Apple

The Golden Apple Celebration of Teachers includes a reception, elegant dinner, and inspiring presentations celebrating each of the Golden Apple teachers, giving guests a glimpse into their classrooms. The Golden Apple television program is aired on NBC-2 and posted to the Champions For Learning website and YouTube channel following the broadcast. The Golden Apple event and television show lead into Teacher Appreciation Week, culminating in a community-wide recognition and appreciation of educators. Several highly visible sponsorship opportunities are available.

Sponsorship Opportunities are currently available! 

To discuss sponsorship opportunities, please contact Heidi Overman, Vice President of Marketing & Events, at 239.643.4755 or HOverman@ChampionsForLearning.org.

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Meet the Champions

Meet The Champions 

 

 

 

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Champions For Learning Honors Community Leaders at Night of Champions

On February 1 ,Champions For Learning is honored community leaders. These individuals were honored for their impact on the lives of students through mentoring, leadership, collaboration and community involvement with educators or students. These honored Champions exemplify what it means to make a commitment to our students and their future.

“We are honored to be highlighting these community leaders who have immense dedication to impacting students and teachers,” says Susan McManus, President of Champions For Learning. ” The Night of Champions honorees truly embody what it is to be a Champion.”

Proceeds for this event helped support Champions For Learning student programs including College & Career Readiness programs and scholarships.

The 2019 Night of Champions honorees are:

  • Ingrid & Fabrizio Aielli: Ingrid and Fabrizio are the owners of the Aielli Group, a company that operates the restaurants Sea Salt Naples, Sea Salt St. Pete, Barbatella, and Dorona. 
  • Stacy & Todd Bradley: Todd, of Cummings & Lockwood, serves on the Planned Giving Council. Stacy, a long-time educator, has volunteered on the Golden Apple Selection and Grants Committee.
  • Corky & Chuck Carlsen: Corky and Chuck became involved with Champions For Learning by mentoring two students through the Take Stock in Children program. Corky and Chuck are the 2019 Mentors of the Year.
  • Yolanda Flores: Yolanda is currently the Administrative Director for Postsecondary Adult and Community Education for Collier County Public Schools.
  • Florida Prepaid College Foundation: Stanley G. Tate Florida Prepaid College Foundation has awarded over 44,705 scholarships and collaborated with 170 local community-based organizations.
  • Mary Lynn Hill: Mary Lynn serves on the Champions Advisory Council and as a active Glass Slipper Alumni recipient, helps to raise scholarship money for female graduates.
  • Sharon Hood: As founder and publisher of èBella magazine, Sharon enjoys telling her 22,000 readers about Champions For Learning and how they can get involved.
  • Charles Kerwood III: Charlie, of Waller Financial, is involved through the Planned Giving Council and serves on a student selection committee for Champions For Learning.
  • Mike Martin: As current President of Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), Mike has brought his philosophy that to be a good citizen people need to participate in the community.
  • Dawna E. Pipersburg: Dawna, of Rembrandt Accounting, is involved in the Take Stock in Children student selection committee. and serves on Champions For Learning’s Board of Directors.
  • Steve Pontius: Steve is the Executive Vice President of Waterman Broadcasting Corporation and General Manager of our NBC2 media partner.
  • Carol Windfeldt: Carol, a long-time volunteer, has helped facilitate the organization’s strategic planning process, most recently resulting in the new vision and refreshed mission statement.
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Champions For Learning Reveals Night of Champions Honorees

Champions For Learning is proud to announce their 2018-2019 Night of Champions honorees.

These honorees are being recognized at the Night of Champions event on Friday, February 1, 2019, at the Naples Grande Beach Resort. These individuals will be honored for their impact on the lives of students through mentoring, leadership, collaboration and community involvement with educators or students. These honored Champions exemplify what it means to make a commitment to our students and their future.

The 2018-2019 Night of Champions honorees are: Ingrid & Fabrizio Aielli, Stacy & Todd Bradley, Corky & Chuck Carlsen, Yolanda Flores, The Florida Prepaid College Foundation, Mary Lynn Hill, Sharon Hood, Charles Kerwood III, Mike Martin, Dawna E. Pipersburg, Steve Pontius, and                                                                                 Carol Windfeldt

“We are honored to be highlighting these community leaders who have immense dedication to impacting students and teachers,” says Susan McManus, President of Champions For Learning. ” The Night of Champions honorees truly embody what it is to be a Champion.”

Proceeds for this event will support Champions For Learning student programs including College & Career Readiness programs and scholarships.

We would like to thank our generous sponsors:

Presenting sponsor: Capital Wealth Advisors

Major sponsors: eBella, Naples Daily News, Naples Illustarted, Suncoast Credit Union and Waterside Shops

Tickets for this event are $300. Table and event sponsorships are also available. For more information

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Night of Champions Honorees Announced!

We are proud to announce their 2017-18 Night of Champions honorees.

These honorees are being recognized at the Night of Champions event on Wednesday, January 31, 2018, at the Naples Grande Beach Resort. These individuals will be honored for their impact on the lives of students through mentoring, leadership, collaboration and community involvement with educators or students. These honored Champions exemplify what it means to make a commitment to our students and their future.

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3rd Annual Night of Champions

Champions For Learning is proud to have honored community leaders at the Night of Champions event that was held on February 2, 2017 at the Naples Grande Beach Resort.

The 2016-2017 Night of Champions honorees are: Michael J. Adams, Della Burt-Bradley, Theo Etzel, Kaleigh Grover, Cindy Helton, Thelma Hodges, Claudine Léger-Wetzel, Andrea & Felix Lluberes, Susan & Wayne Mullican, Senator Garrett Richter, Joan & Jack Toren, Sharon & Dolph von Arx, and Michael A. Wynn.

 

Through your support we were able to raise over a half million dollars for our student programs!

 

Thank you to the generous sponsors:

Presenting sponsor:  Wells Fargo

Major Sponsors:  Arthrex, Capital Wealth Advisors, Suncoast, CenturyLink, Beverly Feagin, Laimbeer Family Gift Fund, McGlynn Family Foundation, Publix Super Markets Charities, Trendy Travel and Tours, Waterside Shops.

Click here to see photos from the event.

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