Champions For Learning, Collier County’s education foundation, has been ranked 21st in the nation’s only annual study of K-12 education foundations, “Stepping Up: The Top K-12 Education Foundations in the Nation”.
Changing the Future One Student at a Time
“As a mentor, Jack always showed up. He was always supportive. He made me feel like he actually cared,” says Jerry, a 2015 Take Stock in Children graduate. “He’s honestly impacted my life so much in such a short amount of time. We’ve only known each other for two years and I feel like he’s changed my whole life.”
Thank you Mrs. Gaynor-Outstanding Philanthropist 2015
On November 12th, Mrs. Lavern Gaynor was recognized as the Outstanding Philanthropist for 2015 by the Everglades Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals as part of the annual National Philanthropy Day celebration. She was joined by her family, friends, many community members and two of the Take Stock in Children graduates that she helped to support, Nasha Etienne a student at FGCU and Missa Desir a student at FSW.
Featured Champion: Suncoast Credit Union Foundation
“Suncoast Credit Union Foundation believes that by investing in students and teachers, we are providing the support system to make a strong community,” says Cindy Helton, Executive Director of the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation.
Collier County Teachers Surprised With Classroom Grants
On October 6, 2015, Champions For Learning awarded $54,450 in Connect With A Classroom grants to area teachers. Volunteers, supporters, and board members of Champions For Learning, surprised local teachers when they delivered
120 grants to 39 Collier County schools, to support creative and innovative experiences for students.
Night of Champions
Make Night of Champions an event to remember!
Champions For Learning is proud to honor community leaders at the Night of Champions event that will be held on February 2, 2017 at the Naples Grande Beach Resort. These individuals are being honored for impacting 
the lives of students through mentoring, innovation, collaboration and community involvement.
2015-16 Heart of the Apple Recipient: Dick Munro
Champions For Learning is pleased to announce Night of Champions honoree, J. Richard “Dick” Munro, will also be the recipient of the 2015-2016 Heart of the Apple. Dick will be honored for the significant impact he 
has made on the learning environment for students in Collier County.
It’s Golden Apple Time!
If you’re a teacher who wants to share your great idea and work with your community, apply for the Golden Apple today! All eligible teachers can apply to receive a Golden Apple and a $5,000 grant, from the Suncoast Credit 
Union Foundation, to go toward expanding, adapting and/or building on their great ideas. Click here to download the application and selection process. The deadline to apply is October 5, 2015.
You Can Help Connect Students to Their Future!
As you read this newsletter, teachers are making lesson plans and are gearing up for this school year. They have many great ideas that can have an extremely positive impact on children and make our community a better 
place, but they need your help!
Featured Champion: Mike Adams/Adams Food Inc. McDonald’s
“Education is important. Children are our future. They’re the ones who will be running our country,” says Mike Adams Sr., founder of Adams Foods Inc., which is a family owned company that operates 19 
McDonald’s Restaurants in Southwest Florida.
