Jewish Federation of Greater Naples announces awards at Power of Community Celebration

Winners include Collier County teachers, local nonprofits

Jewish Federation of Greater Naples honored a slate of local residents making a difference with its annual Power of Community awards, presented at a celebratory brunch on Sunday, April 7.

“These awards truly celebrate the lifechanging impact we can make on both our local community and the wider world when we join together,” said Jeffrey Feld, president and CEO of Jewish Federation of Greater Naples. “We are honored and privileged to shine the spotlight on this latest crop of exemplary individuals and organizations working for the greater good of the community.”

The event celebrates Federation’s Annual Community Campaign, the organization’s fundraising arm, to meet the financial needs of local, regional, national and overseas humanitarian organizations and beneficiary agencies. A committee of volunteers and the Federation staff balance available resources with community priorities through a grant process.

Beneficiaries include community-wide needs as well as various educational and cultural programs conducted by local synagogues, the Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center, other local Jewish organizations and social, educational and vocational needs throughout the Jewish world.

Several awards were presented at the event.

Representatives of the Coalition of Immokalee Workers and NAMI Collier County with JCRC members Ida Margolis and Liz Jaffe (center), who presented the Human Needs Awards.

Human Needs Award

The Human Needs Award is an annual monetary award created by the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Federation to acknowledge positive contributions of small nonprofit organizations serving severely means-limited disadvantaged populations. The 2024 winners were:

• NAMI Collier County, which provides free mental health support, advocacy and education that inspires resilience and strengthens communities in our region.

• Coalition of Immokalee Workers, a worker-based, human rights organization that has been internationally recognized for its achievements in fighting human trafficking and gender-based violence at work.

Stand Up for Justice Award

The Stand Up for Justice Award is an educator grant that recognizes school educators who are innovative in bringing respect for others’ differences into their activities in a transformative, impactful and caring way. The 2024 winners are:

• Jory Lawson of Big Cypress Elementary School, who established a friendship ambassador program to meet and greet new students.

• Rachael Cordeiro, Eden Park Elementary School, who led the school’s efforts with a new class for deaf and hearingimpaired students, including a buddy program and weekly lunch bunches.

• Kelly Stevenson-Crews and Carrey Van Dyne, Golden Gate High School, for a high school transition program that promotes unity and kindness.

Beth Povlow (far left) and Arnie Rubin (far right), co-chairs of the Stand Up for Justice Award Committee, with recipients of the award

• Jennifer Szczepkowski, Naples High School, for organizing a Best Buddies club affiliated with a national organization.

• Catherine Crawford, Beacon High School, for her student support efforts at this alternative high school.

• Annina Cosentino, Pine Ridge Middle School, for programs promoting World Kindness Day and combatting bigotry and bullying.

• Lonzo Morgan, Immokalee Middle School, for a suicide awareness and prevention program.

Power of Community Award

The Power of Community Award recognizes outstanding commitment and support demonstrated by a communal agency, congregation, community organization or individual in strengthening community partnerships and cooperation. The 2024 recipient is Clark Hill, general manager of Hilton Naples, who was recognized for leadership, commitment and dedication on behalf of Jewish Federation of Greater Naples.

Recipients of the the Patricia J. Adkins Youth Leadership Award with Federation Chair Nat Ritter (left) and Federation President/CEO Jeffrey Feld (right)

Patricia J. Adkins Youth Leadership Award

The Patricia J. Adkins Youth Leadership Award honors the achievements of Collier County high school seniors demonstrating leadership in their activities at their respective congregation and or BBYO, the leading pluralistic Jewish teen movement. Recipients receive a $2,500 scholarship. 2024 recipients included Bella Schaab, Kylie Bell and Sam Kelley.

Community Campaign Award

The Community Campaign Award recognizes exemplary support for charitable fundraising efforts in support of the community. The 2024 winner, Paula Filler, personally called or met with more than 100 Federation donors.

Community Campaign Award winner Paula Filler (right) was honored by campaign chair Rosalee Bogo.