FROM THE PUBLISHER
Now, More Than Ever
MEGAN DIPIERO
W
hat a difference a year makes. Where to start? I never thought that I would see the day that charities in Naples, Florida—one of the most philanthropic communities in America—would be struggling, but, then again, no one could foresee any of the things that began to unfold in early 2020. We started publishing the Naples Charity Register 20 years ago to fill a community need. As Naples was growing, so were the needs of the less fortunate. The community’s philanthropic spirit swelled and numerous nonprofit organizations were sprouting. Support organizations were forming for everything from medical needs, abuse, mental illness, veterans, legal aid, scholarships, and animal welfare to art and historical preservation. We wanted to provide you with a comprehensive guide so that when it was time to follow your own passion and choose which organizations you could help to make a difference, you had it at your fingertips. This year, with so many businesses closed, the needs have grown considerably. As I witness the daily struggles of charities and event chairs grappling with “how to make it work” in a world where we can’t gather in large groups to break bread, I have been most impressed with the community’s creativity. Formed out of desperation to fill the need, innovative initiatives of all sorts have popped up, from virtual live bidding sites to help you feel the energy of the crowd, drive-in events where you never have to leave the security of your car, swag bags delivered to your home with the bidding paddles along with the ingredients for the perfect cocktail (the proven ingredient for higher bidding!), and full-blown dinner kits for two home-delivered in preparation for an online, live cooking demonstration. The challenge is real. Don’t let the fact that several in-person events are a bit delayed this year hinder your donations. They are needed more than ever. Do what you have always done to keep the momentum going! Ditch the yoga pants and go to Marissa’s or Waterside Shops and buy that dress. Set up an appointment and have Philip Douglas or Epiphany Salon give you that glamorous look that makes you feel beautiful or handsome, adorn your dining room table with an arrangement from the Garden District, then call Charlie McDonald and have him capture your portrait—you will forget you are anywhere but The Ritz! Yes, I may sound like I am offering shameless plugs, but buying local is another great way to support our community. We have changed our format a bit this year to accommodate the changing world of philanthropy, incorporating various fundraising opportunities, not just the in-person events. Now, more than ever, charitable organizations are relying on Naples’ phenomenal philanthropic spirit.
KALEIGH GROVER kgrover@naplesillustrated.com
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