FROM THE EDITOR

Yesterday and Tomorrow

The Naples Charity Register is a 20-year tradition introduced to the Collier County community by the publisher of Naples Illustrated to showcase the effervescent events and invaluable impact of local charitable organizations and passionate philanthropists.

This year’s issue is a bit different than past, loyal readers and contributors will see. Because this year, of course, is different.

We all are operating under a new normal with a set of rules that continues to be rewritten by the novel coronavirus. The pandemic has dramatically altered our daily lives and the operations of the 440 nonprofits that work tirelessly to make this a stronger, more vibrant community. Each one has been challenged financially and operationally, and each continues to redefine ways to push forward in their missions.

This year, the Naples Charity Register is focused on the community’s resilient response to the pandemic. We talk with the major foundations that kept struggling residents and nonprofits afloat amid dire financial times (page 16) and the social service agencies that pivoted overnight to provide their services (page 18). We celebrate how the local business community united to assist frontline personnel and their own employees (page 26). We examine the seismic shift in education (page 20) and the hard-hit performing arts community (page 64).

We also look ahead, through the 55-plus charity listings (page 37), which highlight how these organizations are moving forward with special events—in-person, virtual, or combined—and fundraising appeals and campaigns. And because we all need a little glamour and sparkle in our lives, we have included another tradition: a dazzling, nature-themed jewelry spread (page 30) that emboldens through beauty.

Typically, these pages are brimming with social photos, but they are reduced this year, reflecting the fact that large gatherings were canceled by spring 2020. We have included social photos in the charity listings featuring seasonal soirees from organizations participating in this year’s charity listings.

We hope you are inspired to continue supporting the causes that are most important to you. The community needs to continue rowing together today to positively shape tomorrow’s new normal.

CATHY CHESTNUT Editor, Naples Charity Register