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A Summer of Service the Lasting Impact of the Naples Woman’s Club

  • Guest Writer
  • Jul 28
  • 2 min read
2025 scholarship recipients flanked by Kathy Lane, on the left, and Kimberley Schumacker, on the right, co-chairs of the Education Committee, with NWC president Suzanne King and Mayor Theresa Heitmann standing behind Kimberley.
2025 scholarship recipients flanked by Kathy Lane, on the left, and Kimberley Schumacker, on the right, co-chairs of the Education Committee, with NWC president Suzanne King and Mayor Theresa Heitmann standing behind Kimberley.

Naples is a city of contrasts — serene beach days interrupted by the force of hurricanes, luxurious lifestyles beside unmet community needs, bustling tourist seasons followed by the peaceful quiet of summer. When the snowbirds head north and travelers jet off to Croatia or Portugal, members of the Naples Woman’s Club (NWC) stay rooted, continuing their mission of service.


This summer, local members are hard at work — packing food at the Harry Chapin Food Bank, assembling meals with Meals on Wheels, and brightening the lives of seniors at the Collier Senior Center. But service is just part of the story. Summer is also a time for connection: Happy Hours, Mah Jongg games, and warm welcomes for new members. Applications for membership open on August 1, with new members joining us in the fall.

As the season begins, our service doesn’t slow down — it only grows. Fundraising kicks into high gear with events like:

  • Empowering Women’s Luncheon – Supporting scholarships for adult women returning to school.

  • Dining for Philanthropy – Our signature event where members host elegant dinners, transforming hospitality into fundraising for vital causes.

  • Circle of Support for Scholarships – A member-driven effort to empower students through education.

  • And our crown jewel: a major evening gala supporting our philanthropic mission.


With over 300 dedicated women, NWC is making a real difference in Collier County. Some members give their time, others their resources — all are committed. In the past year alone, we:

  • Awarded 48 scholarships to Collier County students, totaling $362,000.

  • Provided $160,500 in grants to nine local nonprofits.

  • Logged over 12,000 volunteer hours serving the community.


We’re often asked: Why donate to NWC instead of giving directly to nonprofits? The answer lies in our Philanthropy Committee, which thoroughly vets each agency and targets specific, impactful projects. From funding a rebound tonometer for childhood glaucoma screenings, to housing homeless women, to renovating kitchens for preschoolers — our grants address urgent and tangible needs. Through collective action, NWC turns generosity into results.


Women are increasingly shaping the future of philanthropy. By 2030, women are expected to control $30 trillion in assets — and studies show they focus on the root causes of issues. At NWC, we call that personal philanthropy — and it’s at the heart of all we do.


Founded in 1932, the Naples Woman’s Club has been a pillar of service for over 90 years. From providing milk to undernourished children in the 1930s, to launching Naples’ first public library in the 1950s, to helping establish Youth Haven in the 1970s — our legacy runs deep. Today, our members honor that legacy by volunteering in food banks, shelters, and at events that fund our mission. To date, we’ve given over $4 million in scholarships, grants, and service.


Join us. Whether as a member or corporate sponsor, your involvement multiplies our impact. Learn more at NaplesWomansClub.org or email us at napleswcmembership@gmail.com.

Here’s to another ninety-plus summers of service — and to the powerful women making it all happen.


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