Food for Social Justice

Kitchen Tour Guides

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Naples is widely known for its refined lifestyle—luxury shopping, acclaimed restaurants, and world-class cultural offerings. Yet alongside this abundance are children and families facing hunger, homelessness, trauma, and mental health challenges. Fortunately, Naples is also home to a strong philanthropic community, supported by local nonprofit organizations dedicated to meeting urgent needs and strengthening the future of Collier County through health, education, and social services.

One such organization is the Naples Woman’s Club (NWC), which has served the community for more than 90 years. Our members come from a wide range of professional backgrounds—lawyers, judges, financial advisors, engineers, entrepreneurs, artists, entertainers—united by a shared commitment to service and philanthropy. Over the decades, the club’s leadership and membership have pursued many creative paths to fulfill that mission. Interestingly, some of our most ambitious and successful efforts have centered on one universal connector: food.

Longtime Naples residents may remember the popular Naples Woman’s Club Kitchen Tours, where busloads of guests visited stunning private homes, each hosted by local chefs offering distinctive appetizers. Proceeds from these tours supported critical community needs. During COVID, we reimagined this beloved concept to support struggling local restaurants. Members purchased tickets to “mystery restaurants,” inviting friends to a private Culinary Adventure hosted by owner-chefs who paired a curated meal with a culinary demonstration.

Another innovative and much-anticipated event is Dining for Philanthropy, where members open their

homes for exquisitely prepared dinners. Guests purchase tickets knowing that every dollar supports a meaningful cause. Completely sold out, proceeds from the 2025 season will benefit the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collier County and Ana’s Friends, organizations dedicated to helping children who have been neglected, abused, or abandoned.

Beyond hosting elegant dining experiences, NWC members provide hands-on support throughout the year at organizations such as Meals of Hope and the Harry Chapin Food Bank, working directly to address food insecurity across the county.

Looking ahead to 2026, the Naples Woman’s Club invites the community to join us for an extraordinary new gala event, Culinary Journey, to be held at the beautiful private Maddox Club. More than a celebration of fine dining, this event brings together food lovers, philanthropists, and community visionaries to raise critical support for Path2Freedom, an organization providing safe housing, trauma-informed care, emotional healing, and a pathway to independence for young girls who have escaped human trafficking.

Please consider attending Culinary Journey on March 12. This immersive evening will feature two culinary powerhouses: Maddox Executive Chef Darren Veilleux, recipient of “Best Chef in Naples,” and Kayla Pfeiffer of Bicyclette, a 2025 James Beard semifinalist. Together, they will create an internationally inspired gourmet experience unlike any other. As you enjoy live entertainment, bid on exceptional auction items, and savor an unforgettable culinary experience, you’ll be helping change lives—and perhaps discovering a community you’d like to be part of. Who knows? You may even decide to join the Naples Woman’s Club.

What’s your idea for using food for social justice?