Stories of Hope and Healing from the Naples Winter Wine Festival

The Naples Winter Wine Festival is more than a world-class event—it’s a lifeline for organizations like Valerie’s House, where grieving children and teens find hope and healing. We are deeply honored to be chosen by the Naples Children & Education Foundation (NCEF) as one of the organizations they support year after year.

Their generosity allows us to serve children and teens not only at our Naples home but also in Collier County schools across the district. This year’s festival was a powerful reminder of the life-changing impact of our programs. Let us introduce you to three incredible children who inspired everyone they met:

Dawson: Finding His Voice and Inspiring a Crowd

Dawson, one of our Collier County teens, stood before hundreds of people at the festival and opened his speech with these heartfelt words: “I stand here before you, and it hasn’t even been a year since my mom passed.” The room fell silent, and by the end, he received a standing ovation.

With the help of Valerie’s House and one of our amazing grief counselors, Susan, Dawson has found his voice on his grief journey. He also appeared in a moving feature video during the event, which left many in tears. Through his story, the audience saw firsthand the profound impact Valerie’s House has on grieving families.

Dawson shared his dream of becoming a financial planner to help families during tough times, his plans for college, and how giving back through his church plays a key role in his healing. His courage and grace touched everyone in the room, reminding us all of the power of hope and resilience.

Ham: Following in His Mom’s Footsteps

Chris, who goes by Ham, dreams of becoming a detective, just like his mom, who he lost. During Meet the Kids Day, Ham proudly wore his mom’s badge around his neck—a treasured reminder of her love, courage, and legacy.

The Collier County Sheriff’s Office heard Ham’s story and came by to shower him with love and support. It was a special moment as Ham bonded with those who share his mom’s passion for helping others. With the support of Valerie’s House, Ham is inspired to honor his mom’s legacy and pursue his dream of serving his community.

Stella: Dreaming Big and Connecting with Her Passion

Stella, who lost her dad at just 10 years old, dreams of becoming a veterinarian. She has been part of Valerie’s House since 2020 and was an incredible ambassador during Meet the Kids Day, warmly greeting visitors and sharing her story.

The stethoscope Stella wore represented her dream of working with animals. After hearing about her passion, the wonderful team at the Conservancy of Naples invited her to their booth, making the day even more special. Stella’s story is a testament to how grief doesn’t have to limit dreams, and with the right support, children can find a bright future even after loss.

Gratitude for the Naples Children & Education Foundation

We are truly humbled by the support of NCEF and the Naples Winter Wine Festival. Their belief in our mission makes moments like these possible, helping children and teens like Dawson, Ham, and Stella heal, dream, and thrive.

Thank you, NCEF, for your incredible generosity, and thank you to everyone who supports Valerie’s House. Together, we’re changing lives.

CTA:
Learn More About Our Programs

Tags: #NaplesWinterWineFestival #NCEF #ValeriesHouse #GrieveLoveHeal #CommunitySupport