An expertly curated, luxuriously produced compendium of all things Naples, Naples Illustrated brings to life personalities and takes you inside the exclusive homes, parties and interests of the world’s most affluent and influential people.
SHELLY STAYER CHAIRWOMAN, Naples Illustrated Advisory Board Johnsonville Foods, president/co-owner ASHLEY GERRY NCEF, trustee; CMON, board member VICKI BAKER UBS Private Wealth Management, executive team assistant CHAD JENSEN Method & Concept, creative director, managing partner SHAWN MCCONNELL NCH Healthcare, marketing and communications director BRENDA MELTON Celebrity Martini Glass Auction, founder ASHLEY SMITH Aurora Investment Managers LLC, partner and portfolio manager CLAUDINE LEGER-WETZEL Stock Development, vice president, sales and marketing DONNA MCGINNIS Naples Botanical Garden, president and CEO MICHAEL WYNN Sunshine Ace Hardware, president…
Fall in Florida is here. November is a wonderful month in our region and accompanying it is one of my favorite editions of Naples Illustrated: our arts and culture issue. Naples takes pride in celebrating the arts, and it attracts an impressive lineup of acclaimed talent and creative happenings. Indeed, our town is blessed with vast artistic variety, especially for its size. From myriad galleries and fine art museums to theatrical outlets to notable art fairs and other conduits, there are many ways to experience, appreciate, and explore the arts in our area. One of the remarkable aspects of art is its ability to rouse emotions; it has an uncanny ability to move us deeply. Art often drives us to think metaphorically and metaphysically. It might leave us melancholy, even…
MEN IN CRAZY PANTS WHO: Pace Center for Girls, Collier at Immokalee WHAT: Crazy Pantz WHERE: The Players Club & Spa, Naples DETAILS: It was a night of wild fun as guests bid on the colorful pants of the distinguished men of Naples in support of the Pace Center for Girls. MEDIA SPONSOR: Naples Illustrated RUNNING OF THE ROSES WHO: Naples Therapeutic Riding Center WHAT: Kentucky Derby Party WHERE: Naples Therapeutic Riding Center campus DETAILS: Guests celebrated the greatest two minutes in sports in true Kentucky Derby style while raising money for the center’s therapeutic riding programs. TIME FOR TEA WHO: STARability board members and community philanthropists WHAT: Tea party fundraiser WHERE: Forever Fiore Tea Lounge, Naples DETAILS: Guests gathered for an elegant fundraiser to support STARability Foundation, raising more than…
Who better to consult about holiday entertaining in Southwest Florida than a world-renowned designer and author who calls the tropical haven of Harbour Island home? India Hicks, who raised five children and who has hosted countless gatherings at her Bahamas residence, brings her signature style and sensibility to Southwest Florida at a private event held at Home and Salvage November 6. Hosted by the popular North Naples home and design boutique, the event will spotlight Hicks, who is a celebrated British style icon with deep royal connections. (She served as a bridesmaid in the wedding of Prince Charles and the late Princess Diana.) Hicks will share insights on the art of gracious, inspired entertaining with attendees. Naples Illustrated connected with Hicks to ask a few questions in advance of her…
Fashionistas will soon have a new store to visit in downtown Naples. Another location of The Augusta Clothing Company is set to open at 601 Fifth Avenue South. Jerri Hoffmann is the brains behind the operation. “We will do an old-Florida look,” Jerri says. “I’m working with architects right now on the layout of the store; it’s going to be beautiful.” The boutique will feature high-quality clothing and accessories. “Our goal is to offer our clientele clothing that is wellconstructed and that they can actually build a wardrobe around,” Jerri explains. “We will also offer things that are fashion-forward and fun.” Jerri wants to appeal to professional newcomers as well. “It will be a place our young professional women here in Naples can come,” she says. She is eager to provide shoppers…
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis gave the green light for more than $18 million in cultural and museum grants in this year’s budget. One recipient, according to the Florida Department of State, includes the Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center, which was granted approximately $97,000. The organization’s president and CEO, Erin Blankenship, says the funding will assist in more ways than one. “It will help us deliver our mission of teaching the lessons of the Holocaust, inspire action against hatred, and promote mutual respect,” she explains. The museum delivers educational resources to counties throughout Florida, some of which include pop-up exhibitions at schools. Blankenship says the state grants will continue to make these exhibitions—as well as field trips to the museum—possible. “Some teachers worry about an admission fee, but because of…
