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Jazmine Belleza, 8, walked into Snyderman's Shoes of Naples on Tuesday wearing sparkly shoes size 2 that she had worn for 10 months — and walked out with two pairs of brand-new shoes size 4½.

Faculty and resident students at the University of Florida’s College of Dentistry, NCEF Pediatric Dental Center, funded through the Naples Children & Education Foundation, founders of the Naples Winter Wine Festival, recently spent two weeks in Immokalee operating a free clinic to serve children in Guadalupe Center’s Summer Enrichment Program.

One thoughtful Florida teen rocked a one-of-a-kind look on prom night, as she sold ad space on her prom dress to raise funds for Hurricane Irma victims. “I saw the devastation and people not having homes anymore,” Aubrey Garcia told Naples News, speaking of the September 2017 storm that caused catastrophic damage in the northeastern Caribbean and the Florida Keys.

Guadalupe Center supporters Brynne and Bob Coletti donated $250 Target gift cards for the 29 students in this year's program. The students used them to go on a shopping spree this week, so they could pick up the essential items they'll need on campus: towels, bedding, and school supplies.

Perseverance, intelligence and a quest to succeed define the Class of 2018 from Guadalupe Center’s Tutor Corps program, a diverse group of Immokalee High School seniors who share one common element — they’re all going to college.

“These ladies spent their professional careers making a difference in the lives of their students, so it’s only fitting that in retirement they still carry that same passion for education,” said Dawn Montecalvo, president of the Guadalupe Center. “The resale shop is an extremely busy place,” she added, “and the tireless work ethic of our volunteers certainly is appreciated.”

High school students in Immokalee, who are on the college track, are earning scholarship dollars by tutoring elementary school kids in their community. As part of the program, the teenagers also have adult mentors who advise them throughout their adolescence.

Dawn Montecalvo, president of the Guadalupe Center in Immokalee, was selected by Gov. Rick Scott to attend the Florida Community Leaders Dinner on March 7 in Tallahassee.

After a successful Naples Winter Wine Festival live auction that raised $15.1 million, the Naples Children & Education Foundation announced Monday the 47 recipients of its annual grants at an awards ceremony at the Bay Colony Golf Club.

Hurricane Irma was one of the greatest challenges we have faced as a community over the years, yet it brought to light the resiliency of so many people, particularly the residents of lmmokalee.