Logo

Philanthropy in 2021: Six strategies to cultivate donor relationships

Personal relationships are a critical component of philanthropy.

Donors don’t often give solely because they support a cause. They give because they trust the people behind the cause. It’s those individuals who set policies into motion, establish successful programs and ensure exceptional financial stewardship, and ultimately accomplish an organization’s mission and vision.

During the pandemic, though, face-to-face communications were limited at best. As a result, a study published by the Center for Disaster Philanthropy and Candid Research Solutions found that one-third of nonprofits in the U.S. were at risk of closing within two years because of financial impacts from COVID-19.

Not every nonprofit floundered during the pandemic, though. In fact, many flourished by implementing innovative outreach programs that connected with donors and potential supporters on a deeper, more personal level.

A return to “normalcy” will bring back traditional donor relations activities, like fundraising galas and social events. However, organizations that adopted new communications strategies during the pandemic discovered additional ways to connect with key stakeholders, and it’s likely that some or all of the following strategies will remain long after the pandemic:

· Video: As the only means of face-to-face communications for a time, video offered opportunities for personal connections through personalized messages, one-on-one conversations and group presentations, essentially connecting organizations to a larger audience through Zoom, Teams or other platforms.

· Social media: As a running news feed, social media allows nonprofits to control the message while offering more frequent updates than traditional news media can provide. Visuals are especially important in allowing audiences to see how the organization is accomplishing its goals.

· Cell phones: Text messages and phone calls offer simple ways for periodic check-ins to stay top of mind with supporters. One-on-one communications, even without back-and-forth dialogue, helps maintain a positive relationship.

· Email: Platforms like MailChimp and Constant Contact allow organizations to create monthly or quarterly e-newsletters to reach supporters, philanthropic partners, volunteers, community leaders and even media. Crisp designs with colorful images and catchy headlines keep recipients engaged and help drive traffic to the website.

· Virtual events: After canceling in-person philanthropic events in 2020 and early 2021, many organizations are considering smaller galas or hybrid events for the 2021-22 fundraising season. Virtual events don’t have to disappear, though. With lower production costs and a shorter planning timeline, virtual events offer opportunities to create dynamic, authentic events that resonate with audiences near and far. Online donation portals are secure and fast.

· Small gatherings: While face-to-face fundraising and large-scale events might not be as frequent in the near future, there is a growing interest in more intimate gatherings. One-on-one conversations in a safe, familiar environment with fewer attendees offers a good opportunity to personally deliver new collateral, such as a printed annual impact report, that helps demonstrate the importance of philanthropic support and overall organizational success.

Although the pandemic forced nonprofits to think “outside the box,” many strategies to communicate with donors and influencers are here to stay and can help deepen relationships.

– By Kelly Krupp, CFPE, vice president of philanthropy at Guadalupe Center.

How to Give: DONATION GUIDE

Read More

Kelly Krupp promoted to vice president of philanthropy

Guadalupe Center has promoted Kelly Krupp, CFRE, to the position of vice president of philanthropy, a role that includes oversight of donor relations, fundraising and marketing.

Krupp helped lead “Guadalupe Center: 2020 & Beyond,” a successful capital and operating campaign that raised two-thirds of the nonprofit’s $24 million fundraising goal before the campaign even went public.

“Kelly connects people to our vision and mission, helping them fulfill their philanthropic goals,” said Guadalupe Center President Dawn Montecalvo. “She engages their hearts and invites them to join us in breaking the cycle of poverty through education for the children of Immokalee. Her tremendous work and dedication to ‘2020 & Beyond’ allowed us to open the Monaghan Family Early Childhood Education Campus completely free of debt, and we anticipate doing the same for the van Otterloo Family Campus for Learning that is currently under construction.”

Krupp joined Guadalupe Center in 2014 as its grants manager before being promoted to director of major gifts, managing and cultivating relationships with current and future donors to help accomplish Guadalupe Center’s philanthropic goals. She was elevated to director of philanthropy in 2019 and senior director of philanthropy in 2020 before being promoted to vice president of philanthropy earlier this year.

In her new role, Krupp oversees a team that includes a director of annual giving, director of marketing and communications, resale shop manager, philanthropy coordinator, community outreach/engagement coordinator, database coordinator, special events coordinator and philanthropy officer.

Nearly 80% of Guadalupe Center’s annual revenue comes through private philanthropic support. The organization’s most recent annual operating budget was $7.9 million, which includes donations, grants and sales at Guadalupe Resale Shop.

Fundraising helps Guadalupe Center operate its nationally accredited Early Childhood Education Program, After-school Tutoring & Summer Enrichment Program and college-preparatory Tutor Corps Program. Guadalupe Center serves more than 1,400 students annually.

Prior to joining Guadalupe Center, Krupp worked in donor relations for Habitat for Humanity of Collier County and served in management roles for retail stores and a human resources company. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Flagler College and is a Certified Fund Raising Executive through CFRE International, a designation that means Krupp has met a series of standards that include tenure in the profession, education and demonstrated fundraising achievement.

READ MORE: How to Give

Read More

Supporters ensure the show goes on for students in Immokalee

Southwest Florida loves a gala… The social aspects. The food. The décor. The ability to help a charitable cause.

Southwest Florida’s nonprofits love galas, too. Fundraising events amplify awareness for their causes and generate financial support that fuels their programs and services year-round.

One year ago, COVID-19 abruptly put an end to in-person gatherings. Today, the fundraising gala – a staple of high season in Naples – still hasn’t returned, at least in large gatherings.

Last spring, Guadalupe Center adopted a rallying cry of “The show must go on.” Education cannot stop because our children’s futures are riding on it. That’s why our teachers, staff and mentors immediately began connecting virtually to continue preparing students for the future.

Guadalupe Center’s annual fundraising gala, held every January, raises more than $1 million each year to fund education programs. Canceling the gala wouldn’t just cut $1 million from the budget; it would cut 1 million dreams and possibilities from the lives of students who depend on a high-quality education to overcome poverty. We couldn’t do that to our children, so, as we had been saying, the show must go on!

Circtacular was held Jan. 21 under the virtual big top. Going into it, there were questions about how the technology would work, whether guests would “attend” an event on their smart TV or tablet, and if attendees would donate in a less personal environment.

The livestream itself was entertaining, educational and enlightening. Circtacular played off its circus theme with special effects, circus acts, augmented reality and comedic performances. I was “volunteered” to take pies in the face if we met fundraising goals. We did, students gladly tossed cream pies at me during the livestream – nine times! – and I would gladly do it again to help raise money that supports our mission.

Circtacular was all about the unexpected. We didn’t know whether a virtual format would resonate with supporters, and they didn’t know exactly what the program would entail. We certainly didn’t want this to be just another Zoom presentation, so we set out to create a memorable, highly entertaining show that kept supporters on the edge of their seats.

During Circtacular, Guadalupe Center introduced its new “This is Me” campaign, which will tell the stories of Immokalee students whose lives are being transformed through education. “This is Me” stories showcase students’ determination, resilience and perseverance, and their stories prove that possibilities, opportunities and potential impact are endless.

The transformation in Immokalee has begun. It’s starting with education, and it’s starting at Guadalupe Center.

In-person galas typically feature live and silent auctions where guests can bid top dollar for exotic trips, once-in-a-lifetime experiences and unique gifts, but a livestreamed event presented too many logistical challenges. In-person galas also feature table sponsors, but that, too, couldn’t be part of a virtual event.

Instead, Guadalupe Center amplified its Jump Up for Education, which allows guests to make a donation and “jump up” to show their support. Unlike an auction, Jump Up supporters receive nothing in return. No trips to Europe. No dinner cruises. No jewelry. “Just” a donation to help transform a student’s life forever.

What were the results? Sixteen businesses and foundations stepped forward as Circtacular sponsors, and our virtual Jump Up for Education set an all-time fundraising record. In all, Guadalupe Center raised $1 million.

Our supporters stuck with us because they’re passionate about our cause and mission. Proceeds will allow Immokalee parents to send their children to a nationally accredited Early Childhood Education Program. It will allow elementary-age students to attend the reading- and math-focused After-school Tutoring & Summer Enrichment Program. It will allow high school students to participate in the Tutor Corps Program, which not only prepares teens for college, but also provides scholarships so they can afford tuition.

Support helps students like Immokalee High School senior Marc Dorcin, whose family moved to the U.S. from Haiti after the devastating earthquake in 2010. Thanks to Guadalupe Center, “my future is filled with possibilities, including a college education,” he said.

Former Tutor Corps student Erika Arvizu, whose parents were migrant workers, received a full-ride college scholarship through Guadalupe Center and attended an out-of-state, private institution.

“It changed the trajectory of my life, and that is why I came back to Immokalee,” said Erika, who is now a first-grade teacher in Immokalee. “I know what Guadalupe Center did for me and I want to make sure other students have the same opportunities.”

Our team, our students and our community are incredibly grateful that the show did go on. The impacts of Circtacular will be felt for generations to come.

show goes on– By Dawn Montecalvo, President of Guadalupe Center

Read More

‘Circtacular’ raises over $950,000 for education programs in Immokalee

Guadalupe Center’s Circtacular, a circus-themed virtual fundraising extravaganza, raised more than $950,000 to support the nonprofit’s mission of breaking the cycle of poverty through education for the children of Immokalee.

Livestreamed on Jan. 21 under the virtual big top, Circtacular was filled with special effects, comedic performances, compelling videos, heartfelt testimonials and traditional circus acts, including juggling, augmented reality, circus animals and an all-time favorite – pies in the face of Guadalupe Center President Dawn Montecalvo after online donations surpassed fundraising goals.

Guadalupe Center’s signature event is the nonprofit’s largest annual fundraiser and traditionally kicks off Naples’ winter season of philanthropic formal galas. In 2021, Circtacular instead was livestreamed to smart TVs, laptops, tablets and smartphones across Southwest Florida and beyond.

“All year, our rallying cry has been ‘The show must go on,’ which refers to both Circtacular and our education programs,” Montecalvo said. “We have remained student focused and mission forward because, in our eyes, nothing can stop education as long as enough people passionately care about it. We are incredibly thankful for the unwavering support of our sponsors and donors who are helping rewrite the stars for students and families in Immokalee.”

Circtacular’s audience of philanthropists, business and community leaders, entrepreneurs and educators received patron party boxes filled with mementos, including a clown bowtie, animal crackers, locally-made custom cookies, popcorn and salsa, and Guadalupe Center accessories such as hats and face masks. The show’s interactive program featured dozens of students who are benefiting from contributions made by generous Guadalupe Center supporters.

During the show, current and former students shared their personal stories through “This Is Me,” a new campaign that introduces the talented, inspiring students of Immokalee to Southwest Florida. One of those students was Marc Dorcin, whose family moved to the U.S. from Haiti after the devastating earthquake in 2010. He spoke no English at the time and was later assigned to remedial classes as a freshman at Immokalee High School. Now, after hard work under the tutelage of his mentors and staff at Guadalupe Center, Dorcin is enrolled in the rigorous Cambridge AICE program at school. Last year, his father passed away, and again Guadalupe Center stepped in to help, making sure he was still on track to graduate and pursue a college degree.

“Adversity is no longer my task-master; it will not control my future,” Dorcin said. “Instead, my future is filled with possibilities, including a college education.”

Circtacular’s primary fundraising mechanism was the Jump Up for Education, a lively interactive drive that allowed attendees to make a donation and “jump up” to show their support for Guadalupe Center. Donations large and small began pouring in, including a $100,000 match challenge from an anonymous donor.

Proceeds from Circtacular will support Guadalupe Center’s three educational programs: the nationally accredited Early Childhood Education Program, After-school Tutoring & Summer Enrichment Program and college-preparatory Tutor Corps Program.

Circtacular’s Big Top Sponsor was the Mary & Patrick McClain Foundation. Additional sponsors included Gamble Family Vineyards, Moorings Park Grande Lake/London Bay Development Group, Northern Trust, Priority Marketing, The Indium Corporation & Macartney Family Foundation, Heatherwood Construction, Waterside Shops, Carter, Elite Jets, Ficarra Design Associates and Infinite Professional Center. Media sponsors were Gulfshore Life/WINK, Life in Naples, Naples Daily News/LocaliQ and WAVV 101.1-FM.

Sharing co-hosting duties with Montecalvo was WINK News anchor Lindsey Sablan, who served as emcee. Auctioneer Greg Quiroga led the Jump Up for Education. 

WATCH: Circtacular

Read More

Tickets still available for Guadalupe Center’s ‘Circtacular’ on Jan. 21

Community members wanting to enhance education and create endless possibilities for students in Immokalee still have an opportunity to purchase tickets for Guadalupe Center’s Circtacular fundraising extravaganza.

The Jan. 21 virtual event will be livestreamed and help generate proceeds to support Guadalupe Center’s three educational programs: the nationally accredited Early Childhood Education Program, After-school Tutoring & Summer Enrichment Program and college-preparatory Tutor Corps Program.

“Our virtual event will be like one you’ve never seen before,” said Guadalupe Center President Dawn Montecalvo. “Far from the experience of a Zoom call, Circtacular will be a lively production filled with special effects, comedic performances, compelling videos, heartfelt testimonials from our students and interactive ways for the audience to make a difference.”

Circtacular also features Jump Up for Education, a lively interactive drive that allows attendees to make a donation and jump up to show their support for Guadalupe Center.

Three ticket options are available: Big Top Patron ($500 per couple), Ringmaster Patron ($250 per couple) and Entertainer Patron ($100 per couple).

Guadalupe Center also has announced this year’s generous sponsors for Circtacular. They include:

Big Top Sponsor: Mary & Patrick McClain Foundation

Ringmaster Sponsors: Gamble Family Vineyards, Moorings Park Grande Lake/London Bay Development Group, Northern Trust, Priority Marketing and The Indium Corporation & Macartney Family Foundation

Rewrite the Stars Sponsors: Heatherwood Construction and Waterside Shops

Circus Troupe Sponsors: Carter, Elite Jets, Ficarra Design Associates and Infinite Professional Center

Media Sponsors: Gulfshore Life/WINK, Life in Naples, Naples Daily News/LocaliQ, Spotlight Magazine and WAVV 101.1-FM

Ticket and giving opportunities are available by visiting GuadalupeCenter.org/Circtacular. For more information, please contact Special Events Coordinator Tammy Richelieu at 239-963-3668 or email TRichelieu@GuadalupeCenter.org. 

Read More

Stein Mart shopper buys out store, donates clothing to Guadalupe Resale Shop

Nearly 280 Stein Mart locations nationwide were set for closure after the company filed for bankruptcy, including five in Southwest Florida.

Shoppers took advantage of steep discounts on all merchandise as Stein Mart liquidated its assets. One of Guadalupe Resale Shop’s supporters visited the location near Pelican Bay in Naples on Oct. 29, just hours before it was set to close its doors for the final time.

The mood was somewhat somber. Inventory was limited. The handful of remaining employees were about to be unemployed.

The Resale Shop supporter wasn’t there to shop for herself, though. She was on a mission, for a mission, and began filling up shopping bags with deeply discounted clothing. She intended to buy everything and donate it all to the Resale Shop, which supports educational programs for students in Immokalee.

One bag turned into two, which turned into three, and so forth. When employees found out what she was doing, they started chipping in money of their own.

“The sales staff were about to lose their jobs, yet felt so strongly about what I was doing that they wanted to help, too,” said the shopper, who wanted her deed to remain anonymous. “I was just so touched. Charity just breeds more charity.”

When all was said and done, her sales receipt measured nearly 11 feet! The total retail price was more than $6,000, but after discounts, she paid just a little over $200.

She and her husband then delivered the items to Guadalupe Resale Shop,

Resale Shop volunteers left the tags on each item, a sales technique that helps move inventory quicker because shoppers know they’re getting brand-new items at great prices. The Resale Shop has a growing contingent of donors and shoppers who are helping Guadalupe Center accomplish its mission of breaking the cycle of poverty through education for the children of Immokalee.

Guadalupe Center serves more than 1,400 students annually through its nationally accredited Early Childhood Education Program, After-school Tutoring & Summer Enrichment Program and college-preparatory Tutor Corps Program. The nonprofit relies on proceeds from the Resale Shop and philanthropic support from individuals, foundations and businesses to keep programs accessible for lower-income families.

“Every donation and sale at Guadalupe Resale Shop helps support our mission, but this particular donor went above and beyond,” said Dawn Montecalvo, president of Guadalupe Center. “It’s actually a fabulous idea. So many retail stores have clearance, BOGO and going-out-of-business sales, and knowing when to buy and donate can be a tremendous help to Guadalupe Resale Shop and other nonprofits that rely on donations to carry out their missions.”

Donation FAQs

Guadalupe Resale Shop accepts donations of quality furniture, home décor, artwork, kitchenware, lamps, linens, DVDs and CDs, books and more, as well as all types of new and gently used ladies’ and men’s clothing, including accessories such as jewelry, purses and nearly new shoes.

Donations are accepted from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays at a drop-off station behind Guadalupe Resale Shop, which is located at 12980 Tamiami Trail North, Unit #10, in Naples. Guadalupe Resale Shop offers a FREE furniture pick-up service by calling 239-594-2696.

LEARN MORE: How and what to donate

– By Kat McNabb, Manager of Guadalupe Resale Shop

Read More

Philanthropy in uncertain times: How, and where, to make a difference

At this point each year, Southwest Florida’s philanthropic scene starts to explode with fundraising galas and special events.

The continued presence of COVID-19, however, is reshaping philanthropy here and across the nation. Formal fundraising galas, the type of black-tie affairs where nonprofits can raise $1 million or more in a single night, will be few and far between.

Instead, nonprofits are turning toward virtual events while identifying new opportunities to connect with and recognize their supporters. For example, Guadalupe Center’s Circtacular on Jan. 21 will be a livestreamed, circus-themed virtual event that captures the excitement and energy of the circus while demonstrating Guadalupe Center’s impact on education and poverty in Immokalee.

With no definitive end to the world’s health and economic crisis, philanthropic-minded individuals still recognize the community’s needs and the potential impact of their generosity. Without question, 2020 has been a challenging year for nonprofits. However, Southwest Florida is home to successful business leaders and entrepreneurs who value philanthropy and cherish opportunities to provide resources that will help nonprofits carry out their missions.

Below are four tips to consider when deciding how, and where, to make a difference in the community we call home.

Select a cause

According to the National Center for Charitable Statistics, there are more than 1.5 million nonprofits registered with the IRS. Nonprofits represent the arts, culture, humanities, education, research, environment, health care, human services, religion and many others.

When giving, consider causes near and dear to your heart. Sharing a personal connection with a cause strengthens the bond and creates a vested interest in an organization’s success.

Evaluate organizations

Donors want to feel confident that an organization is spending their contributions wisely while accomplishing its mission. Charity Navigator offers 4-star ratings to signify an organization’s financial strength, accountability and transparency. GuideStar offers platinum ratings to nonprofits that chart their success and accomplishments using verifiable data.

When giving, consider local nonprofits. These boots-on-the-ground organizations are the pulse of a thriving community. They may have relatively small budgets compared to national nonprofits, but they have big dreams and aspirations.

Determine the purpose

Learn about an organization’s specific needs and how your donation will help accomplish the nonprofit’s goals and objectives. Look for organizations that collaborate with others in the community. Ask for a tour. Nonprofits are proud to demonstrate their success.

Where possible, consider making an unrestricted gift to provide nonprofits with the greatest flexibility. Many organizations are unable to host traditional fundraising events and they’re facing uncertain financial futures, so flexibility is vital to helping the causes you care about.

Choose a gift type

Monetary donations and even multi-year pledges are among the easiest ways to contribute while also providing the most flexibility for an organization. Planned giving allows donors to create a legacy through appreciated stock, charitable rollover, charitable lead or remainder trusts, endowments and beneficiary designations.

When giving, consider an organization’s long-term needs. Gifts are needed today, tomorrow and beyond. Blended gifts can incorporate both cash and planned gift vehicles, allowing you to support the organization now and into the future. Supporters have designated Guadalupe Center, for instance, as beneficiaries in wills, trusts, life insurance policies and retirement plans, thus reducing the size of donors’ taxable estates before assets are transferred to heirs.

Nonprofits in Southwest Florida rely on philanthropy to carry out their work. Although 2020 introduced a host of new fundraising challenges, we’re blessed to live, work and play in a community that always comes through in times of need.

READ MORE: How to Give: Your Gift is Needed Today, Tomorrow and Beyond

fundraising– By Kelly Krupp, Senior Director of Philanthropy at Guadalupe Center

Read More

Guadalupe Center breaks ground on van Otterloo Family Campus for Learning

Guadalupe Center broke ground on Oct. 30 for a new educational campus that will create lasting, transformational change for students in Immokalee. 

The van Otterloo Family Campus for Learning will feature two academic buildings with multiple classrooms, a library, learning lab, cafeteria and kitchen, playground, administrative offices, mentor lounges, commons areas, a medical and dental suite, outdoor gardens and a student wall of fame. The campus will accommodate up to 154 students in Guadalupe Center’s Early Childhood Education Program, as well as 125 high school students in the college-preparatory Tutor Corps Program. 

Guadalupe Center named the campus in honor of Rose-Marie and Eijk van Otterloo, whose generous $5 million matching gift helped launch the project and inspired others to give. Within the campus, Brynne & Bob Coletti Hall will become the new home for the Tutor Corps Program. Barron Collier Companies donated 9.5 acres for the new campus. 

“A strong early childhood education gives children the best opportunity for future success, and this expansion will allow more students to get a head start on an education that will carry them through school, into college and beyond,” said Dawn Montecalvo, president of Guadalupe Center. “We are truly grateful for all of the generous donors who stepped forward to help this dream become a reality for families in Immokalee.” 

Guadalupe Center’s Early Childhood Education Program is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and Accredited Professional Preschool Learning Environment (APPLE). It also is recognized through the Southwest Florida Stars – Quality Rating and Improvement System and Gold Seal Quality Care Program through the Florida Department of Children and Families. Additionally, Guadalupe Center has a five-star rating from the Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida. 

Tutor Corps is a highly selective, college preparatory program that offers guidance in college and career readiness, ACT and SAT test prep, mentorships, financial literacy and scholarship assistance, as well as wages for tutoring younger students at Guadalupe Center. 

In August, Guadalupe Center opened the Monaghan Family Early Childhood Education Campus, which can accommodate up to 64 students ages 6 weeks to 3 years old. The addition of the van Otterloo campus will bring Guadalupe Center’s total student population to more than 1,800 students annually. 

Guadalupe CenterConstruction costs for both new campuses are being funded through “Guadalupe Center: 2020 & Beyond,” a capital and operational campaign raising money to build new educational centers, hire additional staff, expand academic programs and establish an operational endowment fund. 

“When our children were old enough to have conversations about philanthropy, we discussed creating a foundation and what causes we’d like to support as a family, such as a hospital or museum,” Rose-Marie van Otterloo said. “Everyone said education, and that’s what we’ve been supporting for the past 20 years.” 

After moving to Naples, a friend introduced the van Otterloos to Guadalupe Center. After that first visit, Rose-Marie was hooked. 

“I fell in love with this place because of its mission,” she said. “The only way to get out of poverty is through education, and Guadalupe Center is providing hope to so many families in Immokalee.” 

Construction on the van Otterloo campus, which will be located at 3655 Westclox St. in Immokalee, is expected to be complete in late 2021. Project partners include Heatherwood Construction, David Corban Architects and Peninsula Engineering. 

Guadalupe Center is recognizing donors through a naming opportunity campaign. Several investment opportunities are still available, including classrooms, building wings and offices. For information about additional giving opportunities, please contact Senior Director of Philanthropy Kelly Krupp at 239-657-7711. 

Read More

Mark your calendar: ‘Circtacular’ virtual fundraising extravaganza set for Jan. 21

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages, prepare to be amazed at Circtacular, Guadalupe Center’s circus-themed virtual event to be livestreamed on Jan. 21. 

In 2021, Guadalupe Center’s signature fundraising gala will be a circus-themed virtual extravaganza featuring an interactive livestreaming experience that captures the excitement and energy of the circus. Rather than gathering under the big top, guests can join virtually to learn about Guadalupe Center’s tremendous impact on education and poverty in Immokalee. 

Circtacular’s tagline is “The Magic. The Mission. The Moment.” 

“2020 has been a challenging year for everyone, but like they say, the show must go on,” said Guadalupe Center President Dawn Montecalvo. “Guadalupe Center has remained student-focused and mission-forward, ensuring that we continue providing high-quality education programs that help the children of Immokalee overcome poverty.” 

The signature event is Guadalupe Center’s annual fundraising gala. In January, the flamingo-themed Be Flamazing event raised $1.2 million to benefit students in the Early Childhood Education, After-school Tutoring & Summer Enrichment and Tutor Corps programs. Combined, the programs serve more than 1,400 students annually. 

Sponsorship opportunities for Circtacular start at $3,000 and can include recognition in marketing materials, programs, news media and social media, as well as during the event. Additional sponsorship benefits include virtual event passes, custom party boxes delivered to guests and invitations to exclusive donor events. 

Circtacular will be held virtually on Thursday, Jan. 21. Guests are encouraged to host private dinner parties during the event and watch the livestreaming event. 

For sponsorship or ticket opportunities, please contact Special Events Coordinator Tammy Richelieu at 239-963-3668 or email TRichelieu@GuadalupeCenter.org. 

Read More

High-Quality Donations = High-Quality Education

Janet was quite the looker. 

Recent visitors to Guadalupe Resale Shop couldn’t help but notice a beautiful woman standing by the front door. The prized sculpture by renowned “hyper realist” artist Marc Sijan, part of his Standing Barefoot collection, was as lifelike as they come, right down to flesh tones, freckles, eyelashes and skin imperfections. 

Art aficionados immediately took note of Janet, the name given by her donors. Research shows Sijan’s work often fetches five-figure sums when sold through art dealers. 

Janet was a high-quality donation, and high-quality donations help fund a high-quality education for the students of Immokalee. Revenue at Guadalupe Resale Shop infuses financial support into Guadalupe Center in Immokalee, which offers a nationally accredited Early Childhood Education Program, After-school Tutoring & Summer Enrichment Program and college-preparatory Tutor Corps Program. 

Janet sold in late August to Aldo Castillo, an international art curator who recently opened a gallery on Fifth Avenue South in Naples. Proceeds from that sale can provide an entire preschool class with creative arts and music resources for the year. Or it can sponsor a child and his or her parents for the Smart Start Program, which shows parents how to facilitate in-home learning and ensure that children are reaching age-appropriate developmental milestones. Or it can allow Guadalupe Center to purchase an in-class educational system like LEGO kits for STEM lessons. 

Guadalupe Resale Shop has been blessed with an amazingly generous base of regular donors who have given entire living room and bedroom sets, oak cabinets, stylish apparel, one-of-a-kind pieces of artwork and home décor. High-quality items don’t sit on the showroom floor very long. Each sale represents another opportunity to support children whose lives are being transformed through Guadalupe Center, which has a mission of breaking the cycle of poverty through education for the children of Immokalee.  

Many well-meaning donors have asked what constitutes a “high-quality donation.” Customers are advised to ask themselves, “Is this something I would give to a friend?” If the answer is yes, then typically that item will have a good value in the resale market. If the answer is no, however, then it’s not likely someone would purchase it, either.  

To advise customers on how to truly make an impact on a child’s life, Guadalupe Resale Shop offers the following guidelines for donors: 

  • Will accept: Like-new furniture, home décor, kitchenware, artwork, lamps, linens, DVDs and CDs, books and all types of ladies and men’s clothing, including accessories such as jewelry, purses and nearly new shoes.  
  • Will not accept: Electronics, used household appliances, mattresses, children’s clothing and toys, baby equipment, gardening tools, light fixtures, ceiling fans, armoires, entertainment centers and exercise equipment. 

Guadalupe Resale Shop is located at 12980 Tamiami Trail N., Unit 10 in Naples. The showroom is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays; donations are accepted 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. For more information, please visit GuadalupeCenter.org or call 239-594-2696. 

Read More
  • Morgridge Family Early Childhood Education Campus
  • 509 Hope Circle Immokalee, FL 34142
  • 239.658.1999
  • Monaghan Family Early Childhood Education Campus
  • 1170 Harvest Drive Immokalee, FL 34142
  • 239.651.7088
  • ADMINISTRATION OFFICES
  • 2640 Golden Gate Parkway, Suite 205 Naples, FL 34105
  • 239.657.7711
  • GUADALUPE RESALE SHOP
  • 12980 Tamiami Trail North, Unit #10 Naples, FL 34110
  • 239.594.2696
Facebook-f Twitter Youtube Instagram Linkedin
Donations
Donations
ArabicChinese (Simplified)DutchEnglishFrenchGermanItalianPortugueseRussianSpanish

Graciously funded by

Naples Children and Education Foundation Logo
Donations

Proud agency partners of

Donations
Donations
Collier Cares Logo
© 2020 Guadalupe Center | All Rights Reserved | Powered by Priority Marketing | Website Privacy Policy