Youth Haven announces keynote speaker and sponsorship opportunities for Healing Youth Luncheon
Youth Haven, Collier County’s only provider of emergency shelter, at-risk shelter and homeless teen transitional living services for abused, neglected and homeless children and teens ages 6 to 21, invites the community to support its Healing Youth Luncheon on Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2027. The annual fundraiser will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Sea Salt, 1186 3rd St. S., Naples, featuring renowned educator, author and activist Erin Gruwell as keynote speaker. Proceeds benefit Youth Haven’s mission of providing home, hope and healing to youth in need throughout Southwest Florida.
Gruwell is best known for her work with the Freedom Writers, a group of 150 students who faced poverty, gang violence and the risk of dropping out of school. Through her guidance and encouragement, all 150 students graduated from high school and pursued higher education. Their remarkable journey inspired the No. 1 New York Times bestseller “The Freedom Writers Diary” and the major motion picture “Freedom Writers,” starring Hilary Swank. As founder of the Freedom Writers Foundation, Gruwell continues to advocate for educational equity and social change, sharing a powerful message of hope, resilience and the importance of helping young people overcome adversity.
The luncheon will be hosted by longtime Youth Haven supporters Ingrid and Chef Fabrizio Aielli. Guests will enjoy an inspiring afternoon while learning how Youth Haven’s comprehensive programs and services provide a safe, nurturing environment where children and teens can heal from trauma, develop essential life skills and build brighter futures.
Proceeds from the event will support the nonprofit’s therapeutic services, educational assistance and enrichment opportunities, helping create transformational change in the lives of the youth who call Youth Haven home.
The Fitzgerald Family Foundation, Elizabeth A. Star and Jenny and Kermit Sutton will serve as Healing Sponsors for the event. Media sponsors include Gulfshore Life and The Naples Press.
Sponsorship opportunities are currently available at four levels: Healing Sponsor ($10,000), which includes seating for 10 guests; Heart Sponsor ($5,000), with seating for six; Hero Sponsor ($2,500), with seating for four; and Friend Sponsor ($650), with seating for two. All sponsorship levels include event recognition, with additional benefits varying by level.
Individual ticket cost will be $200 and announced at a later date on Youth Haven’s social media channels.
To secure a sponsorship or learn more about the event, contact Katie Schweikhardt, director of development, at 239-774-2904, ext. 104, or Katie.Schweikhardt@youthhavenswfl.org or visit youthhavenswfl.org/events/event-healing-youth.