Youth Haven, Collier County’s only emergency and residential shelter for abused and neglected children and teens ages 6 to 21, invites the community to support a meaningful, inspiring afternoon for its Healing Youth Luncheon held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 12 at Sea Salt in Naples. Proceeds from the event will enhance the nonprofit’s mission of providing home, hope and healing for youth in need throughout Southwest Florida.

The luncheon will feature renowned keynote speaker Victor Rivas Rivers, a best-selling author, actor and national advocate against domestic violence. Born in Cuba, Rivers came with his family to the U.S. at the age of two, enduring horrific child abuse and witnessing abuse on the level of torture at the hands of his father. At age fifteen, he took the then unprecedented legal action against his father, going on to live with a series of foster families. Thanks to the intervention of his community, he turned his life around dramatically – going from gang-member to senior class President and lettering in four sports. As a survivor of such severe childhood abuse, his story highlights the importance of healing, advocacy and community, key themes that align with Youth Haven’s mission and affirm the vital impact of their services.

During the event, guests will enjoy a delicious, curated luncheon while listening to inspiring stories and learn how their support can create transformational change in the lives of the children and teens who call Youth Haven home. The luncheon will be hosted in partnership with owners and event sponsors Ingrid and Fabrizio Aielli alongside Cindy Engles.

Both guests of the luncheon and community members will also have the opportunity to enter for a chance to win an exquisite, granulated bangle crafted from stunning diamonds and luxurious 18-karat gold, valued at $9,000. This dazzling Temple St. Clair piece has been generously donated by Shannon Green Collection. Tickets are available for $100 each or three tickets for $250. Presence at the luncheon is not required to win. To purchase tickets or learn more, visit youthhavenswfl.org/events.

The Fitzgerald Family Foundation, Karen Fitzgerald, president, and Charles Fitzgerald, director, will serve as the Healing Sponsor. Corey Lazar, WINK News anchor, will emcee the event. Media Sponsors for the luncheon include Gulfshore Business, Gulfshore Life and The Naples Press.

A variety of sponsorship and giving opportunities are available, including:

• Healing Sponsor, $10,000 – 10 Tickets to the event; recognition on website and event signage;
• Heart Sponsor, $5,000 – Six tickets to the event; recognition on website and event signage;
• Hero Sponsor, $2,500 – Four tickets to the event; recognition on website and event signage; and
• Friend Sponsor, $500 – Two tickets to the event; recognition on website and event signage.

There is currently a wait list for individual tickets for the luncheon. Tickets are still available via sponsorship opportunities. To be added to the wait list or secure a sponsorship, contact Allison Pezzuti, philanthropy events officer, at 239-687-5163 or Allison.Pezzuti@youthhavenswfl.org. To learn more, visit youthhavenswfl.org/events.

Youth Haven serves as a dedicated community partner and regional leader in providing a safe haven for children and teens in need throughout Southwest Florida. For more information or to schedule a tour, visit youthhavenswfl.org or call 239-774-2904.

About Victor Rivas Rivers

A veteran star of more than two dozen films, Victor Rivas Rivers may be best known for such roles as “Magic Mike,” Murphy’s sidekick in “The Distinguished Gentleman,” and Antonio Banderas’ ill-fated brother in “The Mask of Zorro.” On television, Rivers has guest starred on such hit shows as “Better Call Saul,” “Modern Family,” “C.S.I. Miami,” “24,” “Miami Vice,” “Jag” and “Star Trek.”

Upon overcoming severe abuse during his childhood through the support of his community, Rivers attended Florida State University on a full four-year football scholarship. A team captain and scholar athlete, upon graduation he was drafted by the Miami Dolphins with whom he was out as an offensive lineman for their 1978-79 seasons. In 1999, with a successful career and family of his own, Rivers decided to break his silence about his childhood. His ultimate survival and personal success convey the importance of intervention by others who helped him break the cycle of violence.

About Youth Haven

For more than five decades, Youth Haven has served as a sanctuary in Southwest Florida, providing home, hope and healing to children and teens experiencing abuse, neglect and oftentimes, homelessness. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and Collier County’s only emergency and residential shelter for boys and girls ages 6 to 21, Youth Haven provides far more than shelter, delivering comprehensive programs including therapeutic services, trauma-informed holistic care, foster and transitional housing, and enrichment initiatives that help every child realize their potential and have a bright future. Youth Haven is accredited by the nationally recognized Council on Accreditation, licensed by the Florida Department of Children and Families, and is a partner of Children’s Network of Southwest Florida. Rated 4-star (excellent) by Charity Navigator and Platinum by Candid/Guidestar, Youth Haven is a beneficiary of Naples Children & Education Foundation. For more information or to schedule a tour, please visit youthhavenswfl.org or call 239-774-2904. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.