Youth Haven, Collier County’s only emergency and residential shelter for abused and neglected children and teens ages 6 to 21, will host its annual Cherish the Children Luncheon at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples. Proceeds from the event will support the nonprofit’s mission of providing home, hope and healing for vulnerable youth throughout Southwest Florida.

This year’s event features acclaimed illusionist and keynote speaker Jason Bishop, who will inspire guests with his powerful, uplifting story of resilience. Before becoming one of the most sought-after illusionists in the world, he spent a decade in the foster care system. Bishop will share his journey, crediting child social workers, therapists and caseworkers with saving his life, reinforcing the impact of creating transformational change in the lives of youth in need.

The elegant luncheon will be hosted by honorary chairs Amanda and Ian Schmoyer with Christopher Alan Homes, event chairs Carlos Escoto and Laina Kennedy, and committee members Ann Agens, Rachel Galante, Laura Georgelos, Annie Griffo, Hether Kelly, Erin Otterbeck, Yasmin Papenfuss, Amanda Schmoyer, Rochelle Shucart, Mackenzie Rickman and Laurie Youmans. Amanda and Ian Schmoyer with Christopher Alan Homes and the Fitzgerald Family Foundation will serve as Dream Sponsors. Janet Snyder, renowned morning show host of Kiss 98.5 (WKSE-FM) in Buffalo, New York, will emcee the event. The luncheon’s media sponsor is Naples Illustrated.

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

• Dream Sponsor, $35,000 – 20 tickets with premium seating and tableside champagne service; recognition in a press release; opportunity to introduce the keynote speaker; stage recognition during the event; full-page ad in the printed event program; logo/name recognition on website, event signage, social media and event eblasts;
• Home Sponsor, $25,000 – 16 tickets with premium seating and tableside champagne service; stage recognition during the event; full-page ad in the printed event program; logo/name recognition on website, event signage, social media and event eblasts;
• Hope Sponsor, $15,000 – 10 tickets with premium seating; half-page ad in the printed event program; logo/name recognition on website, event signage, social media and event eblasts;
• Healing Sponsor, $10,000 – 10 tickets with premium seating; quarter-page ad in the printed event program; logo/name recognition on website, event signage and social media;
• Heart Sponsor, $5,000 – Eight tickets to the event; quarter-page ad in the printed event program; logo/name recognition on website and event signage;
• Table Sponsor, $3,000 – Eight tickets to the event, recognition in the printed event program; and
• Patron Sponsor, $1,500 – Four tickets to the event, recognition in the printed event program.

Sponsorships must be secured by Monday, Dec. 8 to guarantee inclusion in the printed event program. For more information, contact Allison Pezzuti, philanthropy events officer, at 239-687-5163 or Allison.Pezzuti@youthhavenswfl.org.

Individual tickets are $300. To purchase tickets or learn more, visit cherish.youthhavenswfl.org.

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 Jason Bishop

Illusionist Jason Bishop is renowned for his unforgettable performances, starring in two of his own Broadway shows, “Straight Up Magic” and “Believe in Magic.” His extraordinary talent has captivated audiences worldwide, with appearances on NBC’s “Today Show,” CW’s “Masters of Illusion,” “Breakfast Television Toronto” and the legendary “Le Plus Grand Cabaret Du Monde” filmed in Paris.

The son of two heroin-addicted parents, Bishop’s early years were marked by abandonment, hunger and survival, often left alone in abandoned buildings and forced to scavenge for food. His life began to change through dedicated healthcare workers who guided him through trauma and toward a future he could never have imagined. Today, Bishop not only shares his extraordinary illusions on stage, but also his inspiring journey, showing that with hope, compassion and support, a brighter future is always within reach.

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 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.