NAPLES – Neapolitans Janet and Jerry Belle were recognized for their volunteer and philanthropic work on behalf of The Immokalee Foundation during the Naples Sailing & Yacht Club’s “Community Acts of Kindness: Members with a Cause They Love.”

The Belles served as co-chairs of the successful Charity Classic Celebration Gala & Golf Tournament in last November, which raised more than $2.5 million to support The Immokalee Foundation’s career-based programs for the youth of Immokalee.

The Charity Classic events raise the essential funds needed for The Immokalee Foundation to continue serving more than 1,400 Immokalee youth each year with career-based educational opportunities, curriculum and experiences.

Jerry Belle is a member of the board of directors for the foundation and, importantly, has served as a mentor for an Immokalee student the past three years, providing support, encouragement and guidance through weekly 45-minute discussions. Mentoring begins in sixth grade, and students are paired with mentors through high school graduation; 100% of students in The Immokalee Foundation’s programs graduate from high school and continue to post-secondary educational opportunities, where 91% graduate.

“We enjoy supporting the educational programs of The Immokalee Foundation because their programs are impactful and successful,” said Jerry Belle. “The foundation’s long history shows that students gain professional careers that lead to financial independence. It’s a model that works, and we’re proud to be involved.”

The Immokalee Foundation provides a range of education programs that focus on building pathways to professional careers through support, mentoring and tutoring, and life skills development leading to economic independence. To learn more about The Immokalee Foundation, becoming a mentor, its signature events, volunteering as a career panel speaker or host, making a donation, including the foundation in your estate plans, or for additional information, call 239-430-9122 or visit https://immokaleefoundation.org.