NAPLES, Fla. (July 13, 2026) – Youth Haven has announced a new date for its annual Cherish the Children Luncheon, one of the nonprofit’s signature fundraising events supporting children and teens who have experienced abuse, neglect, homelessness and trauma. The luncheon will take place on Thursday, Nov. 5, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples, raising critical funds to support Youth Haven’s mission to provide home, hope and healing for youth in need.
Leading the 2026 Cherish the Children Luncheon are co-chairs Carlos Escoto and Dr. Irene Gladstein. Escoto, a returning event chair and longtime supporter of Youth Haven, is a fashion stylist with Alice + Olivia and is actively involved in philanthropic efforts throughout the Naples community. Gladstein is a board-certified oculoplastic surgeon, entrepreneur and founder of Project Glammers, with practices in Naples and New York City. She is widely recognized for her commitment to helping others through both her professional work and charitable involvement.
Amanda and Ian Schmoyer of Christopher Alan Homes will return as honorary chairs. Dedicated supporters of Youth Haven and its mission, the Schmoyers have played an important role in advancing awareness and support for vulnerable children and teens throughout Southwest Florida. Ian also serves as secretary of Youth Haven’s Board of Directors, further strengthening the family’s commitment to helping youth build brighter futures.
This year’s keynote speaker is Sasha Joseph Neulinger, an Emmy-nominated filmmaker, motivational speaker and child abuse survivor whose journey has taken him from victim to survivor to thriving advocate. Since launching his speaking career with his acclaimed TEDx talk, “Trauma Is Irreversible. How It Shapes Us Is Our Choice,” Neulinger has delivered more than 100 keynote presentations worldwide, helping raise more than $8 million to support efforts to prevent child abuse while inspiring audiences with his message of resilience, healing and hope. His powerful and inspiring story demonstrates that while trauma can shape a person’s life, it does not have to define their future, directly reflecting Youth Haven’s mission of helping children and teens heal, grow and build brighter futures.
“Every child deserves the opportunity to feel safe, supported and hopeful about their future,” said Linda Goldfield, chief executive officer of Youth Haven. “The Cherish the Children Luncheon is an opportunity to come together and invest in the lives of children and teens who have experienced significant challenges. We are grateful to Amanda and Ian, Carlos and Irene for their leadership and dedication to our mission, and we look forward to welcoming the community for an inspiring and impactful event this November. Our keynote speaker’s remarkable story of resilience and healing reminds us that trauma does not have to define a person’s future, and we are honored to share that message with our supporters.”
The luncheon will bring together community leaders, philanthropists, advocates and supporters for an inspiring program highlighting the resilience and transformation of children and teens served by Youth Haven. Naples Illustrated is the media sponsor for the event.
As Collier County’s only emergency and residential shelter for abused and neglected children and teens ages 6 to 21, proceeds from the luncheon directly support Youth Haven’s comprehensive, trauma-informed programs and services, which collectively provide more than 24,000 nights of care annually for approximately 150 youth.
Sponsorship opportunities are now available for businesses, foundations and individuals interested in supporting Youth Haven’s mission while gaining visibility among community leaders and philanthropists. Sponsorships must be secured by Thursday, July 16 to be included on the invitation and Monday, Oct. 5 to guarantee inclusion in the printed event program. For more information, contact Katie Schweikhardt, director of development, at Katie.Schweikhardt@youthhavenswfl.org or 239-774-2904 ext. 104.
Individual tickets are $500. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, purchase tickets or support Youth Haven’s mission, 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 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.
About Sasha Neulinger
Sasha Joseph Neulinger is the Founder and President of Voice For The Kids, and Co-Founder and Head of Production at Step 1 Films. In 2015, Sasha presented at TEDxBozeman with his first public speech, “Trauma Is Irreversible. How It Shapes Us Is Our Choice.” Since his TED Talk, Sasha has presented over 100 plenary and keynote speeches around the world, helping raise over $8 Million for the fight against child abuse. He has presented plenary speeches at some of the largest international child abuse prevention and intervention conferences, including the Dallas Crimes Against Children Conference (2016), National Children’s Alliance Leadership Conference (2018), and the San Diego International Conference on Child and Family Maltreatment (2023). Learn more at voiceforthekids.com/sashas-story.
-30-
Contacts:
Katie Schweikhardt, Youth Haven, 239-774-2904, Katie.Schweikhardt@youthhavenswfl.org
Angela Bell, Gravina, Smith, Matte & Arnold Marketing and PR, 239-275-5758, Angela@GSMA.pro