Each year, a deserving woman is selected as the recipient of the Glass Slipper Award for her dedication and service for the betterment of our Collier County children. This award is in conjunction with the annual If the Shoe Fits fundraising event, presented by Naples Illustrated, and benefiting Take Stock in Children – the scholarship and mentoring program of The Education Foundation of Collier County.

Getting involved and supporting the success of our community’s children provides our children not only with the tools they need, but also an example of how individuals give back to support the commitment we all share to our mutual success. On December 1st, Kathleen Passidomo was honored for exemplifying this commitment to community at If the Shoe Fits hosted at Saks Fifth Avenue. In addition to presenting sponsor Naples Illustrated, the event was also supported by SunTrust Bank, Vernon • Healy, McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant, Norman Love Confections and Pinnacle Vodka.

Kaleigh Grover of Naples Illustrated comments, “Each year brings new excitement with anticipation of who is going to be the recipient of The Glass Slipper Award. There are many deserving individuals but only one can rise to the top, and this year we felt that the choice could be none other than Kathleen Passidomo. Naples Illustrated has sponsored If the Shoe Fits since its inception 7 years ago and, we look forward to continuing to support The Education Foundation and Take Stock in Children for many more to come.”

Kathleen is a 30+ year resident of Collier County, and has been extensively involved in the community, especially where the advancement and well-being of children are concerned. Some of Kathleen’s passions have included organizations such as:

• Boys & Girls Club
• Collier County Child Advocacy Council, Inc.
• Junior Achievement
• Shelter for Abused Women & Children
• United Way
• The Education Foundation (Connect Now Initiative)

Kathleen has been sworn in to serve as our representative in the Florida House of Representatives and will be a strong advocate for children and education. Past recipients of the Glass Slipper Award are Emily K. Bua, Rachel Gutman, Debbi Wallace, Linda Morton, Mary Lynn Hill, Monica Baker and Ally Loos.

Naples, FL – The Education Foundation of Collier County is proud to announce the 2010-11 Board of Directors and officers.

“We are so grateful for the talent, commitment, and leadership of our Board of Directors,” states Susan McManus, President of The Education Foundation. “We’re looking forward to providing significant opportunities for collaboration between our community and schools.”

Since 1990, The Education Foundation has been engaging our community and schools in pursuit of a quality education for every child. Founded with the core belief that teachers have the greatest impact on student learning, Foundation initiatives have also evolved to support teachers and principals, and individual student success within Connect Now, a community articulated framework to support education.

2010-2011 Education Foundation Board of Directors

Kaleigh Grover, 2010-11 Board Chair states, “As a parent and business person, I am looking forward to continuing to build on the good work of The Education Foundation in fostering school-community relationships.”

“We know that our community is committed to education, and we understand that we all can play a role supporting our schools,” continued Grover. “We encourage every individual in our community to find their seat and get on the bus!”

This year, The Education Foundation has launched an initiative called Get on the Bus™, which is intended to inspire everyone to consider how they might get involved in supporting education. A significant component will be a new website, launching soon, which will provide an interactive platform for parents and students, schools, and the community to support each other through education.

The 2010-11 Board of Directors for The Education Foundation are:

• Kaleigh Grover, Chair
• Dianne Mayberry-Hatt, Chair Elect
• Greg Hunter, Treasurer
• Trish Biebricher, Secretary
• Claudine Léger-Wetzel, Immediate Past Chair
• Susan McManus, President
• Helen Athan
• Linda Flewelling
• Susan Healy
• Clark Hill
• Jim Hoppensteadt
• Alan Horton
• Alan Korest
• Debbie Landreth
• Greg Pasanen
• Kevin Rooney
• Ann Rowe
• Julie Sprague
• Dennis Thompson
• Trudy Weisberg
• Erik Zimmer

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