Baker Senior Center Naples hosts “Evening for Better Tomorrows,” raising nearly $1.4 million

NAPLES, Fla. — Beneath regal lighting and floral décor at the Royal Poinciana Golf Club, Baker Senior Center Naples hosted its 14th annual Evening for Better Tomorrows gala, themed “Deep Purple Dreams,” raising nearly $1.4 million to support vital programs and services for older adults in Collier and southern Lee counties.

Approximately 230 guests attended the event, which combined celebration with reflection. The evening opened with a heartfelt tribute to the organization’s founder and former CEO, Dr. Jaclynn Faffer, who died unexpectedly in December. The program also featured personal client success stories, underscoring the impact of the nonprofit’s work and the role of continued community support.

WINK News anchor Lois Thome served as emcee, describing the night as a celebration of joy, vibrancy and community — values that define Baker Senior Center Naples.

“This evening is a celebration of impact and momentum,” Thome said. “It is about honoring the foundation that was built and ensuring the future remains strong.”

Thome highlighted the organization’s comprehensive approach to senior care, offering everything from social connection and wellness programming to mental health counseling and cognitive health services under one roof.

Board Chair Karen Heithoff presented the seventh annual Volunteer of the Year Award to Noreen Peters, recognizing her nearly three years of dedicated service. Peters began as a Wednesday lunch table hostess and expanded her volunteer work to include respite care, tour guiding, food pantry assistance and teaching crochet, bringing a personal connection to each role.

Marisa Luizzi, chief program officer at Baker Senior Center Naples, delivered remarks focused on the organization’s future and growing impact. Over the past year, the center served more than 2,000 older adults through programs spanning three core pillars: the Senior Center, the Brookdale Cognitive Health Center and Clinical Services.

“Your contributions tonight will help us honor Jackie’s legacy by making her melody more prominent in the community,” Luizzi said. “She orchestrated our foundation; now it is our privilege to build upon her masterwork and ensure her symphony continues to resonate for years to come.”

A short video followed, illustrating how Baker Senior Center Naples provides more than services — offering belonging, dignity and reassurance to seniors, and peace of mind to their families. Those outcomes, organizers noted, are made possible by donor generosity.

Thome, joined by auctioneer John Terrio, then led a Call for Support to benefit the organization’s transformational and life-saving services.

Guests enjoyed a four-course dinner featuring house-made potato chips with black garlic dip, a roasted red and golden beet salad, an entrée duet of Creekstone prime filet with marsala demi-glace and pan-seared halibut with orange beurre blanc, and a Devil’s Food chocolate cake with ganache and crème fraîche gelato.

Live entertainment followed, provided by The Shadows of the 60’s, performing classic Motown and rock-and-roll hits from legendary groups including The Four Tops, The Supremes and The Temptations. Founder Dave Revels, a former member of The Drifters and current lead singer of The Persuasions, led the performance.

Baker Senior Center Naples is the region’s only human services agency offering a comprehensive, one-stop approach to addressing the emotional and social needs of adults age 60 and older. Since opening in 2014, the organization has experienced a significant increase in demand for senior services.

All programs are delivered by licensed and credentialed professionals and include structured dementia respite support, case management, senior outreach, mental health counseling and a food pantry. The center also offers an average of 40 social, educational and wellness programs each week, supported by more than 300 trained volunteers.

More information about Baker Senior Center Naples and opportunities to support its mission is available at bakerseniorcenternaples.org.

Collaborator Credits: Clay W. Cone