There is so much to love about Naples—the beaches, the weather, the arts, the restaurants, and, of course, the beautiful places we call home. But for us, what truly makes Naples special is its sense of community.
For The Norgart Team, being part of Naples has always meant more than working here. It means getting involved, giving our time, and supporting the organizations that make a difference in the lives of our neighbors.
Over the years, our volunteer work has introduced us to some extraordinary people and organizations. For those who are new to Naples, looking to become more involved or simply searching for a meaningful way to give back, we've gathered some of our favorite places to start.
Running. Volunteering. Building Community.
Gulf Coast Runners has been bringing people together through running, fitness, youth programs and community service for decades. From some of Naples' best-known road races to youth running programs and college scholarships for local high school seniors, GCR's impact reaches far beyond the finish line.
Through its Youth Development Fund, Gulf Coast Runners has awarded more than $1 million in scholarships to Collier County students, while its races and programs bring thousands of runners, volunteers, families and community organizations together each year.
This one is especially personal to us.
Mitch Norgart serves as President of Gulf Coast Runners, a volunteer role that has been a significant part of his life in Naples for many years. Elle Anderson volunteers her time managing the organization's social media, helping promote its races, youth programs, volunteers, community partnerships and events.
Through our involvement with Gulf Coast Runners, we've also had the opportunity to work alongside and get to know many of the nonprofit organizations, volunteers and community leaders who make Naples such a generous place to call home.
Whether you are an experienced runner, someone looking for a fun way to stay active, or simply want to volunteer at a local event, you don't have to be a runner to become part of the GCR community.
STARability Foundation transforms the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through vocational training, continuing education, life skills, social engagement and meaningful community involvement.
Its programs help participants develop confidence, independence, friendships and a greater sense of purpose while creating a more inclusive Naples community. Volunteers play an important role in helping STAR participants learn, connect and thrive.
Get involved: STARability Foundation
Naples Botanical Garden is much more than one of our city's most beautiful destinations. It is an important center for conservation, education, research and community engagement, bringing people and plants together while helping protect the unique natural environment of Southwest Florida.
Volunteers contribute throughout the Garden, with opportunities ranging from horticulture and education to visitor experiences, conservation and special events.
Get involved: Naples Botanical Garden
For decades, St. Matthew's House has provided hope and practical assistance to individuals and families facing hunger, homelessness and other difficult circumstances throughout Southwest Florida.
Its work includes emergency housing, food assistance, recovery programs, employment opportunities and other services designed to help people rebuild their lives. Volunteers are an essential part of that mission, whether serving meals, helping with food distribution, assisting at events or lending a hand behind the scenes.
Get involved: St. Matthew's House
Protecting the environment that makes Southwest Florida so special is at the heart of the Conservancy of Southwest Florida.
Through science, environmental education, wildlife rehabilitation, policy and advocacy, the Conservancy works to protect our water, land, wildlife and quality of life. For anyone who loves the natural side of Naples, volunteering with the Conservancy is a wonderful way to help preserve it for generations to come.
Get involved: Conservancy of Southwest Florida
Artis—Naples is at the cultural heart of Southwest Florida and home to the Naples Philharmonic and The Baker Museum. Through music, visual arts, performances, exhibitions and educational programming, Artis—Naples enriches our community in countless ways.
The arts have also been an important part of our involvement in Naples. Mitch served for a number of years on the Board of Artis Friends, giving his time to an organization that has played such an important role in the cultural life of our community.
There are many ways for others to become involved as well, from volunteering and supporting educational programs to simply experiencing and sharing the incredible arts opportunities available right here in Naples.
Learn more: Artis—Naples
Habitat for Humanity of Collier County brings people together to build homes, communities and hope by helping local families achieve safe and affordable homeownership.
And you certainly don't need to know how to build a house to help. Volunteer opportunities include construction, painting, working in the ReStore, helping families, assisting at events and providing behind-the-scenes support.
Get involved: Habitat for Humanity of Collier County
Grace Place for Children and Families uses education to help create pathways out of poverty for children and families in Golden Gate and throughout Collier County.
Its programs support individuals from early childhood through adulthood, providing literacy, education and family-focused resources designed to create opportunities for a brighter future.
Volunteers can make a very personal impact by tutoring and mentoring students, assisting in classrooms, helping with special events and sharing their individual skills and talents.
Get involved: Grace Place for Children and Families
Project Outreach Naples brings volunteers together to meet real needs throughout our local community.
Its initiatives have included providing meals and hygiene supplies to people experiencing homelessness, school-supply and holiday drives, visits to nursing homes, hurricane relief and assistance for local families facing difficult circumstances.
For someone looking for a hands-on way to make an immediate difference, Project Outreach Naples offers many opportunities to simply show up and help.
Get involved: Project Outreach Naples
One of the things we have learned after years of calling Naples home is that you don't have to look very far to find a way to make a difference.
You can spend a morning helping at a race. Tutor a child. Plant something. Help build a home. Support the arts. Protect our wildlife. Serve a meal. Or simply volunteer a few hours of your time.
And along the way, something else happens—you meet people.
For those who are new to Naples especially, volunteering can be one of the best ways to turn a new address into a community. You begin to meet the people who live here, discover organizations you care about and become connected to Naples in a way that goes far beyond where you live.
These are just a few of the organizations doing extraordinary work in our community, and we hope they inspire you to find one that speaks to you.
Mitch Norgart & Elle Anderson
The Norgart Team
Living here. Working here. Giving back here.