By Randy Jones
media strategist
The Immokalee Foundation
Naples, FL—12/23/25— The Immokalee Foundation is honored to announce a transformational $3.478 million legacy gift from the Donna Demeo Trust, providing significant support for the Foundation’s innovative Career Pathways programming.
The Immokalee Foundation’s Career Pathways initiative has demonstrated significant outcomes, helping students achieve long-term economic independence and career success through education and workforce development.
Recent data highlights the measurable impact of the program:
· 100% of Immokalee Foundation high school seniors graduate and enter a college program, get a job in their career field, or enter the military.
· 100% earn an industry certification and complete a paid internship.
· 96% of postsecondary students complete an advanced postsecondary certification or college degree, with most earning a bachelor’s degree or higher.
· 95% of alumni are working in careers aligned with their field of study, up from just 58% in 2019 when Career Pathways began.
The legacy gift will further strengthen the Foundation’s ability to provide career exploration, technical skill development, paid internships, and mentoring from middle school through postsecondary completion, ensuring these life-changing opportunities endure well into the future.
“No words can fully express our gratitude for the generosity and vision of Donna Demeo,” said Noemi Y. Perez, CEO of The Immokalee Foundation. “A legacy gift to The Immokalee Foundation is a powerful way to ensure many more students in Immokalee have access to educational and career-building opportunities that create lifelong success and help our community thrive for generations to come.”
“My Aunt Donna had always led with a caring heart, from looking after her sisters to helping children in Haiti,” said Marc Garwood, nephew of the late Donna Demeo and handler of the trust. “In her later years, her passion for helping others expanded to providing life-changing opportunities for the students of The Immokalee Foundation.”
The Immokalee Foundation’s Career Pathways program has been widely recognized as a model for workforce development, aligning student interests with high-demand careers across Southwest Florida’s fastest-growing industries. Students receive comprehensive support in academics, professional skills, career exposure, and financial literacy—building a pipeline of qualified, motivated future leaders.
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About The Immokalee Foundation: For over 34 years, The Immokalee Foundation has been preparing the next generation of leaders through a 100% focus on workforce development, including education, career readiness, and professional development for students in Immokalee—from kindergarten through postsecondary education. Through legacy gifts, donors can create an enduring impact that lasts beyond their lifetime. For more information on how you can contribute to The Immokalee Foundation with a legacy gift, please call 239-430-9122 or visit immokaleefoundation.myplannedgift.org.
