Autism Collier Charter School (ACCS) welcomed more than 150 community members to Gulfshore Playhouse on January 26, 2026, for a powerful evening celebrating both the school’s introduction to the broader community and the milestone of its first 100 days of operation.
The free, invitation-only event served as a heartfelt thank-you to supporters while highlighting the remarkable progress made since the school opened its doors this past August. School leadership reflected on student growth, confidence, and achievement, offering insight into how individualized supports and high expectations are helping students thrive.
Some of the evening’s most moving moments came directly from students. Student performances, including a touching rendition of “Younique,” captured the heart of the school’s mission and underscored the importance of belonging, self-expression, and celebrating every child’s unique strengths.
The evening was co-chaired by Gary and Kim Price, Chris and Jen Mitchell, John and Krista Arsenault, Marc and Holly Shapiro, and Wael Berrached and Melissa Centra, whose leadership and dedication were instrumental in the success of the event.
The event brought together educators, families, philanthropists, and civic leaders from across Southwest Florida. Notable attendees included Sheriff Kevin Rambosk and Naples City Clerk Pat Rambosk; Dan Kowal, Chairman of the Collier County Board of Commissioners; Commissioners Rick LoCastro and Bill McDaniel; Naples City Council Members Berne Barton and Scott Schultz; School Board Chair Stephanie Lucarelli; Phil McCabe; philanthropist Sheila Smith Davis; NCF CEO Maria Jimenez-Lara; Gary Price; and Autism Collier Charter School co-founders Jen Mitchell, Emily Kafle, and Stephanie Nordin.
Although no formal fundraising appeal was made, the generosity in the room was extraordinary. By the end of the evening, more than $150,000 had been raised organically to support innovative programming at Autism Collier Charter School, including transportation for community-based learning, expanded fine arts programming, and new health and wellness initiatives, investments that directly enhance student growth and long-term success.
date: 2026-02-09 20:39:00
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