Big Impressions by Little Artist Luncheon
The annual “Big Impressions by Little Artists” fundraising event to benefit Collier Child Care Resources (CCCR) is set for Friday, March 4, 2016 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at The Hilton. Cost is $75 and includes lunch, entertainment and auction.
Please join us for this very special luncheon, as we celebrate the arts in young children’s lives! Listen to local, live music, while you have fun bidding on one-of-a-kind pieces of art created by our “little artists” in CCCR’s early learning programs. They put their little hearts and imagination into their work, and inspire us to do the same! Wonderful artwork from local artists and other auction items will be included. Leeza Arkhangelskaya co-owner of two fine art galleries in Naples – Gallery on Fifth, and East West Fine Art, will speak on the importance of exposing children to classical art (versus abstract art, amateur art, comics) during their youngest, formative years. Classical art is the pinnacle of human achievement, executed by the most talented, academically trained masters of their time. Classical art serves as part of the platform for raising well-rounded, inquisitive, educated, confident, morally strong and optimistic adults.
All about our Guest Speaker:
Leeza Arkhangelskaya graduated from Community School of Naples in 2003. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in International Studies in 2007 and a Master’s degree in International Economic Policy in 2008 from American University in Washington DC. Specializing in trade integration and small business development projects in Eastern Europe, she worked for a number of leading non-governmental and government agencies in Washington DC and abroad.
Leeza returned to Naples in 2012 to expand the family business, and pursue two life-long passions: fine art and children’s welfare.
Currently she co-owns two fine art galleries in Naples – Gallery on Fifth, and East West Fine Art. The two galleries have deep philanthropic and educational missions. The galleries frequently support local charities by organizing fundraisers, donating artwork to auctions, and providing space for their events.
A tireless advocate for Russian art and culture, Leeza co-founded the nonprofit Russian American Museum of Art in 2013. Through its exhibitions and events, the museum strives to bridge two great cultures, American and Russian.
Leeza’s life-long concern and interest in socio-economic issues of disadvantaged groups led her to become an active volunteer with the Naples Children and Education Foundation (NCEF). After a year of involvement with the NCEF Friends of the Foundation Committee, Leeza accepted the position of co-chair for the 2015/2016 year.
Tickets may be purchased by visiting www.collierchildcare.org or www.eventbrite.com. For more information or to sponsor the event, please call Collier Child Care Resources, (CCCR) at 239-643-3908.
All proceeds benefit the children’s programs operated by Collier Child Care Resources (CCCR). Our mission is to provide high quality early childhood care, education and resources to children, families and early learning professionals in Collier County. CCCR currently serves approximately 275 children annually through our three child development centers: NCEF Early Childhood Development Center, and A Step Up Child Development Centers located at Golden Gate and Immokalee High Schools operated through CCCR. At NCEF Early Childhood Development Center, 75 percent of the children who attend are from low-income, working families and receive partial financial assistance through CCCR. Of the children enrolled 60 percent live at or below the Federal Poverty Line. A Step Up Child Development Centers focus on children of teen mothers by offering free valuable child care and parenting classes while they continue their high school education; this allows for a better future for them and their child, without worry of needing to pay for childcare. We also offer training workshops for early learning professionals and an early childhood conferences once a year. In 2014, we served over 1,750 people with training and educational resources.