Two annual community events, the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples (CMON) Backyard Bash and Farm-City BBQ, are set to take place this November, with proceeds supporting youth development programs in Southwest Florida.
Each event attracts a strong community turnout and helps fund initiatives that promote education, leadership and hands-on learning opportunities for local children and teenagers.
The annual Backyard Bash has been nearly a year in the making and invites attendees to relive their childhood through oversized backyard games, music and dancing. Guests can also enjoy prize giveaways and a variety of offerings from local food trucks.
“Like every event, it’s a lot of planning. Then, it all comes down to the day of and there’s a controlled chaos that is an event,” CMON CEO Jonathan Foerster said. “It seems like there’s so much going on, but really it’s a very well-choreographed ballet of a lot of people moving in tandem together to make things happen.”
The Backyard Bash raises funds in support of CMON’s Access-for-All initiative, a program designed to ensure that all children — regardless of income, ability or background — can experience the museum’s exhibits, programs and educational resources. Through discounted admissions, free field trips, sensory-friendly events and community outreach, Access-for-All aims to eliminate barriers and make learning through play accessible to every family in the area.
“We don’t believe that socioeconomic status should be the determining factor in whether or not a kid can experience educational play,” Foerster said. “We’re [CMON] a big believer that play is how children learn and that it’s important, and they need to have opportunities for it.”
Last year, the Backyard Bash supported more than 25,000 discounted admissions, making up 13% of the museum’s total attendance. This support included offering $3 admission and $30 memberships to families enrolled in food assistance programs such as SNAP, EBT and WIC.
This year, the goal is to raise enough funds to surpass 30,000 discounted admissions, further expanding access to the museum for families in need.
“We know that the population of people who need this support is not decreasing,” Foerster said.
Farm-City BBQ benefits local youth programs: Collier County 4H, Collier County Junior Deputies, Kiwanis Key Clubs and Youth Leadership Collier.
Michael Wynn, president of Sunshine Ace Hardware, serves as the board president of the Farm-City BBQ. Now in its 68th year, it has grown into one of the largest annal gatherings of local leaders in Collier County.
“The event itself provides enough value that it’s worth it, even without the charity component,” Wynn said. “The charity component is just an extra bonus of knowing that there’s these other organizations, many of which are youth charities to be able to make an even bigger impact.”
Since its start, the barbecue has raised more than $600,000 to support local youth leadership and agricultural education programs.
Youth Leadership Collier, a program of the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce, is a youth development initiative designed for rising high school seniors to build civic leadership skills and explore career opportunities.
As a recipient of funds from the barbecue, Youth Leadership Collier can keep its $500 tuition affordable for students.
“My hope is that they [Farm-City BBQ attendees] recognize that keeping it [Youth Leadership Collier] affordable, we ensure access for all,” Greater Naples Chamber President Kristina Park said. “It will not be a barrier, and we do that with the underwriting from our community partners with events like this.”
The 4-H program is America’s largest youth development organization. Collier County 4-H focuses on a learn-by-doing approach to help youth gain the knowledge and skills they need to be responsible, productive citizens. Funds raised through Farm-City BBQ help sustain the organization’s year-round programming, which includes STEM education, agriculture, healthy living and civic engagement initiatives.
Local 4-H students volunteer at the event each year, playing an active role in its success. One club, Naples Livestock, brings animals — such as turkeys — for attendees to see up close. The club also sells $10 vegetable bags at the event.
“We are so thankful for this money that comes from Farm-City BBQ,” 4-H Agent Tish Roland said. “I think that it’s important that 4-H tends to be representing the farm side of things.”
As both the Backyard Bash and Farm-City BBQ prepare to welcome guests this November, organizers and beneficiaries point to the long-term value of the funds raised. Beyond food and festivities, the events support a wide range of youth programs that emphasize education, leadership and community involvement.
The Backyard Bash will be held 6-10 p.m. Nov. 7 at the Golisano Children’s Museum, and attendees must be 21 or older. The Farm-City BBQ follows later in the month, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Nov. 26, at the Collier County Fairgrounds.
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