In March, NCEF awarded more than $9 million in grants to almost 40 local nonprofits whose work improves the lives of at-risk children in Collier County. The money came from the 2021 festival, which comprised an online auction Jan. 22-Feb. 2, an hour-long broadcast on WINK-TV detailing NCEF’s mission and impact on Jan. 30 and an invitation-only virtual auction following the televised events. The event pivoted to a digital format to accommodate concerns around the COVID-19 pandemic The digital festival raised about $7.4 million, while the online auction raised $678,000. Since its inaugural event in 2001, the NWWF has raised nearly $220 million. In February, NCEF CEO Maria Jimenez-Lara applauded the community’s support.