Joe Scheffey

We are pleased to wrap up another highly successful scholarship year. On behalf of the Committee, I want to thank our Club members and generous donors who make this program possible. Special appreciation goes to the Salute to Veterans program, which continues to provide the primary funding for our scholarships.

I also extend sincere thanks to our dedicated Committee members: Russell Tuff, Mike Nadolski, Erick Carter, Mike Lyster, Ed Thompson, Reg Buxton, and Dr. JB Holmes.

2026 Scholarship Awards This year we received 12 applications from four local high schools. After interviewing five finalists, we are awarding scholarships to four outstanding students:

• Naples High School (2 recipients)
• Barron Collier High School (1 recipient)
• Marco Island Academy (1 recipient)

The recipients will attend the University of Florida, Notre Dame, Carnegie Mellon University, and Belmont University. We invite all Club members to join us at the official awards ceremony during our June 5th breakfast meeting at the Hilton. The students and their parents will be in attendance for this memorable event.

Program Growth and Funding We have increased annual funding from $2,000 to $2,250 per recipient, bringing the four-year commitment per new award to $9,000. This increase applies to both new recipients and our continuing scholars. As a result, we will support a record 12 students in our program this coming year — an all-time high in both funding and participation.

We also continue our long-standing support for one student at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) through our endowment. Committee members are currently updating our agreement with FGCU. Recent reports show a modest increase in endowment earnings, which will help offset our expanded commitments.

New Initiatives For the first time, Committee members will attend awards ceremonies at all high schools with recipients. This important public relations effort recognizes students in their school communities and strengthens relationships with faculty, parents, and guidance counselors — who remain key partners in identifying strong candidates.

We are also pleased to continue our support for iTech, the technical trade college program in Immokalee. Committee member and District 4 School Board representative Erick Carter will provide an update on iTech’s progress and needs at the June meeting.

Looking Ahead We encourage members to attend our summer meetings, where our current scholars will return to share updates on their academic progress and college experiences.

Challenges and Future Focus While we are proud of this year’s results, we received fewer applications than in recent years (12 from 4 schools compared to 15 from 8 schools last year). Expanding outreach to qualified students across all Naples-area schools will be a major priority for 2027.

We are also monitoring one scholar who is at risk of leaving the program due to academic performance.

The new funding model discussed at last month’s meeting continues to gain support, and we will keep the membership updated on its progress.

Overall, the Scholarship Program is building strong momentum. With the continued generosity of our members and donors, we are well-positioned to sustain and expand its impact in the years ahead.

Respectfully Submitted,

Joe Scheffey

Chairman, Scholarship Committee

Scholarship Chair Joseph Scheffey

Through the Foundation, The Right Men’s Club announced a significant expansion of its scholarship and veterans support programs.

The Men’s Club of Collier County Foundation, Inc was established last year to formalize and grow the Club’s charitable efforts. The Foundation currently awards scholarships to 3–5 outstanding Collier County high school seniors annually and provides grants to local veteran’s organizations and workforce programs such as iTech in Immokalee.

This year, the Foundation is increasing scholarship funding by more than 50% and doubling its annual support for veterans. By the end of 2026, the Foundation plans to provide $2,500 per year to 12 students — delivering $10,000 in total support per student over four years of college — while targeting $10,000 in veteran’s grants.

To fuel this expanded mission, the Foundation has launched a new matching gift campaign. A generous donor has already contributed $4,000 and will match new donations up to an additional $4,000, creating a total potential impact of $12,000. The overall campaign goal is $20,000.

These critical programs are funded in part by the annual Salute to Veterans event held each November. Contributions from members, businesses, and community partners will help sustain and grow this vital support for local students and veterans.

Tax-deductible donations may be sent to:

Men’s Club of Collier County Foundation, Inc. 2430 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Suite 108 Naples, Florida 34109

Donate Below

The Right Men’s Club of Collier County, through it’s nonprofit organization, Men’s Club of Collier County Foundation, Inc, invites the community to its November Luncheon and 9th Annual Salute to Veterans, headlined by decorated combat veteran, country music artist, and U.S. Army Ranger Hall of Fame inductee Keni Thomas.

This annual event honors the service and sacrifice of America’s veterans while bringing together members, guests, and supporters for an inspiring afternoon of camaraderie, recognition, and patriotism. Attendees will enjoy a luncheon followed by a compelling program featuring Thomas as the keynote speaker.

Keni Thomas, a former Staff Sergeant with the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, served in the elite Task Force Ranger during the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu in Somalia — events famously depicted in the book and film Black Hawk Down. He earned the Bronze Star with Valor for his leadership and heroism under fire. After leaving the Army in 1997, Thomas built a successful career as a country music singer and songwriter, releasing patriotic albums inspired by his military experiences and his fallen brothers-in-arms. In 2025, he was inducted into the U.S. Army Ranger Hall of Fame in recognition of his distinguished service and ongoing contributions to veterans and military families.

As a motivational speaker, Thomas captivates audiences with powerful stories of leadership, resilience, and service. His appearance at the luncheon promises an unforgettable tribute to veterans and a message of inspiration for all.

A Special VIP program will be held prior celebrating the 250^th Anniversary of the US and will feature a program honoring the highlights for military action during 250 years.

Event Details:

• Event: November Luncheon – 9th Annual Salute to Veterans
• Featured Speaker: Keni Thomas, U.S. Army Ranger Hall of Fame Inductee, Combat Veteran, and Country Music Artist
• Date & Time: November 6, 2026, doors open at 11 AM] VIP 250^th Anniversary room opens at 10 AM
• Location: Naples Hilton
• Tickets/Registration: Ticket prices begin at $175 for the luncheon. Ticket information can be found here.

About The Right Men’s Club of Collier County The Right Men’s Club of Collier County (formerly known as the Republican Men’s Club) provides a forum for fellowship, political engagement, and community support in Southwest Florida. The club awards scholarships to local students and hosts educational and social events that advance conservative principles.

About Men’s Club of Collier County Foundation, Inc. Men’s Club of Collier County Foundation, Inc. was formed to host events to raise funds for Scholarships and Veteran Services. Donations are tax deductible. The Men’s Club Foundation donated more than $25,000 for scholarships and veteran services in 2025.

Left to Right: Army and Marine Corps Colonel Martin B. Spann, Marine Corps Master Sergeant Gerald Van Hecke, Air Force Airman 2nd Class Michael Victor Ricci Jr. and Army Specialist Jairo Restrepo

Dean of the Florida Delegation and member of the Defense Subcommittee on House Appropriations, presented the Congressional Veteran Commendation s to the following local veterans in Collier County for their distinguished service to our country: Army and Marine Corps Colonel Martin B. Spann, Marine Corps Master Sergeant Gerald Van Hecke, Army Specialist Jairo Restrepo, and Air Force Airman 2 Class Michael Victor Ricci Jr.

The Congressional Veteran Commendation is a nominations-based program designed to recognize the wartime sacrifices and peacetime community involvement of veterans residing in Florida’s 26th Congressional District. Each one of these veterans will be interviewed, and their wartime collection will be added to the Veterans History Project, sponsored by the Library of Congress.

Feature photo above shows Michael Ricci as Post Commander of VFW Post 7721 (behind the podium) and leading the procession is Right Men’s Club member Captain Jack Fulmer.