Raising Walls in Naples

Habitat for Humanity of Collier County marked both the launch of a new partnership and the start of construction on the final home in its Majestic Place community Tuesday morning in Naples. Habitat Collier CEO Rev. Lisa Lefkow and Tom O’Riordan, president of Naples Automotive Experience, joined volunteers, supporters, and the home’s future owners to raise the first walls, signaling the beginning of construction on the final residence in the 109-home neighborhood.

The two organizations announced this fall that they would be joining forces for this year’s Naples Automotive Experience events, including the 22nd Cars on 5th Concours, with Habitat Collier signing on as the event’s nonprofit partner for 2026.

“Celebrating this partnership the Habitat way — by raising walls together — made today especially meaningful,” said Rev. Lisa Lefkow, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Collier County. “Cars On 5th is an iconic Naples event, and having Tom here this morning underscores the community effort behind both our missions.”

The milestone comes as Habitat Collier nears completion of Majestic Place. The community is expected to be fully occupied by summer, marking the closing of one chapter in the organization’s work while setting the stage for the next.

As part of the partnership, Habitat Collier has taken a lead role in recruiting and organizing the hundreds of volunteers required to support Cars On 5th and related events, helping ensure a seamless experience for attendees while advancing the organization’s affordable housing mission. Volunteer registration for the 2026 event season remains open at habitatcollier.org.

“Habitat Collier knows how to bring a community together, and today’s wall raising is a perfect example of that,” said O’Riordan. “We’re proud to support their work and be part of a partnership that helps turn community energy into real homes for local families.”

Naples Automotive Experience 2026, including the 22nd annual Cars On 5th Concours, will take place on February 7th and is expected to draw thousands of attendees and more than 750 luxury, vintage, exotic, and muscle cars. Tickets for Cars On 5th, VIP experiences, and the Jetport Reception are on sale now at carsonfifth.com

Free shuttle service will be available to attendees on Saturday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., with parking and pickup at Collier County Government Center, 3315 Tamiami Trail E. Tickets to the Cars on 5th show will be available for purchase on the day of the show at the government center and at the gate. For information and tickets, visit carsonfifth.com.