Grammy winner LeAnn Rimes stops in Naples as part of Florida tour

By Julie Salomone

CREATED Nov. 10, 2012

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  • Rimes visited Naples on Saturday. She is in Florida on tour. Video by fox4now.com

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NAPLES, Fla.- Grammy winner LeAnn Rimes has sold more than 40 million albums. She had her first hit song at just 13. Her singing shot her to stardom, but on Saturday the 30-year-old singer is sharing the spotlight with the kids at the Naples Equestrian Challenge, a non-profit which offers therapeutic horseback riding.

"A lot of them are therapeutic riders that have an autism spectrum disorder," said Kim Minarich, Executive Director of the Naples Equestrian Challenge.

Alittle bit of time with Rimes can go a long way.

"It's so nice to have celebrities get involved. It makes people more aware of what's going on with the programs for special needs," said one parent.

Rimes is a supporter of the Naples Children and Education Foundation also known as the founders of the Naples Winter Wine Festival. Rimes has helped with fundraising efforts and proceeds go to Collier County organizations like the Naples Equestrian Challenge.

"It's great. It's been enjoyable coming out to see the kids and cool to actually see what I am apart of and where the money goes," said Rimes.

January's Naples Winter Wine festival raised more than $12 million dollars and a private concert with Rimes brought in more than $1 million dollars.

"She has a long-standing record of support for children charities," said Bob Clifford, 2012 co-chair of the Naples Winter Wine Festival.

Rimes visited Naples since she is in Florida on tour.

Her last Florida stop on tour is on Daytona Beach on Tuesday.

Her new album, "Spitfire," will be available in Spring of 2013.

"I'm always excited about new music. Single coming out on November 20th so very soon and then the album in Spring," said Rimes.

Julie Salomone

Fox 4

jsalomone@fox4now.com