What Does Our Foundation Do?
Our Mission and Commitment
Play for the Mind Foundation™ is a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing social isolation and supporting brain health through community-based gameplay. We bring people together for in-person gatherings centered around games including but not limited to Mahjong, bridge, and chess — creating space for connection, learning, and joy.
In collaboration with local universities, we also support cognitive and social research, helping to build a stronger understanding of how play can impact well-being.
Your support helps us expand this vision — from pilot programs to a permanent community hub where anyone can drop in, connect, and grow. We are continuously fostering new opportunities for wellness in our community.
Why We're Different
Most social spaces are built around membership, institutions, or fixed locations. Play for the Mind takes a different approach.
Most social spaces are built around membership, institutions, or fixed locations. Play for the Mind takes a different approach.
Our focus is simple: bring people together through mentally engaging games and meaningful social interaction that supports lifelong cognitive activity.
To begin, we are launching a roaming pilot program, partnering with local restaurants and community venues to host gatherings and learning events. These pop-up experiences allow us to explore how socially engaging games like Mahjong can support mental stimulation, memory, and connection.
Over time, with community support and donations, Play for the Mind hopes to establish a dedicated location where these programs, learning opportunities, and volunteer initiatives can grow.
Whether you’re new to Naples, newly retired, or simply looking for ways to stay mentally active and socially connected, Play for the Mind is working to create opportunities — now through community partnerships and eventually in a permanent home — where everyone has a seat at the table.
Upcoming
Programs
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Mahjong Café™
Mahjong Café Pop-Up events help support our early work.
Mahjong Café Pop-Up events help support the early work of the Play for the Mind Foundation.
This traveling Mahjong series brings people together for social play, learning, and friendly competition while creating opportunities to explore how socially engaging games may support cognitive stimulation and community connection.
Portions of event proceeds benefit the foundation’s pilot initiatives as we prepare for our upcoming 12-week study in Naples, focused on how structured social gameplay may help reduce isolation and encourage mental engagement.
Contact Us
Join our community for updates on programs that support cognitive health and social connection in older adults. Together, we can make a difference!