Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest raises funds to support SWFL Children’s Charities
SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. presented its 2024 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest on Jan. 20, with Live Auction proceeds totaling more than $2 million in support of the nonprofit’s efforts to enhance pediatric healthcare for the children and families of Southwest Florida.
Nearly 300 bidders came together for the Grand Tasting and Live Auction of the 15th annual event, with festivities held at the Suncoast Arena on Florida SouthWestern State College Fort Myers campus. The theme for the event was Peace, Love & Wine and a 1960’s vibe, with guests adorning hearts, flowers and peace signs. The majority of Live Auction proceeds will be directed to Golisano Children’s Hospital for the new pediatric outpatient surgery center. In addition, 2024 funds raised will also be granted to Florida SouthWestern State College to support its nursing program that assists in providing vital children’s health care services and education throughout the region.
On Jan. 19, attendees sipped wine and dined at one of six Chef Vintner Dinners hosted by community members throughout the region with vintners from California. Saint Helena Winery was the 2024 Honored Signature Vintner and other participating vintners included Anomaly Vineyards, AXR Napa Valley, Cardinale, Cornell Vineyards, Dakota Shy Winery, Elusa Winery, Gamble Family Vineyards, Lerner Project, Jarvis Estate, Lokoya and Skipstone.
About SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc.
SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. is a local nonprofit organization that is dedicated to saving children’s lives by supporting the region’s growing pediatric health care system. The Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest is the organization’s annual signature fundraiser. Proceeds from the 2024 event will support pediatric health care services in the Southwest Florida region including the Golisano Children’s Hospital and Florida SouthWestern State College. Since 2009, SWFL Children’s Charities has donated more than $29.5 Million to local organizations enhancing pediatric healthcare in our region. For more information, visit swflwinefest.org.