SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. has announced its 2018-2019 trustees of its Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest: David and Christin Collins, Dave and Cheryl Copham, Patrick and Brooke Denson, Dave and Pat Gibbons, Michelle Graham and Peter Vamvakaris, Fred and Elaine Hawkins, Ray and Jessica Higdon, Jeff and Susan Lagarce, Steve and Ester Machiz, Joe and Jenn Pavich, Richard and Vicki Pitbladdo, Jason and Kelly Stephens, Bill and Debbie Toler, Don and Andie Vogt, Wayne and Maria Wiles, and Tim and Sandy Youngquist.
Dedicated to supporting SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc.’s efforts to build healthy minds and lives for the children of Southwest Florida, trustees play an essential role in the continued success of the organization’s annual Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest. These individuals support the signature event in many ways, not only through the gift of their finances to underwrite the cost of the event, but many also donate wine from their private wine collections and serve on various event committees.
“Our trustees profoundly impact the lives and health of children in our community through their valuable commitment of time and resources in support of SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. and our annual signature fundraising event,” said Sandy Stilwell-Youngquist, president of the board of directors for SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. “These individuals are true ‘wavemakers’ within our community and their overwhelming passion and generosity in support of local children’s causes is inspiring. We are grateful for their continued support as we work together to enhance the quality of children’s health care, educational programs and services within our region.”
The grand tasting and live auction for the 2019 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest will take place at noon on Feb. 24, 2019, at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa in Bonita Springs. The event, with a theme of “Making Waves: Building Healthy Minds,” will create awareness and funding for SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc.’s primary initiative to support children’s mental and behavioral health. In addition, 2019 funds raised will also be granted to Golisano Children’s Hospital, Florida SouthWestern State College and Florida Gulf Coast University and nine additional beneficiaries providing vital children’s health care services and education throughout the region.
To learn more about SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. and the 2019 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest, visit www.swflwinefest.org.
About SWFL Children’s Charities Inc.
SWFL Children’s Charities Inc.’s annual signature fundraiser, the Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest, has raised more than $25 million over the past 10 years, making it one of the top-grossing wine fests in the country. The trustees and sponsors underwrite the event and the nonprofit, SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc., donates contributions made during the event to beneficiaries dedicated to children’s health care services and education. SWFL Children’s Charities Inc. recently announced its new primary focus to address the growing need for children’s mental and behavioral health care in the region, and a majority of funds raised during its 2019 event will be directed in support of this initiative. For more information, visit www.swflwinefest.org.
