A stay on a private island in Belize, an unforgettable tour through Sonoma Wine Country, a Texan ranch retreat... These are just a few of the 38 phenomenal offerings that will be up for bid during the Live Auction of the 2020 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest on Saturday, Feb. 22 at the Hyatt [...]
SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. has announced the hosts of the 2020 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest’s Chef Vintner Dinners, taking place Friday, Feb. 21 at luxury venues throughout Southwest Florida. The two-day Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest kicks off with Chef Vintner Dinners on Friday, Feb. 21. Intimate, uniquely themed dining experiences will [...]
SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. has named Paul Hobbs of Paul Hobbs Winery as the Honored Signature Vintner of the 2020 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest. Regarded as an international visionary for his accomplishments in the vineyard and winery, Hobbs couples his childhood roots on the family farm with an innovative scientific approach to refine [...]
SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. has announced its 2019-2020 trustees of its Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest: Rachel and Ed Bell, Cheryl and Dave Copham, Brooke and Patrick Denson, Pat and Dave Gibbons, Elaine and Fred Hawkins, Jessica and Ray Higdon, Susan and Jeff Lagarce, Ester and Steve Machiz, Vicki and Richard Pitbladdo, Kelly and [...]
SWFL Children’s Charities’ 2020 Child Artist, Eleanor “Ellie” O’Neal was born at just 23 weeks gestation, weighing only 1 pound, 3 ounces. A “micro-preemie,” Ellie was born while still inside her amniotic sac, which likely protected her during her unexpected, early arrival. “You picture yourself holding your newborn in the hospital, but it would be [...]
Lee Health Foundation has awarded the Frank Haskell Humanitarian Award to Dr. Steve Machiz for his incredible leadership in establishing SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc., a nonprofit most known for its annual Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest. Machiz established the nonprofit in 2008, and one year later, SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. pledged $10 million [...]
SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. is bringing a splash of color to the Southwest Florida community with the theme of its 2020 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest, “Painting a Difference.” Celebrating its 12th year, the 2020 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest will take place Feb. 21-22, 2020. Held in the vibrant setting of Hyatt [...]
SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. has introduced its 2019-2020 board of directors, led by Sandy Stilwell-Youngquist as president and Jason Stephens as vice president, in addition to Ray Higdon as vice president of marketing and public relations, Brooke Denson as secretary and Jeff Lagarce as treasurer. SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. board members are responsible for supporting [...]
More than 225 bidders came together for the 2019 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest on Feb. 24, with Live Auction proceeds totaling more than $1.9 million in support of SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc.’s efforts to build healthy minds and lives for the children of Southwest Florida. Held at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort [...]
SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. has unveiled the 37 auction lot offerings up for bid during the 2019 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest’s Live Auction, taking place Sunday, Feb. 24 at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa in Bonita Springs. Supporting SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc.’s efforts to build healthy minds and lives for [...]
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 [...]
SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. has announced nine new beneficiaries of its 2019 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest, thereby extending its reach throughout the five-county region. In support of a variety of children’s programs including hunger, health, education and counseling, the new beneficiaries include: Blessings in a Backpack, Community Cooperative, Inc., Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Florida [...]
SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. is pleased to announce the appointment of Heidi Taulman as its new executive director. As the second largest donor to Golisano Children’s Hospital, SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. supports local organizations committed to pediatric health care and education, with a new focus on mental and behavioral health. Taulman brings more than 10 [...]
SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. is pleased to introduce its 2018-2019 board of directors, recently elected during the organization’s annual trustee meeting to serve a two-year term. The 2018-2019 board of directors is led by Sandy Stilwell-Youngquist as president and Jason Stephens as vice president, in addition to Debbie Toler as vice president of public relations, [...]
SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. has presented grants totaling $2.36 million to seven beneficiaries of the 2018 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest to enhance pediatric health care and education programs. Golisano Children’s Hospital, Florida Gulf Coast University and Florida SouthWestern State College are the main beneficiaries, and a portion of auction proceeds also were awarded [...]
Local nonprofit names chairpersons, new venue for signature fundraising event SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. is kicking off its 2019 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest fundraising season with the announcement of a new organizational focus on mental and behavioral health. With a 10-year history of raising $25 million in lifesaving funds in support of organizations [...]
More than 350 bidders recently came together to give generously, raising $2.9 million in total to support pediatric health care and education during SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc.’s 2018 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest. All proceeds of the auction will support Golisano Children’s Hospital, Florida Gulf Coast University and Florida SouthWestern State College in support [...]
The diagnosis of childhood cancer is devastating for families. However, the journey of care can lead to hope when the family is able to turn to Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida for world-class pediatric oncology treatment. In support of this lifesaving program that enables local families to stay close to home, SWFL Children’s Charities, [...]
SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. has unveiled the 38 phenomenal offerings that will be up for bid during the 2018 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest’s Live Auction, taking place Saturday, March 3 at Quail West Golf and Country Club in Naples. Celebrating the signature fundraising event’s 10th year, the 2018 Southwest Florida Wine & Food [...]
SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. has announced the hosts of the 2018 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest’s Chef Vintner Dinners, taking place Friday, March 2 at luxury venues throughout Southwest Florida. The 2018 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest will present seven exclusive dining experiences, featuring the culinary talents of a celebrated chef paired with [...]
A cancer diagnosis impacts the entire family, and the beauty of a strong sibling bond is reflected in the paintings of this year’s child artists, Matthew Singleton, a five-year-old leukemia patient, and his six-year-old brother, Steven. Matthew, who started remission in August 2015, is still undergoing treatment at Golisano Children’s Hospital, yet he is like [...]
SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. is pleased to present $200,000 to Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) in support of the school’s health science programs. Promoting quality education for Southwest Florida’s next generation of health care providers, the contribution will help provide scholarships for deserving students enrolled in FGCU’s health science programs. In 2015, SWFL Children’s Charities, [...]
SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. has named Barbara Banke, chairman and proprietor of Jackson Family Wines, as the Honored Signature Vintner of its annual signature fundraising event, the 2018 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest. Representing Jackson Family Wines at this year’s Signature Vintner Dinner on Nov. 28, 2017, is Erik Ackerman, vice president of The [...]
Priority Marketing and Palm Printing were recently honored by the Printing Industries of America in the 2017 Premier Print Awards for the creation of the “Uncork the Power of Giving” campaign materials for SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc.’s 2017 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest. The Premier Print Awards is the graphic arts industry’s largest and [...]
New date and location for the signature fundraising event’s 10th anniversary The trustees of SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. have announced that the 2018 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest will take place on March 2 and 3. The two-day signature event will feature uniquely themed Chef Vintner Dinners on March 2, held at private venues [...]
Priority Marketing was honored by the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) Southwest Florida Chapter for outstanding public relations programs, earning an Image Award for the execution of the Conservancy of Southwest Florida’s “The Ripple Effect” public affairs campaign and an Award of Distinction for the 2017 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest event. FPRA Image [...]
Event to feature performances by The Loving Mary Band and Steeltown Religion SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. is capping off a weekend of giving with the Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest’s Uncorked Celebration Party, taking place Saturday, Feb. 25 from 6 to 10 p.m. at Six Bends Harley-Davidson in Fort Myers. The event follows [...]
SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. recently presented $200,000 to both Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) and to Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) to award scholarships to qualifying students within their health care programs. Over the past eight years, the organization has granted more than $1.6 million to FGCU and FSW for programs and scholarships focused on [...]
One in ten children struggle with a mental health condition before the age of 10. Locally and across the country, there is a lack of resources for children in need of mental health care and this year, SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. is dedicating its fund-a-cause dollars to the pediatric behavioral health initiative at Golisano Children’s [...]
Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida is the primary beneficiary of the Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest, the signature fundraiser for the SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc., so it is very fitting for the hospital’s young patients to be a part of this amazing event, and that is what the Child Artist program is all [...]
SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. is pleased to announce that Miromar Lakes Beach & Golf Club will once again host the Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest Grand Tasting and Live Auction on Saturday, Feb. 25. This will be the ninth consecutive year that Miromar Lakes Beach & Golf Club has graciously served as the host [...]
SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. is pleased to announce that V Madrone Cellars has been named the Honored Signature Vintner of the 2017 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest, the organization’s annual signature fundraising event. Owners Chris and Pauline Tilley will represent the winery by attending the Signature Vintner Dinner on Dec. 4 and at [...]
SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. introduces its 2016-2017 board of directors, elected during the organization’s annual trustee meeting to serve a one-year term through July 2017. The president of the board of directors is Elaine Hawkins, and vice-president is Debbie Toler. Other officers are: Sandy Stilwell, treasurer; Andie Vogt, vice president of public relations and marketing; [...]
SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. has appointed Christin Collins and Debbie Toler as chairpersons for the 2017 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest, a two-day signature fundraising event benefiting local charities that are dedicated to serving children in Southwest Florida. The 2017 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest will be held Feb. 24 and 25 at [...]
Wine Spectator has released its top 10 U.S. Charity Auctions of 2015, and the 2015 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest ranked fourth highest in the nation. Held at Miromar Lakes Beach & Golf Club, last year’s Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest raised $2.2 million through ticket sales and auction lots and brought in [...]
SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc.’s 2016 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest has raised more than $2.8 million and counting, with 100 percent of the proceeds directly benefitting pediatric health care in Southwest Florida. Made possible by title sponsor Pitbladdo Holdings, LLC, the two-day signature fundraising event featured Chef Vintner Dinners on Feb. 26 and The [...]
Renowned vintners and Southwest Florida chefs have come together to support the mission of SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. through their involvement in The Grand Tasting at the 2016 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest, taking place Saturday, Feb. 27 at Miromar Lakes Beach & Golf Club. Vintners and chefs participating in The Grand Tasting will [...]
A piece of rock legend history is up for bid in Southwest Florida: a signed bass guitar played by Cliff Williams, AC/DC bassist and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer. The Music Man Stingray Bass signed bass guitar is one of Cliff’s preferred basses, he has used this very instrument (serial number BOO8629) for both [...]
SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. has revealed the selection of exclusive getaways, delectable wine and culinary offerings, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences to be auctioned off to the highest bidders during its annual signature event, the 2016 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest. At the Live Auction, held Saturday, Feb. 27 at Miromar Lakes Beach & Golf Club, [...]
Children are not little adults, and pediatric health care requires special tools, equipment and technology that is made just for young patients. To help provide the special surgical instruments and communication and monitoring technology that a state-of-the-art children’s hospital needs to effectively serve its patients, SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. presents “A Million Reasons to Give,” [...]
SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. introduces its 2015-2016 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest trustees, a group of community members who have dedicated their time and resources in support of the organization’s mission to benefit area children. Trustees include Liz and Jeff Allbritten, Dwayne Bergmann and Luis Insignares, Wilson Bradshaw, Bev and Art Cherry, Cheryl and [...]
New Pediatric Intensive Care Unit to be named in honor of Dr. Bob Arnall, affectionately known as the Father of Golisano Children’s Hospital To support the construction of a new, state-of-the-art children’s hospital in Southwest Florida, SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. has pledged $5 million to the Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida Capital Campaign. In [...]
SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. signed a $1 million pledge to Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) to benefit the programs and students within FSW’s School of Health Professions. The gift may be used to purchase equipment, technology, software and for advanced training, or to award scholarships to qualifying students within the School of Health Professions program [...]
SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. has named Williams Selyem as the Honored Signature Vintner of the 2016 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest, an annual signature fundraising event to benefit Southwest Florida children. Winemaker, Jeff Mangahas will represent the winery during the upcoming Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest events including [...]
SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc., announces a $1 million pledge to Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) to benefit students studying to become healthcare professionals. Over a five-year period beginning in May 2016, $200,000 will be awarded annually as SWFL Children’s Charities Scholarships and granted to qualifying students. Qualified candidates will be undergraduate or graduate students who [...]
SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. has appointed Sandy Stilwell and Andie Vogt as chairpersons for the 2016 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest, a two-day signature fundraising event benefiting local charities that are dedicated to serving children in Southwest Florida. With a focus on “gracious giving” to support children’s charities in Southwest Florida, the 2016 Southwest [...]
SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. introduces its 2015-2016 board of directors, elected during the organization’s annual trustee meeting to serve a one-year term through July 2016. The president of the board of directors is Elaine Hawkins, and vice-president is Dorothy Fitzgerald. Other officers are: Dave Copham, treasurer; Debbie Toler, vice president of public relations and marketing; [...]
Celebrity waiters Dorothy Fitzgerald, Rob Wilson, Brittany Cohill, Dawn Sullivan, Heather Fitzenhagen, Ryan Van Horn, Greg Blurton, Scott Kashman, Max Dean and Gina Birch Traditionally, Wednesday nights in July in Southwest Florida are quiet and uneventful. However, Wednesday July 22 was an exception as SS Hookers restaurant transformed into scenes from the movies [...]
SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. President Elaine Hawkins, trustee and 2014 and 2015 co-chair of the Southwest Florida Food & Wine Fest, presented the organization’s commemorative 2015 “pan of appreciation” to Chef Ryan Love of Norman Love Confections. The gift was presented as a token of gratitude for Love’s participation in the 2015 Southwest Florida Food [...]
