Money raised at SWFL Wine & Food Fest for new pediatric outpatient surgery center
Wine flowed and money was raised for charities Saturday during the Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest.
The annual event, presented by SWFL Children’s Charities Inc., was held at Suncoast Arena at the Florida SouthWestern State College to raise money to support the region’s developing pediatric healthcare system.
Attendees hold up bidding paddles for a photo during the SWFL Wine & Food Fest at Suncoast Credit Union Arena in Fort Myers on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024. The auction raised over $2 million.
During the Grand Tasting, award-winning chefs and vintners joined to feature culinary creations and exquisite wines. The always cheerful live auction followed, where guests bid on 25 auction lots featuring an array of quaint vineyard experiences, extravagant travel packages, exclusive concerts and more.
David and Kim Martin, center, celebrate a winning bid during the SWFL Wine & Food Fest at Suncoast Credit Union Arena in Fort Myers on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024. The auction raised over $2 million. Congratulating them at center top is Sandra Stilwell-Youngquist.
The event’s theme was “Peace, Love & Wine.” Money raised will help SWFL Children’s Charities’ primary objective to fund a new pediatric outpatient surgery center at Health Park and the SWFL Children’s Charities Simulation Lab & nursing program at Florida SouthWestern State College.
Josh and Lisa Dorcey, center, celebrate a winning bid during the SWFL Wine & Food Fest at Suncoast Credit Union Arena in Fort Myers on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024. The auction raised over $2 million.
From left, Sandra Stilwell-Youngquist, Tim Youngquist and Elaine Hawkins celebrate during the SWFL Wine & Food Fest at Suncoast Credit Union Arena in Fort Myers on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024. The auction raised over $2 million. They were part of a winning bid.
An attendee holds up bidding paddle during the SWFL Wine & Food Fest at Suncoast Credit Union Arena in Fort Myers on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024. The auction raised over $2 million.
Scott and Mary Fischer, right, celebrate a winning bid during the SWFL Wine & Food Fest at Suncoast Credit Union Arena in Fort Myers on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024. The auction raised over $2 million.
