SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. presented its 2021 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest on April 24, with auction proceeds totaling more than $1.2 million in support of the nonprofit’s efforts to build the new SWFL Children’s Charities Eye Institute of Golisano Children’s Hospital. Gifts pledged directly to the cause through the child art program and the Fund-A-Cause totaled nearly $700,000. The new facility will provide expanded ophthalmology services to children across the region. The 2021 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest’s storybook-inspired theme, “Out of the Darkness Into the Light,” speaks to the struggles of children facing vision challenges and blindness. More than 200 bidders came together during the virtual event and auction of the 13th annual event, with Chef Vintner Dinners held at eight luxury venues throughout the region and one in Sonoma, California. Festivities during the virtual event broadcasting live from one of the venues included 2021 Honored Signature Vintner Jean-Charles Boisset entertaining the crowd. Attendees also participated at home for the first-ever SWFL Wine & Food Fest Wine Fest@Home experience.
Originally shared in Gulfshore Business Daily