Southwest Florida Wine and Food Fest Raises a Record $930,000 for children's Charities

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Southwest Florida Wine and Food Fest Raises a Record $930,000 for children's Charities

Albert E Gator, Young Artist Joseph West, Dad Edgar West,

Richard Johnston

Famous Guest with Scott Robertson!

I attended the 2010 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest Grand Tasting and Auction at Miromar Lakes Beach & Golf Club,on Feb. 27. I was amazed at the crowd of people who turned out to support the event. The final tally incuding the private dinners on Feb. 26th, raised a record-breaking $930,000 (net, after expenses). Nearly all will be donated directly to three charities benefiting children’s health care. The Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida will receive $700,000. Florida Gulf Coast University and Edison State College will each receive $50,000 to benefit programs related to educating future pediatric doctors and nurses. Deespite a heavy rain compressing the crowd under a tent, spirits were not dampened, as the event raised more than last year’s event's $752,000 net.

The private dinners held the evening of Feb. 26 offered elegant dinners in private homes, with many actual vintners attending and showcasing their wines. The Grand Tasting and Auction on Feb. 27 provided top food offered by local chefs. Over a dozen vintners and distributers offered fine wines for tasting and for auction.

Auctioneer Scott Robertson, of Commercial Properties Southwest Florida, was a dashing human dynamo, raising the Auction crowd's energy to a fevered pitch. Voiceover Artist Randy Thomas, and NBC-2’s Kellie Burns assistance added even more to the energy.

Northern Trust was the main sponsor of the 2010 Wine & Food Fest. Along with Miromar Lakes Beach & Golf Club, other supporters of the event included Norman Love Confections, Angelina’s Ristorante, and Palm Printing - Strategic Solutions. Media sponsors were Gulfshore Life and Gulfshore Business, the News-Press, and Grandeur Magazine.

Under the Big Tent