On Thursday, Feb. 9, donors, trustees and sponsors of the Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest gathered at the Southwest Florida Performing Arts Center in Bonita Springs for a preview party in anticipation of uncorking the power of giving at the upcoming 2017 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest event. Hosted by the organization’s three beneficiaries, Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida, Florida Gulf Coast University and Florida SouthWestern State College, the evening included a reception and dinner featuring an assortment of fine wines.Auctioneer Scott Robertson and NBC-2 anchor Kellie Burns presented highlights of the 40 auction lots featuring exclusive getaways, luxurious wine and culinary offerings and once-in-a-lifetime experiences that will be available for bid at the Live Auction. In addition, this year’s Child Artists, Leo and Lola Grabinski, made a special appearance, and Kellie Burns made a special plea in support of this year’s fund-a-cause initiative for pediatric mental and behavioral health care services at Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida.
The 2017 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest’s Chef Vintner Dinner will take place on Friday, Feb. 24, followed by The Grand Tasting and Live Auction on Saturday, Feb. 25 at Miromar Lakes Beach & Golf Club.
This article first appeared in Gulfshore Life, February, 2017
