FORT MYERS, Fla. – August 24, 2026
Donors, Trustees and supporters of SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. recently celebrated with a
cocktail reception and presented a check totaling more than $3 million to Golisano Children’s
Hospital of Southwest Florida. These funds raised through the Southwest Florida Wine & Food
Fest will go towards seed money to build a new hub for Individuals with Intellectual &
Developmental Disabilities (IDD). Roughly 27,000 Southwest Floridians have some form of
IDD, a designation that includes autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy,
neurodegenerative conditions and other disorders. Statewide, it’s as many as 500,000.
For Anthony and Ilianet Fite and their children, both diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, it
will be lifechanging. Their 6-year-old son, Charlie, has survived cardiac arrest, seizures, anemia,
stomach ulcers and more. He’s been treated at Golisano Children’s Hospital, as well as the
offices of pediatricians, neurologists, a Miami geneticist, ophthalmologists, cardiologists,
endocrinologists, gastroenterologists, and a psychiatrist.
The center “is going to be a game changer,” says Anthony. “There’s definitely a need for this.
I’m excited for the future.”
With this year’s donation, the total to Golisano Children’s Hospital to date is more than $32
Million to fund all kinds of programs including mental health, neo-natal care, incubators,
Oncology, Ophthalmology and Neurosurgery to name a few.
The Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest, a signature event of SWFL Children’s Charities,
features chef vintner dinners, a grand tasting and live auction. Since its inception 19 years ago,
the event has donated more than $35 million to benefit local nonprofit organizations. SWFL
Children’s Charities carries out its mission of saving children’s lives by supporting organizations
committed to pediatric health care services and education.
To learn more about the 2027 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest, please
visit SWFLwinefest.org.
