Southwest Florida Children’s Charities, Inc.’s 17thannual Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest raised a record $3M dollars at the Live Auction event on February 28, 2026. This brings the total amount raised since 2009 to over $35M for pediatric healthcare for children and families in this region. The largest amount raised was through the Fund-A-Cause paddle raise, sponsored by the Cameratta Family. A total of $855k was generated for seed money to create a new Center for Individuals with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities (IDD), associated with Lee Health and Golisano Children’s Hospital of SWFL. The Center for IDD will centralize essential services, and coordinate care across more than 50 community partners, train future providers, and advance research—becoming a first-of-its-kind waypoint for families navigating a complex
landscape.
Event emcee, Gulf Coast News anchor Kellie Burns, joined professional auctioneer Scott Robertson on stage to engage the audience of more than 350 in bidding high and often. Gulf Coast News anchor Chief Meteorologist Allyson Rae handled duties for the “Pass the Travel Bag,” a Louis Vuitton bag filled with amazing items, donated during the Live Auction by sponsors and attendees. After Allyson collected numerous items, everything from a silver bar added to the travel bag by award-winning jeweler Mark Loren, to sunset cruises on 65’ yachts and private helicopters, donated by the organization’s Trustees, the bag and its entireties was sold to the highest bidder for $160k.
Two of the most emotional moments of the day came when videos were shared featuring local, nationally recognized Chef Brian Roland, his wife Nicole and their daughter, Remi. This year Remi was the featured Child Artist, mentored by Sanibel-based artist Rachel Pierce. Remi’s original painting, titled, “I Want to See the World,” raised $400k through audience donors. Remi’s painting will join artwork created by previous child artists from the Wine & Food Fest, on a dedicated wall at Golisano Children’s Hospital of SWFL, inspiring more children on their road to recovery. The Roland family has endured a series of medical issues and life-challenging accidents. Brian, Nicole and their company, Crave Culinaire, have supported Southwest Florida Children’s Charities, Inc. and the SWFL Wine & Food Fest since its inception.
The other magical moment was when the Fite family took to the stage to share their medical journey with six-year-old son Charlie. Their healthcare journey underscored the need for a Center for Individuals with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities and generated multiple donations of $100k, with the remainder coming from $50k to $500 donations from generous event participants.
The Live Auction contained 27 Lots, everything from wine country travel, tastings, dinner, and immersive experiences in California and Europe, to artistic and cultural activities in Southwest Florida and other travel destinations. Several popular chefs, restaurateurs, and caterers in Southwest Florida offered very popular lots as well.
The 2026 event theme was “Your Passport Awaits: Destination Hope” and kicked off on Friday, February 27, with chef-led dinners paired with California vintners in area homes and venues. On Saturday, February 28, more than 350 participants, chefs and vintners gathered at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa, walking down the travel hallway with child greeters and travel vignettes, into the VIP Lounge before the Grand Tasting on the lawn with entertainment, followed by the Live Auction, concluding with the celebratory After Party sponsored by California Closets and Dorcey Law.
Sponsored by numerous local businesses and a board of Trustees, 100% of funds raised from Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest enhances pediatric healthcare in Southwest Florida. Sponsors include California Closets, Rivet Brands, B&I Contractors, Florida Trust Wealth Management, Greenleaf Trust, Stock Development, Lancellot Family Foundation, and Wilson & Johnson Private Foundation.
