SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. recently hosted a social reception in anticipation of the 2024 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest, bringing trustees, sponsors, dinner hosts and supporters together to commence another season of spirited philanthropy. The wine and cocktail reception was hosted by London Bay Development Group at the new Ritz Carlton Residences, Estero Bay Sales Gallery in Bonita Springs. President of London Bay, Mark Wilson kicked off the evening with a welcome and brief overview of the luxury condominium and the entire 500+ acres planned community of Saltleaf on Estero Bay, which will deliver a Raymond Floyd-designed 18-hole championship golf course and 9-hole course, 72-slip marina, five-star restaurant and future residential developments to this unique coastal locale. Board President Ed Bell kicked off the evening with this year’s theme, “Peace, Love and Wine,” and featured a preview of some of the unique trips and experiences available for bid at the 2024 Live Auction. Attendees learned about the 2024 child artist, Mila Susic and her struggles with medical complexities including scoliosis and kyphosis and from Chief Development, Marketing and Communications Officer for Lee Health Foundation, Chris Simoneau about the importance of expanding the region’s pediatric healthcare to include a children centric trauma center. Celebrating its 15th year, the two-day Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest will feature Chef Vintner Dinners on Friday, Jan. 19, 2024, creatively hosted in private luxury venues across the region, and the Grand Tasting and Live Auction on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024, in the Suncoast Arena at Florida SouthWestern State College in Fort Myers. Guests will experience artful cuisine created by celebrated chefs and expertly paired with vintners from some of the finest and most exclusive wineries.
