108 In the Community
Going Gaga for Galas
“For it is in giving that we shall receive.” — St. Francis of Assisi
Southwest Florida’s all-important charity benefit season actually continues throughout late winter and into early spring. Galas are a good excuse for residents, snowbirds and even tourists to get dressed up and raise funds for worthy causes—in a fun and festive style.
Leading the way is SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc.’s Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest, celebrating its 10th year. It has raised $18.7 million since it began. Beneficiaries include Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida, Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida SouthWestern State College, and four new organizations: PACE Center for Girls of Lee County, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southwest Florida, SalusCare Inc., and The Heights Foundation.
The 2018 event takes place Friday, March 2, and Saturday, March 3. Friday’s schedule features Chef Vintner Dinners at private venues in Lee and Collier counties. Saturday is The Grand Tasting, Live Auction & Dessert After Glow at Quail West Golf and Country Club in Naples. For more info, visit: swflwinefest.org/schedule-of-events-and-dinners
And the Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest is just one of several charity events being held throughout March and early April in the region.
JDRF Hope Gala
Benefits the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s South Gulf Coast Chapter Saturday, March 3 The Ritz-Carlton, Naples jdrf.org/southgulfcoast