Back: Mark Loren, Sandy Stilwell Youngquist, Dominic Cameratta, Elizabeth Cameratta, Chris Simoneau, Taylor Woods, Alyssa Kasiewicz, Heather Elya, Matt Elya, Dr. Emad Salman, Megan Marquardt. Front: Jason Gaff, Kristin Gaff, Bensin Gaff, Gracelin Gaff, Dr. Jamie Sterling, Lisa Dorcey, Josh Dorcey, Heidi Davis, Joanie Lancellot & Mike Lancellot. PHOTO PROVIDED

Donors, Trustees and supporters of SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. recently celebrated with a cocktail reception and presented a check totaling more than $2.6 million to Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida. These funds raised through the Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest will go towards the building of a new facility to house pediatric outpatient surgeries to help ease the load on the at capacity children’s hospital with the expansion of other services including pediatric trauma as a long-term goal.

With this year’s donation, the total to Golisano Children’s Hospital to date is more than $27 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 16 years ago, the event has donated more than $32 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 2026 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest, please visit SWFLwinefest.org.

About SWFL Children’s Charities

SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc.’s annual signature fundraiser, the Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest, has donated more than $32 million over the past 16 years in support of children’s health initiatives. For more information, visit www.swflwinefest.org.