We should all have friends like Joe Anderson of Benovia Winery in Florida. On February 24th and 25th, the 2012 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest raised money to donate to three charities that benefit children’s health care in the Southwest Florida area. In total, the event brought in $2 million net.
Anderson Pledge
Joe Anderson pledged $100,000 and inspired many other bidders to continue making donations. The event itself, in addition to the astronomical sums that it raised, was a place to enjoy. The NFL Baltimore Ravens cheerleaders were there, dancing and encouraging auction goers; Cliff Williams of AC/DC was in attendance; and a Danica Patrick look-a-like was making the rounds. The event, which took place at the Miromar Lakes Beach & Golf Club included professional auctioneer Scott Robertson, voiceover artist Chris Corley and NBC-2’s Kellie Burns.
As Steve Machiz, M.D., the Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest founding chairman, said
“We exceeded our expectations again this year, thanks to our very philanthropic supporters. We netted $1.6 million last year. The trustees, dinner hosts, wineries, chefs and donors really stepped up to take this event truly over the top. I am always amazed by the generosity of the wonderful people attending Wine Fest.”
Helping Those in Need
Most of the proceeds from the event this year will go to the Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida. Their neonatal intensive care unit will get nine new incubators called the GE Giraffe baby incubators. These incubators mimic the mother’s womb and are vital for babies in intensive care.
The Edison State College will receive funds for its pediatric nursing program and the Florida Gulf Coast University will receive for its music therapy program.