Dr. Emad & Alissar Salman. -MARIE HEISLER / COURTESY PHOTO
SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. recently hosted an invitation-only reception to preview live auction packages and hear from the 2026 SWFL Wine & Food Fest beneficiary, Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida. Dr. Emad Salman explained the importance of expanding pediatric healthcare services, including the creation of a new Center for Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities. Trustees, sponsors, supporters, and benefactors gathered on Jan. 23 at the elegant residence of 2026 Dinner Hosts Michael and Sharon Duke at The Renaissance in South Fort Myers, Fla. Guests enjoyed creative cuisine by one of the Fest’s featured chefs, Chef Taryn Gamble of Paradise Hospitality Group, paired with exceptional wines. Entertainment was provided by musician Sarah Suarez on the home’s spacious lanai overlooking the golf course and lakes of The Club at Renaissance.
Live Auction Lot posters highlighted this year’s Festival travel theme, “Your Passport Awaits: Destination Hope.” Once-in-a-lifetime experiences include travel on the venerable Belmond Venice Simplon-Orient Express with accommodations at Belmond Hotels in Paris, France, or Venice, Italy. Other auction lots include trips to Vineyards and Wineries in California, San Sebastian, Spain, Tuscany, Italy, and Bordeaux, France.
Anthony & Ilianet Fite with Renee & Michael Ciccarello. -MARIE HEISLER / COURTESY PHOTO
Ellen Duke, Brooke & Patrick Denson, Jason Duke. -MARIE HEISLER / COURTESY PHOTO
For adventurous travelers, auction lots include escapes to highly acclaimed Blackberry Farm in Tennessee; retreat to a private island in Belize; or experience high-energy excitement at a Kenny Chesney concert at The Sphere in Las Vegas; or ski across borders in the Swiss Alps.
The 2026 SWFL Wine & Food Fest kicks off February 27 at luxury homes and event venues across Southwest Florida. On February 28, the Grand Tasting of cuisine created by celebrated Chefs, paired with exceptional wines, Live Auction, and After-Party will take place at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa in Bonita Springs, Florida. To learn more and purchase tickets, visit swflwinefest.org/
SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. is a local nonprofit organization dedicated to saving children’s lives by supporting the region’s growing pediatric health care system. SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc.’s annual signature fundraiser, the Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest, has donated over $32 million over the past 16 years in support of children’s health initiatives including pediatric oncology, behavioral & mental health, pediatric neurosurgery and so much more.
Brooke Denson & Taylor Rinehold. -MARIE HEISLER / COURTESY PHOTO
Haise & Mark Loren. -MARIE HEISLER / COURTESY PHOTO
Heidi Davis, Michael & Sharon Duke, Ellen & Jason Duke. -MARIE HEISLER / COURTESY PHOTO
Dining and Cooking