2020 Naples Winter Wine Fest showcasing luxurious destination auctions

Reporter: Taylor Smith Writer: Jack Lowenstein
Published: Updated:
India. Credit: Naples Children & Education Foundation.

People in Southwest Florida will soon have a chance to win extravagant trips to India and Hawaii while helping local children.

The annual Naples Winter Wine Festival at the Ritz Carlton hotel in North Naples is two months away.

“One hundred percent of the money we raise goes to charities in our community that serve children and provide a variety of services,” said Maria Jimenez-Lara, the CEO of Naples Children & Education Foundation.

The money goes toward families who need help to make ends meet, assisting them with health care, food insecurity and early learning services for children.

“We auction off things that are amazing, and that will inspire irrational generosity,” Jimenez-Lara said.

An auction that is being highlighted at the event is the 2020 Aston Martin someone could win at Winter Wine Fest.

“The James Bond Aston Martin, not only the car but the full James Bond experience,” Jimenez-Lara said. “You go to London and meet all of the James Bond actors.”

The destination auctions include vacations to South Africa, a two-week tour of India and more.

“We try to outdo ourselves every year,” Jimenez-Lara said.

Last year, the event raised $15.9 million for community beneficiaries. The 2020 event will take place the last weekend of January.

Ticket packages to NWWF start at $12,500 per couple. A $30,000 package that includes reserved seating for a party of four at a vintner dinner and under the auction tent is also available. To inquire about tickets to the festival, contact Barrett Farmer at barrett@napleswinefestival.com or 239-514-2239.

“We fund about 40 of the best nonprofit organizations in the community,” Jimenez-Lara said. “And our patrons get to meet those providers and the children, so they can understand what we do with the money.”

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