SWFL Children's Charities names four new beneficiaries of 2018 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest

FORT MYERS, Fla. - Dec. 1, 2017 - PRLog -- SWFL Children's Charities, Inc. has announced four new beneficiaries of its 2018 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest: PACE Center for Girls of Lee County, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southwest Florida, SalusCare, Inc. and The Heights Foundation. Collectively, these beneficiaries will receive 10 percent of the auction proceeds from the 2018 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest, SWFL Children's Charities, Inc.'s annual signature fundraising event. Celebrating its 10^th year, the 2018 event will take place March 2-3, featuring uniquely themed Chef Vintner Dinners at private venues, and The Grand Tasting and Live Auction at Quail West Golf and Country Club in Naples.

Each year, one hundred percent of monies raised at the auction benefit SWFL Children's Charities, Inc.'s primary beneficiaries. The organization has raised $18.7 million over the past nine years for Golisano Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida, Florida Gulf Coast University and Florida SouthWestern State College in support of pediatric health care and scholarships for local students majoring in health sciences. In 2018, SWFL Children's Charities, Inc.'s support will expand to include the four additional organizations, which are dedicated to health care and services for children.

"SWFL Children's Charities, Inc. is committed to making a difference in the lives of local children and furthering health care services within our region, and we are honored to support PACE Center for Girls of Lee County, Ronald McDonald House Charities, SalusCare and The Heights Foundation through our 2018 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest," said Sandy Stilwell-Youngquist, secretary and vice president of grants for SWFL Children's Charities, Inc. "These four organizations provide essential health care, education and resources for families throughout our community, and we are thrilled to extend our support and celebrate their contributions through our 2018 event."

PACE Center for Girls is dedicated to providing girls and young women an opportunity for a better future through education, counseling, training and advocacy. Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southwest Florida supports programs that directly impact the health and well-being of children and their families in Southwest Florida, and is well-known for its Ronald McDonald House, which keeps loved ones together while families with ill children are undergoing medical treatment. SalusCare is a Fort Myers-based not-for-profit mental health and substance abuse service provider, bringing hope and recovery to thousands in Southwest Florida each year. The Heights Foundation works to build strong, self-sufficient families in the Harlem Heights community through its mission to support education and wellness, promote family and community development, and provide the benefits of enrichment and the arts.

To learn more about SWFL Children's Charities, Inc., its beneficiaries and the 2018 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest, visit www.swflwinefest.org.

SWFL Children's Charities Inc.'s annual signature fundraiser, the Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest, has raised $18.7 million over the past nine years, making it one of the top-grossing wine fests in the country. The trustees and sponsors underwrite the event and the nonprofit, SWFL Children's Charities, Inc., donates 100 percent of the auction proceeds to local beneficiaries. Golisano Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida is the most significant beneficiary of the event, which provides health services to children from Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties. In addition, SWFL Children's Charities, Inc. grants funds to Florida Gulf Coast University and Florida SouthWestern State College to provide scholarships and equipment to educate the community's next generation of pediatric health care professionals. For more information, visit www.swflwinefest.org.