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2024 NAPLES WINTER WINE FESTIVAL

LIVE AUCTION ACHIEVES NEW MILESTONE

raising more than $33 million for

AT-RISK AND UNDERPRIVILEGED CHILDREN

he 2024 Naples Winter Wine Festival (NWWF) spanning the past 24 years. The evening concludes with a musical
th
“Generosity in Full Bloom” culminated with an amazing performance by The Silverado Pickups, a kickoff to the 25
Tlive auction, raising a new record of more than anniversary season of the NWWF.
$33 million to support at risk and underprivileged children Million Dollar Meal… ALL for the Kids! for $1 million:
in Collier County. This brings the total amount raised by the 40 couples also each contributed $25,000 for a once in a lifetime,
NWWF to almost $302 million since its inception in 2001. exclusive dinner at The Surf Club Restaurant at the Four Seasons
Festival attendees once again came together under the big in Surfside, Florida on November 21, 2024. Few restaurants in the
tent just outside The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón to bid on 50 Sunshine State have been as hotly anticipated as The Surf Club
unique, one-of-a-kind wine, travel and culinary live auction lots, by Chef Thomas Keller. The experience will include a cocktail and
many of which included wines from some of the world’s most wine reception with passed canapés and an elegant, multi-course
revered vineyards. All proceeds will support close to 90 of the wine paired tasting menu.
most effective nonprofit organizations in the community that A heartfelt call to action, on-the-spot donations supporting
have provided more than 300,000 local children with the services this year’s Fund a Need, “Putting Down Roots: Early Learning
and resources they need to excel. GROWS a Healthy Mind,” brought in contributions of more
AMONG THIS YEAR’S TOP AUCTION LOTS WERE: than $7.8 million to support NCEF’s early learning and mental
Sailing the Turquoise Waters of the Mediterranean for health initiatives. Every dollar will support NCEF’s holistic
$2.7 million: Six couples will cruise the Mediterranean for seven approach of providing behavioral and mental health supports at
nights on the 312 foot superyacht M/Y Whisper (formerly an early age, ensuring children receive the necessary resources and
Kismet), enjoying every comfort and convenience while visiting services to allow them to grow and thrive.
exotic ports and out-of-the-way destinations. The seven spacious The 2024 Naples Winter Wine Festival kicked off Thursday
Staterooms are equipped with King beds and ensuites, and there evening with an exclusive Grand Crew Party at Campiello
is a crew of 27 to attend to their every need. The yacht includes restaurant in historic Old Naples. This year, the Festival honored
multiple lounging and dining areas, formal dining room, fold- renowned Burgundy and Oregon winemaker Véronique Boss-
down sea terrace, double height main saloon, cozy cinema room, Drouhin of Maison Joseph Drouhin and Domaine Drouhin
world-class gym, full spa and salon, a range of tenders and toys Oregon as its 2024 Honored Vintner and four-time nominated
and a top deck 12m pool, perfect for gazing at the stunning and two time James Beard Award-winning Chef Paul Bartolotta
coastlines. as its 2024 Chef de Cuisine.
Driving on the Wings of a Cloud for $1.4 million: The On Friday, Festival attendees got the opportunity to witness
winning bidder will be among the first in the United States to first hand the life changing impact of the NWWF during the
own a 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre, the automaker’s inaugural annual Meet the Kids Day. The morning culminated in heartfelt
all-electric vehicle. The automobile offers a bespoke design presentations showcasing remarkable success stories that NCEF’s
specifically for the 2024 NWWF, with an Arctic White and grants have made possible, followed by a delicious luncheon
Tempest Grey two-tone exterior including a Tailored Purple highlighting fabulous wines presented by acclaimed vintners.
coachline, 23” wing spoke part polished wheels and Grace White The night before Saturday’s Live Auction, 18 all star celebrity
leather interior accented with Tailored Purple and Black. The chefs, over 20 renowned vintners and 18 of the world’s elite
interior offers the starlight headliner as well as starlight doors featured sommeliers paired off to prepare exquisite, intimate
and fascia and is the most connected Rolls-Royce ever. dinners at the stunning private homes of Festival Trustees and
25 Years of Wine, Music and Generosity for $1 million: other exclusive locations across Naples.
40 couples each contributed $25,000 to take part in this Using the funds raised from this year’s auction, NCEF will
exclusive one of a kind event at D’Amico’s The Continental. The award grants to local organizations and fund strategic initiatives
evening begins with a cocktail reception followed by a multi- supporting Collier County children in need on Monday,
course sit down meal. The wines being poured will hail from March 18, 2024.
former NWWF Honored Vintners, representing a selection

Life in Naples | April 2024 77