Writtenin theStars Unlock our visual social diary with highlights from the 2013 Naples Winter Wine Festival. TEXT AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY DOroTHEA HUNTER SÖNNE
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e’re lucky to have not one but two of the top three charity wine auctions in the United States right here in our own backyard. Started in 2001, the nation’s premier Naples Winter Wine Festival (NWWF), held from January 25 to 27, is similar in many ways to the skyrocketing Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest (see “Having a Ball,” page 66), yet also very different. One big continuity, however, is that both feature an exciting lineup of events spread over an entire weekend to benefit children in need. Join us as we step through the NWWF's “When Stars Align”-themed festivities to relive the philanthropic fun.
MEET THE KIDS DAY
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Organizers of the festival are trustees of the Naples Children & Education Foundation (NCEF), a group that distributes grants to nonprofits throughout the area, such as the Boys & Girls Club—its new Baker Field was the site of this year’s MTKD. Board and committee members of NCEF (above) addressed the crowd before leaving for lunch at Hamilton Harbor Yacht Club (below).
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The kickoff Meet the Kids Day (MTKD) is a casual outing where guests like Cassie McMillion and Max Deifik (pictured) see how funds raised help local youngsters (top). Nearly everyone's favorite event, it includes heartwarming presentations and often not a dry eye is left in the house. 74 NAPLES ILLUSTRATED
LUNCH AT HAMILTON HARBOR