Online Auction Surpasses $1 Million for Charity

The Naples Winter Wine Festival 2026 has once again demonstrated why it is a global leader in philanthropy. This year’s online auction officially surpassed the $1 million mark, continuing a decade-long tradition of raising vital funds for at-risk and vulnerable children in Collier County.

As a cornerstone of the Naples lifestyle, the festival—themed “Picture This”—brings together world-class vintners, celebrity chefs, and generous donors. The LeAne SUAREZ Group is proud to share how these incredible results will directly impact our local community.

Breaking Records: Online & Live Auction Results

The 12th annual online auction generated over $1 million, with $742,500 coming from direct lot bidding and the remainder attributed to the “Fund a Need” initiative. Since its inception in 2015, the online extension alone has raised nearly $6 million.

When combined with the high-energy live auction, which raised over $30 million, the festival has now generated more than $366 million since 2001.

Top-Grossing Luxury Lots: From the Bahamas to the Blue Ridge

Bidders from across the country competed for over 100 exclusive offerings. Here are the highlights of the top-grossing lots:

The Top Seller ($31,000): “An Unforgettable Bahamas Escape at The Abaco Club.” This luxury package included a 5-day stay for three couples, featuring island adventures and a private lesson with Open champion Darren Clarke.
Italian Sunday Dinner ($30,000): Hosted by NCF trustees Valerie Boyd and Jeff Gargiulo (owners of Gargiulo Vineyards) at their private Naples estate.
North Carolina Getaways: A VIP Highlands Food & Wine Festival experience brought in $27,500, while two Linville Ridge escapes sold for a combined $27,000.
Naples Exclusives: A wine-paired dinner at the members-only Butcher Private, complete with a two-night Bentley rental, fetched $22,500.

Impact: Transforming the Lives of Collier County Children

Every dollar raised through the Naples Winter Wine Festival 2026 supports the Naples Children & Education Foundation (NCEF). To date, the festival has provided essential services to an estimated 385,000 children through grants to nearly 90 local nonprofit organizations.

Local Expert Note: The impact of these auctions is tangible. Funds are specifically allocated to bridge gaps in healthcare, mental health, and education. On March 16, 2026, the NCEF will officially award these grants to the local organizations that keep our community thriving.