$30 million raised to help vulnerable Collier County children

NAPLES, Fla. - Wine, generous donors, and an incredible auction, the Naples Winter Wine Festival live auction raised an amazing $30 million as it marked its 26th year.

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Several of the bids at the Saturday auction under the tent at Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón, exceeded a million dollars. Among the top live auction lots according to organizers:

“Million Dollar Night of Country with Thomas Rhett” for $1.375 million: 55 couples each contributed $25,000 to attend an exclusive evening event in November 2026 featuring Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter Thomas Rhett. The special gathering will be held at the Naples Jet Center in Naples, Florida, and will include a cocktail reception followed by a delicious multi-course meal served with exceptional wines.

“Vanquish Velocity: Waves and Wheels” for $1.1 million: One lucky bidder took home a brand new 2026 Aston Martin Vanquish Volante convertible with an Iridescent Sapphire exterior and Glacier White leather interior color. In addition, the winning couple will enjoy a one-night VIP driving experience in Miami, accommodations in an Ocean Bungalow at the Five-star Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club, Surfside; a four-hour driving experience at The Concours Club, followed by a multi-course wine-paired meal at Verge; and one multi-course wine-paired tasting menu dinner at Lido Restaurant at The Surf Club.

“The Beauty and Majesty of Lake Como with Black Book Villas” for $1.1 million: Four couples will experience seven nights of lakeside luxury and Italian splendor in Lake Como with a stay in Villa Polli. The villa features seven ensuite bedrooms, a heated pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, hammam, fitness room, cinema and game rooms, and full daily service from a private chef and butler. The winning couples will also enjoy a private three-hour Giuditta boat tour and a multi-course dinner at Hotel Passalacqua.

“Million Dollar Meal … ALL for the Kids!” for $1 million: 40 couples each contributed $25,000 to indulge in an exclusive rooftop dinner on November 17, 2026, at Prime Social Reserve overlooking iconic Fifth Avenue South in Naples, Florida.

“Every dime will go directly to children’s charities that support them and we’ve made a profound difference in this community,” said Jeff Gargiulo, a founding trustee of the festival.

Festival patrons express their appreciation of the event, saying, “There is nothing like it. The people, the food, the entertainment, the generosity.”

And it’s all for the kids.

The money raised at the festival creates change and improves educational, emotional and health outcomes for vulnerable children in Collier County. The Naples Children Foundation (NCF), organizer of the festival, is scheduled to award grants to nonprofit organizations and fund strategic initiatives supporting Collier County children on March 16, 2026.

Through its efforts, NCF said it has impacted nearly 90 of the most effective nonprofits locally, providing services and resources to 385,000 children to help them succeed.