Naples Wine Festival raises $1M for children, boosts local nonprofits

NAPLES, Fla.—The Naples Children Foundation (NCF) announced the success of its 12th annual online auction, raising over $1 million.

This year's proceeds have brought the total amount raised since the auction's inception in 2015 to nearly $6 million.

The auction featured more than 100 lots, including rare wines, private tastings, and luxury experiences. The top-grossing lot, a Bahamas escape package, sold for $31,000.

Other notable items included an Italian dinner with the Gargiulos for $30,000 and a Highlands wine-and-food indulgence for $27,500.

"Every dollar spent in the online auction helps to fulfill NCF’s mission to significantly improve the educational, emotional, and health outcomes of the most vulnerable children in Collier County," the foundation said.

The 26th Naples Winter Wine Festival, held in conjunction with the auction, raised over $30 million during its live auction.

This brings the total raised by the festival to more than $366 million since 2001.

The funds will be used to support nonprofit organizations and initiatives for children in Collier County, with grant awards set for March 16, 2026.