Florida Winefest and Auction awards $200,000 to local nonprofits

The Florida Winefest & Auction, Inc. (FloridaWinefest.org), a nonprofit that provides funding to qualified charitable organizations for programs assisting disadvantaged children, youth and families in Sarasota and Manatee Counties, awarded $200,000 to local nonprofits this year, bringing its total funding to more than $8.1 million.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Florida Winefest & Auction has presented grants to 84 local organizations serving disadvantaged children’s programs, making it one of the largest and most successful charity events on Florida’s Gulf Coast.

“We are thrilled to be able to make such noteworthy contributions to local nonprofits doing important work for underserved children in our community,” said Sandy Loevner, president of the board of directors for Florida Winefest & Auction. “While our parties and events offer fun, food and fabulous wine, the purpose is to raise money for deserving children and families who live right here in southwest Florida. Our events directly help people in our community in need,” she said.

Last week, Loevner presented $200,000 in grants, raised from 2014-15 events to 25 local nonprofits, including: Child Protection Center, Inc.; Children First; Community Coalition on Homelessness d/b/a Turning Points; Community Haven for Adults & Children with Disabilities, Inc.; Community Youth Development of Sarasota County, Inc.; Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County; Every Child, Inc.; Everyday Blessings, Inc.; Exchange Club Family Partnership Center of Manatee County, Inc.; Family Promise of Sarasota, Inc.; Feeding Empty Little Tummies, Inc. (F.E.L.T.); Forty Carrots of Sarasota, Inc. d/b/a Forty Carrots Family Center; Foundation for Dreams, Inc.; HOPE Family Services, Inc.; Laurel Civic Association, Inc.; Manatee County Girls Club, Inc. d/b/a Just for Girls; Mothers Helping Mothers, Inc.; Police Athletic League of Manatee County; Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy, Inc. (SMART); Take Stock in Children of Sarasota County; Teen Court of Sarasota, Inc.; The Health Support Network d/b/a Center for Building Hope; The Healthy Start Coalition of Sarasota County, Inc.; The Tiny Hands Foundation, Inc.; and Volunteer Services of Manatee County, Inc.

Each year, Florida Winefest & Auction accepts new applications for grants, which are reviewed by its grants committee. Funding is allocated based on need, and programs are monitored throughout the year.

Recognized as a destination food and wine event supported by participants from around the world, Winefest continues to be one of the area’s largest fundraisers and is dubbed the quintessential “Party with a Purpose.” Planning is already underway for the 2015-16 events lineup.

About Florida Winefest & Auction

Established as a 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit organization in 1991, Florida Winefest & Auction, Inc. hosts numerous events throughout the year that provide funding to qualified charitable organizations for programs assisting disadvantaged children, youth and families in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. To date, the total awarded to local nonprofits is over $8.1 million. For more information, call (941) 952-1109 or visit FloridaWinefest.org.