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"Every bid helps change children's lives," said Terry Edwards. "NCEF trustees and our supporters are passionate about making a difference, whether it is providing eye exams for 8,000 underprivileged children and glasses for hundreds who need them, or distributing nearly 2 million meals for children whose families are at poverty level. When others can't, NCEF can, because of so many generous people."

Among other top wine-centric lots were:

•a trip to Paris and Bordeaux with private dinners and tastings with world-renowned vintners led by Darioush vineyards proprietors was auctioned for $220,000; •ownership of 2.5 acres of O. Fournier vineyard property in Argentina and a six-night Argentine escape for two garnered a high bid of $180,000; •a 5-Liter bottle of each of Vérité's three, 100-point wines from 2007, along with VIP access to the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness and the Belmont Stakes, which brought $130,000; and •the keys to vintner Cliff Lede's estate and Porsche for a one-month Napa Valley immersion inclusive of a horizontal of 2009 Poetry Cab scored a lofty bid of $130,000.

Experience lots that charmed bidders included:

•a 22-day, around-the-world trip for one couple on a luxury jet traveling to exotic locales such as Panama, Easter Island, Fiji and Bali gained a commanding bid of $240,000; •a glamorous, four-night Parisian trip for eight ladies, with private visits to several legendary fashion houses, commanded a bid of $220,000; •a nine-night, exclusive escape for four couples to three of Aman Resorts' premier North American properties came in at $200,000; and •a four-night trip to Scotland for eight gentlemen, with accommodations at Kinross House -- a 17th century Scottish Neoclassical mansion -- complete with hunting and fishing on property, golf and more, went for $150,000.

Festival events spanned three days, including a tour of children's charities; intimate vintner dinners at the homes of NCEF trustees and supporters where celebrity chefs, including the festival's Chef de Cuisine Michael Anthony prepared the cuisine, with wines personally poured by the festival's Honored Vintner Barbara Banke of Vérité Winery and other nationally and internationally acclaimed vintners; a wine-down party post-auction; and a celebratory Sunday brunch.

NCEF's mission is to create and expand charitable programs serving underprivileged and at-risk children in Collier County. The foundation currently supports more than 22 grantees and provides grants for long-term strategic initiatives focused on children's early learning, medical/oral health, out-of-school programs, behavioral health and childhood hunger. As a direct result of NCEF investments, more than 150,000 children have had their lives improved. NCEF has 56 trustees that govern the foundation and host the festival.

The 2014 festival will be held Jan. 24 - 26. For more information, visit www.napleswinefestival.com.



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