'Sip for a Cause' provides $58K boost to Harry Chapin Food Bank
The Floridant/10311077

FORT MYERS, Fla. - Floridant -- Naples Woman's Club presented Harry Chapin Food Bank with $58,000 in proceeds from Sip for a Cause, a two-night celebration of philanthropy, food and wine that supports hunger-relief programs in Collier County.

Held Jan. 15-16 at The Maddox in Naples, the inaugural Sip for a Cause included two distinct culinary events for club members. Guests at the five-course, wine-paired Gourmet Patron Dinner enjoyed roasted tomato bisque; salad and pasta courses; a choice of prime beef tenderloin, citrus beurre blanc salmon or Thai roasted vegetable curry; and homemade carrot cake, chocolate trifle and "almost Grandma's cookies." A day later, Evening of Flavors and Philanthropy included three culinary experiences, including a seafood station, Italian station and mini-dessert station. Each event included music and entertainment, along with live auctions featuring luxury goods, exclusive services, one-of-a-kind travel packages and upscale dining experiences.

"Naples is a community of affluence, but it's also a community with great needs," said Richard LeBer, president and CEO of Harry Chapin Food Bank. "Naples Woman's Club recognizes hunger is a growing crisis and Southwest Florida, and guests who attended Sip for a Cause will be providing healthy meals to thousands of our neighbors in Collier County over the next few months."

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Through a feeding network of more than 175 agency partners, Harry Chapin Food Bank serves over 250,000 neighbors monthly through food pantries and distribution sites across Southwest Florida.

The Naples Woman's Club is a nonprofit dedicated to making the community a better place for all by providing service, philanthropy and opportunities for education. The organization has nearly 350 members and supports community initiatives through grants, scholarships and volunteerism.

"Hunger touches too many lives in Southwest Florida and we are proud to support the vital work of the Harry Chapin Food Bank," said Suzanne King, president of Naples Woman's Club. "The funds raised at our gala reflect the generosity and compassion of the Naples Woman's Club members and guests, and we are honored to help nourish our neighbors in need."

Sip for a Cause was sponsored by Cain Family Foundation, Blue Provence Restaurant and Naples Illustrated. In addition to Harry Chapin Food Bank, the event also benefited Collier Senior Center.