Florida’s Children First Hosts CHILL For the Kids Virtual Wine Tasting and Celebrity Chef Demo in Jacksonville

Sip, Swirl and Support Florida’s Premiere Youth Advocacy Organization on the Ultimate Zoom Escape to Napa Valley

Florida’s Children First (FCF), an award-winning nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the rights of at-risk children and youth in the foster care system, is hosting the CHILL for the Kids Virtual Wine Tasting and Celebrity Chef Demo fundraiser on Wednesday, October 27, 2021 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Patrons will enjoy a safe, socially-distanced and fun way to “escape” from their local surroundings for a bit, while allowing FCF the opportunity to raise funds and educate supporters on their mission of helping kids in and aging out of foster care.

This year, the event takes on a delightful twist as participants not only enjoy learning about wines, but author and Food Network Celebrity Chef to the Stars Jerome “Rome” Brown demonstrates how to quickly prepare a tasty treat that perfectly complements the selected wine selections.

Charlene Shirk, an Emmy-nominated broadcaster and the founder and Creative Director for CSPR will serve as the evening’s Emcee. “I look forward to helping FCF raise money and gain awareness for children in foster care. As a former journalist, I was committed to covering the plight of foster children and I have seen the tremendous impact that FCF has had by giving these young people a voice in the legal system. I’m very proud to have been able to report on their success and create awareness to inspire change in the community and I hope CHILL participants join us to help the organization reach its fundraising goal.”

During this unique “Escape to Napa-styled” fundraising event, participants sip wine delivered to their door direct from Napa’s finest vineyards, while a master wine expert explains the featured wines, what makes them special and how to best complement each one. Participants choose from a variety of premium wines from Napa’s celebrated wine region, which will be shipped directly to their homes prior to the event. Participants in the virtual experience get an opportunity to ask questions.

For those who want to support but not savor, the wine packages can also be gifted and shipped to others or sent as year-end corporate or holiday gifts, or simply send donations directly to FCF.

“We have endured some very trying months facing the challenges and hardships brought on by Covid. However, the youth in foster care have faced far greater challenges,” said FCF Board President and founder Howard Talenfeld, who serves as Co-Business Unit Leader of the Justice for Kids Division of Kelley Kronenberg. “This event provides an outlet to gather together, ‘CHILL’ out, and raise money for FCF to continue its work fighting the systemic problems our youth in care continue to face.”

CHILL is generously underwritten by sponsors that include FCF Statewide Presenting Sponsor Kelley Kronenberg; and Statewide Sponsors: The Florida Bar Foundation, The Guardian Trust, Stuart Building Products, The Paul Palank Memorial Foundation, and The Shane McGee Foundation.

“This fundraiser is such a good way to make an impact, make a difference and make a toast to better days ahead. Let’s take a virtual trip to Napa that also supports our society’s most vulnerable kids,” notes Heath Eskalyo, Principal Partner/Chief Financial Officer of Kelley Kronenberg. “At a time when we are all facing unprecedented challenges, youth in state care need our support now more than ever. We hope you will join us in supporting FCF.”

For more information about Florida’s Children First or the CHILL fundraiser and the packages available, please visit Florida’s Children First (mobilecause.com).

About Florida’s Children First:

Florida’s Children First (FCF) is an award-winning nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the rights of at-risk children and youth in foster care. The organization focuses on making big systemic changes that improve the system for thousands of young people in care today, and in the future. FCF developed the Florida Youth SHINE program to provide foster youth the support, mentorship, and empowerment they need to reach their full potential as advocates for their own needs.