Northern Trust named main sponsor of SWF Wine Fest

Northern Trust Bank will be the main sponsor of the Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest set for Feb. 27 and 28.

Northern Trust joins local chef vintner dinner hosts, local and visiting chefs and vintners from California and the northwestern states, and from around the world in supporting the Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest. The event is presented by SWFL Children's Charities, Inc. and will benefit The Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida and the Pediatric Nursing program at Edison State College.

"Northern Trust is pleased to be a continued supporter of children's charities in Southwest Florida," said Sandy Robinson, president of Northern Trust Fort Myers. "We are committed to supporting events and organizations that provide important benefits to the community. The Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest is a perfect example."

The 2009 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest begins on Friday, Feb. 27, with Chef Vintner Dinners at select area homes and continues on Saturday afternoon, Feb. 28, with a Grand Tasting and Auction at Miromar Lakes Beach & Golf Club.

"The support of Northern Trust is a big help to us

in raising support for the charities," said Dr. Steve

Machiz, Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest founding chairman, "It also demonstrates that with sponsors such as Northern Trust and the others, that the Wine & Food Fest is a signature event in Southwest Florida."

The Wine & Food Fest Grand Tasting and Auction will be held in the Beach Clubhouse at Miromar Lakes Beach & Golf Club and its outdoor waterfront venue.

For more information about Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest visit www.swflwinefest.org or for information on sponsorship or ticket sales, call 432-9722.