Rauschenberg prints, trips headline upcoming Wine & Food Fest auction

Robert Rauschenberg Three rare Robert Rauschenberg prints, exquisite experiences, to-die-for trips and wine packages top the list of items up for bid in the 2009 Southwest Florida Wine and Food Fest Grand Tasting and

Auction on Saturday,

Feb. 28, at Miromar Lakes Beach & Golf Club.

"Whether it's seeing the Run for the Roses at the Kentucky Derby, taking golfers on the trip of their dreams to the 2009 Masters, or riding with professional race car drivers, our Grand Tasting and Auction has something for everyone," said Steve Machiz, M.D., Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest founding chairman.

The three Rauschenberg prints up for auction are "Foreplay," "Restoration," and "Captiva Coda," part of a series created in 2003 for Lee Memorial Health System. The auction item also features two bottles and one magnum of Tattinger champagne with a label designed by the artist, part of a limited edition series.

Auction-goers interested in adventure and leisure will find a trip for two to the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, tickets and transportation to the sold-out 2009 Masters Golf Tournament in Augusta, Ga., and a weekend trip to New York City with a behind-the-scenes look at a Broadway play.

Restoration In addition to the Rauschenberg prints, other art to be auctioned includes two original paintings by Darryl Pottorf.

Some of the exclusive items will be bid for in a live auction, while others will be claimed through a silent auction. The more than two dozen winning bidders in the live auction will also receive a year's supply of Norman Love chocolates.

Professional auctioneer Scott Robertson and voiceover artist Randy Thomas will guide attendees through the evening's bidding and festivities. Items can be viewed on the Wine Fest Web site in advance.

The event will be held in the Beach Clubhouse at Miromar Lakes Beach & Golf Club and its outdoor waterfront venue.

The Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest is a signat ure eventoftheSWFLChildren's Charities, Inc., a 501c3 non-profit organization that provides funding to local charities serving local children.

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

Foreplay