Wilmington StarNews - The 2026 Cape Fear Wine + Food Experience concluded April 18, exceeding fundraising goals to support Beacon Education by 28%, said John Walker, who chaired the event.

Part of the money came from an auction where attendees bid on everything from luxury bourbons and wines to exclusive experiences, including one for next year’s event and a private dinner (on a boat!) with celebrity chef Robert Irvine.

The star of shows like “Dinner: Impossible” and “Restaurant: Impossible” is returning to Wilmington in support of Beacon schools, GLOW Academy and Spark Academy, for the 2027 Cape Fear Wine + Food Experience. It’s set to take place April 14-17, 2027.

GLOW Academy is an all-girls public charter school where more than 70% of students are first-generation college bound. At this year’s event, Beacon Education’s CEO Todd Godbey said that GLOW’s class of 2026 has earned more than $9 million in merit scholarships for college and received 231 acceptance letters. The first Spark Academy, which opened in 2023, is an early childhood education center.

The annual fundraisers bring culinary talent to Wilmington, including Food Network stars like Emeril Lagasse, Guy Fieri, Bobby Flay and Giada De Laurentiis, as well as James Beard award winners like Ashley Christensen and this year’s guest Virginia Willis. She’s the author of the “Bon Appétit, Y’all” cookbook and has competed on shows like “Chopped” and “Alex Vs America.”

Irvine has also been to Wilmington before to support GLOW, most recently in 2021.

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By: Allison Ballard

Date: April 23, 2026