Vintner Events Aid 17 Local Charities

The holiday season puts many in a charitable mood, and with 2024 in view, many begin thinking of the ways they intend to give back in the new year. Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation supports 17 local charities and provides a variety of ways throughout the year for community members to contribute.

Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation was founded in 2005 with the mission of raising money to benefit children in need throughout Northwest Florida. Through world-class wine and culinary events, DCWAF has raised over $32 million that has benefited the lives of over 100,000 children.

Photo courtesy of Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation

DCWAF’s two signature annual events, The Destin Charity Wine Auction presented by the Jumonville Family and Harvest Wine & Food Festival, serve as the foundation’s primary sources for fundraising and are favorites among wine enthusiasts. Held in April, the signature Wine Auction is a two-day event beginning with a series of wine dinners and culminating in a Reserve Tasting and Live Auction at Grand Boulevard Sandestin featuring unique wines from award-winning vintners and cuisine from the area’s top chefs.

“Something that is unique and important to note about the auction is that, thanks to our sponsors and other annual fundraising initiatives, as soon as you walk into the auction tent, you know that every dollar raised goes directly to the kids and nowhere else,” said Kate MacMillan, director of marketing and communications with DCWAF.

In October, Harvest Wine & Food Festival comes to WaterColor for four days of epicurean delights to be sipped and savored at one of the premier wine and food festivals of the Southeast.

For those who wish to extend beyond attending or want to contribute in a larger way, annual event sponsorships are available. An individual or company sponsoring an event can choose to designate their dollars to a specific charity, select several to share the sponsored funds, or divide between all 17 of DCWAF’s supported charities.

These yearly, signature events are worth planning ahead for as a vacation or staycation that would make a great holiday gift to enjoy later in the year. Throughout the calendar year, DCWAF hosts more intimate wine and culinary events.

Mark your calendar for two upcoming events in January and one in February. In January, there will be two nights of an educational seminar at which Riedel will demonstrate the relationship and influence between the shape of a glass and a taster’s enjoyment of the wine. On Jan. 24 the event will take place at Camp Creek Inn in Inlet Beach and on Jan. 25 at The Wine Bar in Pensacola.

On Feb. 29 at Cuvee 30A, Calistoga chef Holly Peterson and local chef Tim Creehan will delight attendees with a deconstructed pairing that explains the science behind why certain foods and wines play well together. Wine flights will be offered as pairings for first a savory and then a sweet dish.

At any time, monetary donations may be made online and wines are accepted to be entered into the auction. For those interested in long-term giving, the Legacy Society exists to secure the sustainability of DCWAF for generations to come. Legacy giving allows you to include donations either now or in your will or estate to leave a mark beyond your lifetime.

During their tenure as DCWAF beneficiaries, many of supported charities have grown exponentially to include Youth Village, Emerald Coast Autism Center and Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center. MacMillan shared that many of their benefiting charities partner with one another throughout the year, helping with combined service and support to best aid community children.

“As we approach 20 years since our founding, many of the kids we helped in our early years have gone on to become successful adults; breaking away from the challenging circumstances of their childhood. They’ve have become the first in their family to attend college or open a business, and many have started their own families with a healthier foundation,” said MacMillan.

The 17 beneficiaries include:

» AMIkids of the Emerald Coast

» Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast

» Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast

» Caring and Sharing of South Walton

» Children in Crisis Inc.

» Children’s Volunteer Health Network

» Ellison McCraney Ingram Foundation

» Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center

» Emerald Coast Autism Center

» Habitat for Humanity of Walton County

» Mental Health Association Okaloosa & Walton Counties

» Opportunity Place

» Point Washington Medical Clinic

» Shelter House of Northwest Florida

» The Arc of the Emerald Coast

» Westonwood Ranch

» Youth Village

To learn more, purchase tickets to an upcoming event, or donate, visit DCWAF.org.