Raise Your Glass to DCWAF
$3.3 million raised for local children’s charities at annual event celebrated by wine and culinary enthusiasts
Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF) held its signature annual auction event from April 26–27, 2024.
DCWAF is committed to benefiting children’s charities in Escambia, Okaloosa, Walton and Santa Rosa counties by hosting world-class wine and culinary events. Since 2005, the organization has distributed $32 million in donations to regional charities, not yet accounting for funds raised in 2024.
Each year, DCWAF’s signature auction event brings together community members and businesses with a common philanthropic goal to support local children’s charities.
Friday night’s Patron Dinners were hosted at private homes and restaurants throughout the community to benefit various charitable causes. Emerald Coast Magazine’s McKenzie Burleigh and Rhonda Murray hosted a dinner at Mimmo’s 30A Ristorante Italiano to benefit Caring & Sharing of South Walton. Pamela Ashcraft and Maria White hosted a dinner at Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood curated by chef Fleetwood Covington. The Patron Dinners raised more than $550,000.
Pictured: Chris Abbott, Christina Abbott, Farrar Barker, Danielle Wilson, Kelly Barker and Hannah Martin. Photo by Paige Aigret
At Saturday’s Reserve Tasting, vintners from across the country offered samplings of fine wines exclusive to areas beyond the Southeastern United States. Lerner Project’s Patrick Reuter offered varietals from its vineyards in Napa Valley and the surrounding regions in Northern California. Alpha Omega Collective’s Barrett Spiegel shared smiles and laughs with guests as he provided samples from the collective’s three luxury wine estates in California and Spain. Adam Goodrich topped glasses with quality wine from Fisher Vineyards in Santa Rosa, California, and kept attendees in good conversation.
A bevy of other vintners shared in keeping glasses full and spirits high. Plus, local vendor Better Together Beverage offered takes on the bloody mary and mimosa at their Hangover Station. Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood chef Covington paired a lemon martini with his smooth and buttery caviar pancakes.
Pictured: Pam Ashcraft, Fleetwood Covington from Seagar’s Prime Steak’s & Seafood and Maria White. Photo by Paige Aigret
Other food vendors served options for endless wine and food pairings. Vintij offered charcuterie boards of cheeses, meats, nuts, crackers and dried fruits. Slick Lips’ ahi tuna tostada provided a seafood pairing. Village Market had mini cakes for something sweet, plus a fried grit cake with savory toppings. Bijoux, Ovide and others were also on-site serving light-bite pairings.
The main auction event created excitement among attendees as bidders seized the opportunity to place the highest offer on auction items including exceptional wines from the event’s featured vintners and global getaways. Trips included weekends at featured wineries and Caribbean vacations to African safaris, a Greek islands getaway and an Icelandic adventure.
Overall, the two-day event raised $3.3 million in funding to benefit local children’s charities throughout the Emerald Coast. Last year’s auction weekend garnered a comparable $3.4 million.
