Toast to Charity

Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF) held its signature annual auction event from April 26–27, 2024. Each year, DCWAF brings together community members and businesses with a common philanthropic goal of supporting local children’s charities 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. The event kicks off with patron dinners hosted in restaurants and private homes along the Emerald Coast.

Emerald Coast Magazine’s McKenzie Burleigh and Rhonda Murray hosted one such dinner at Mimmo’s 30A Ristorante Italiano, benefiting Caring and Sharing of South Walton. Mimmo La Innusa, owner of Mimmo’s Ristorante Italiano, Gary Irvin from Fulldraw Vineyard, and Cecily Gamba Mitchell and Griffin Mitchell from Gamba Vineyards and Winery collaborated to headline the dinner.

Griffin Mitchell, Cecily Gamba Mitchell, Mimmo La Innusa, Rhonda Murray, McKenzie Burleigh and Gary Irvin. Photo by Epic Photo Co.

Fulldraw Vineyard, located in Paso Robles, California provided their 2020 ‘Chopping Block’ Blend to commence the evening. Fulldraw is dedicated to creating a sustainable environment for each vine. Their delicate attention results in expertly balanced wines. Irvin elaborated on the bold flavor, which paired perfectly with the Crostone Di Pane: sautéed Gulf shrimp, cherry tomatoes and crushed red pepper.

Cecily Gamba Mitchell and Griffin Mitchell. Photo by Epic Photo Co.

Cecily and her husband, Griffin, shared the lineage of their family winery, Gamba Vineyards and Winery. Gamba is known for meticulously crafted, small-batch wines from their 120-year-old estate vineyard and other vineyards in California’s renowned Russian River Valley.

Cecily noted that their vines’ maturity had allowed the root system to reach the water table below, preventing the vines from being affected by droughts and flooding. The intricacy of the root system consistently creates the complexity of flavor for them year after year.

The second course, Rosa Di Ravioli, consisting of mascarpone, poached pears, gorgonzola, parmesan cream sauce, walnut crumble and local honey, was served with the 2022 Gamba ‘MCM’ – Old Wine Zinfandel.

Chef La Innusa then announced the decadent Costola Corta as the third course, paired with the 2020 Fulldraw ‘Honey Bunny’ Blend. Heightened earthy aromatics flooded the senses, with hints of grenache harmoniously enhancing the braised short rib.

Chandler Williams, McKenzie Burleigh, Gary Irvin, Jessica Proffitt Bracken, Rhonda Murray, Meghan Hall, Erica Wilson and Jennifer Albert. Photo by Epic Photo Co.

To conclude the meal, the 2021 Etrusca ‘The Etruscan’ Cabernet Sauvignon was poured into attendees’ glasses to accompany the Semifreddo Alle Mandorle. The dessert consisted of an almond and hazelnut mascarpone custard with hot chocolate drizzle. La Innusa’s passion is evident in every bite.

The evening also featured a silent auction, which included an art donation from acclaimed photographer Chandler Williams with Modus Photography, the featured cover artist of Emerald Coast Magazine’s, April/May issue.

Photo by Epic Photo Co.

Carly Barnes, executive director of Caring and Sharing of South Walton, highlighted the charity’s 30-year dedication to serving Walton County residents. Barnes expressed that over 700 families are seen each month. The funds raised through the DCWAF partnership would allow them to focus directly on the needs of the children within those families.

A buzz of excitement lingered throughout the dining room. The dinner celebrated community, exceptional culinary artistry and fine wines while reaching the event’s primary goal of raising significant funds for the cause.

The Patron Dinners raised more than $550,000. Overall, the two-day event raised $3.3 million in funding to benefit local children’s charities throughout the Emerald Coast.

Event Partners

Hosts
McKenzie Burleigh and Rhonda Murray

Vinters
Fulldraw Vineyard and Gamba Vineyards and Winery

Chef
Mimmo La Innusa with Mimmo’s 30A

Florals
Emerald Coast Florals & Event Design

Limo
654-Limo

Photography
Epic Photo Co.

DCWAF Donates More than $3 Million

Premier fundraising organization, Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF), is pleased to announce it has donated over $3 million to 17 children’s charities in Northwest Florida following another successful year of fundraising. Funding was awarded in a private check presentation ceremony at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa on August 29. To date, DCWAF has donated more than $35 million to help children in need in Northwest Florida since its inception in 2005.

“As we move into our 20^th year of operation, I can’t help but reflect upon the true impact of $35 million on the children of our community,” said Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation President Karah Fridley-Young. “more than 60 Habitat for Humanity houses, a Level II NICU unit, two dental buses, support services for the homeless, abused, and neglected, and countless other lifesaving programs. I am eternally grateful for the support of our donors and look forward to continuing our work to ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive.”

The 2024 recipients of Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation funds include:

AMIkids Emerald coast received $75,000 to fund a GED program for at risk students between the ages of 16 – 24.

Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast received $250,000 to fund new equipment that will elevate the level of care provided in the Level II NICU.

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast received $200,000 for a two-part program that will provide on-site access to a licensed Mental Health Counselor for youths in mental health crisis, and to subsidize the operational costs of providing youth development programming that will impact more than 200 low-income youths annually from kindergarten to grade 12 during afterschool and summer months.

Check presentation to Sharing and Caring of South Walton

Caring & Sharing of South Walton is DCWAF’s newest beneficiary and received $150,000 to expand their community resources including their pantry program which provides food, diapers, wipes, formula, and other necessary supplies to families in need in Walton County.

Children in Crisis received $175,000 to fund the facilitation of housing for abused, neglected, and abandoned children. On-site housing provides stability, shelter, house parents, food, clothing, and necessary items to help children live a safe and healthy lifestyle.

Children’s Volunteer Health Network received $200,000 to fund and serve underinsured and uninsured children in need of dental care. These funds will allow for staff, supplies, and maintenance for the Mobile Dental Clinic to assist children in need with the most basic dental care to more advanced care.

Ellison McCraney Ingram Foundation received $200,000 to fund scholarships for teens that have received help from at least one DCWAF charity partner in their lifetime.

Emerald Coast Autism Center received $250,000 to support the ECAC Phase II Learning Center Capital Campaign which provides space for teens entering the Transition to Work program and in turn allows the Autism Center more space on their primary campus to serve young children on the spectrum in need of behavioral therapy.

Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center received $275,000 to support mental health therapy programs, the case advocacy program that facilitates a child-friendly atmosphere offering counseling, family services, and coordination of investigations for child abuse and neglect, and the CARES prevention program that educates and empowers students and adults with information and strategies to prevent, recognize, and respond appropriately to all types of child abuse and exploitation.

Habitat for Humanity of Walton County received $225,000 to fund two new homes for families in Walton County, providing safe and secure housing in perpetuity for the children of the recipient families.

Mental Health Association of Okaloosa and Walton Counties received $125,000 to fund the Brain Health Program geared toward early identification, assessment, and treatment for uninsured students ages 12 to 21 who experience mental health or substance abuse issues.

Opportunity Place, Inc. received $150,000 to fund immediate housing for homeless children and their families to ensure they are safe and secure. These funds will facilitate a variety of child services including child-centered case management support, a literacy program, shelter services, child and family assistance, and enrichment activities.

Point Washington Medical Clinic received $150,000 to fund the pediatric and family nutrition programming in their new facility designed to provide free medical care, education, and resources to uninsured families.

Shelter House received $175,000 to fund mental health play therapy, counseling, and advocacy for youth affected by domestic violence as well as childcare, program supplies, and a shelter renovation to provide family suites and a larger youth room.

The Arc of the Emerald Coast received $100,000 to fund the renovation of their children’s daycare program facility for children living with developmental differences.

Westonwood Ranch received $200,000 for scholarships for individuals with developmental differences as well as funding their residential expansion project.

Youth Village received $150,000 to fund program operations and scholarships for children from low-income households to attend their VPK and after-school programs as well as the renovation of two outdoor play areas.

The dates for next year’s Destin Charity Wine Auction Weekend, the Foundation’s signature fundraising event, are set for April 25-26, 2025. The Foundation is excitedly planning in anticipation of its milestone 20^th Anniversary Auction and will release tickets and details in January. Learn more at http://www.DCWAF.org.