CHEERS TO 20 YEARS

The Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF) is raising a glass to 20 years of pairing fine wines with life-changing support for Northwest Florida’s children in need. What began in 2005 as a grassroots gathering of local wine lovers with a big-hearted mission has since poured more than $35 million into community initiatives. “Our foundation started with a simple idea: use wine to give back,” says Kate MacMillan, director of marketing and communications for DCWAF. “Each year, we’ve seen our impact grow, thanks to the generosity of the community and our commitment to supporting children in need.”

The foundation’s first event, “Wine & Dine in Paradise,” raised $80,000 and sparked a movement that now includes the annual Destin Charity Wine Auction, held each April alongside the South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival. This hallmark event, recognized as one of the nation’s top charity wine auctions, has grown DCWAF into a multimillion-dollar operation supporting 17 local charities.

The funds raised have made a profound impact, from supporting mental health and medical care to providing critical services for children facing abuse. To date, DCWAF’s generosity has funded more than 60 Habitat for Humanity homes, established a Level II NICU at Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast, and contributed to the construction of two Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Centers. Additionally, two dental buses provided by the Children’s Volunteer Health Network (CVHN) now serve local youth, while the Point Washington Medical Clinic benefits from a dedicated pediatric exam room. “Our funds have directly impacted the lives of over 100,000 youth,” shares MacMillan, illustrating the profound reach of DCWAF’s work.

What distinguishes DCWAF is its commitment to fostering a culture of collaboration among the organizations it supports. Twice a year, the foundation brings together executive directors from its 17 partner charities to identify opportunities for shared resources and mutual support. “If one organization has an overabundance of supplies or another needs office space, they coordinate,” MacMillan explains. “The kids they serve often have overlapping needs, so we aim to provide a holistic approach.”

One of the most memorable moments for DCWAF came during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the foundation successfully raised $1 million through a virtual auction. And in another touching example, a donor honored the memory of Ellison Ingram by bidding $100,000 on a nine-liter wine bottle. “It’s these moments of connection and giving that make our events so memorable,” says MacMillan.

As the foundation celebrates this milestone, it invites the community to get involved. Locals and visitors alike can attend an event, donate wine or auction items, bid on an auction lot, or join the Legacy Society, which enables planned giving for long-term impact. Volunteers are also always welcome to lend a hand at events throughout the year.

“The support we’ve received is what allows us to make a real difference here at home,” MacMillan reflects. As DCWAF looks to the future, its legacy of transformative giving promises to continue, ensuring children across Northwest Florida have brighter, healthier futures.