Cheers to the Years

Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation Celebrates 20 Years of Impact 

Two decades ago, a group of friends who shared a passion for fine wine and altruism came together to create the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF), an organization that has raised over $35 million for children in need throughout Northwest Florida.

Hosting numerous events yearly to now benefit 17 children’s charities, DCWAF is gearing up for their twentieth signature wine auction weekend, their biggest annual fundraising effort featuring silent and live auctions, curated patron dinners, and a rare, reserved wine tasting extravaganza.

This momentous year, says DCWAF Director of Marketing and Communications Kate MacMillan, promises several new surprises to ensure this celebratory, two-day fete is their “biggest and best yet.”

“This year, we are focusing on celebrating all the supporters and milestones that brought the foundation to where it is today with a focus on the vision of our founders,” MacMillan says. “We’re spending the whole year leading up to the auction recognizing these individuals but are also planning an enhanced celebration at the auction. We traditionally recognize an honorary chef and vintner each year, but as this is a special anniversary, we feel it’s appropriate to honor our founding board members rather than selecting just one chef/winery to celebrate when they have all been so philanthropic over the years.”

The event brings some of the its most exclusive offerings yet, featuring 48 curated auction lots including two signature getaways—a seven-night luxury trip exploring the wine regions southern France for three couples, and seven nights for six couples in a luxurious beachfront home in Barbados with lavish amenities.

“Our winery partners have also put together some really special lots to celebrate our anniversary auction,” MacMillan says. “And, our founders have put together an exceptional lot consisting of 2005 wines—DCWAF’s birth year—that can be found in our cellar lot section.”

DCWAF said they are fortunate to have the support of celebrity chefs, legendary vintners, and winery guests. This year’s line-up of talent includes Chef Emeril Lagasse, CEO of Chateau Montelena Bo Barret, former NFL-player turned-world-class winemaker Sidney Rice, and DCWAF founder and vintner Mike Thompson.

“Thinking we have been at this for 20 years is humbling,” says MacMillan. “Our job is to plan the fun party, but looking at our metrics and considering the millions we have contributed toward all these projects and programs that play a small role in what our incredible beneficiaries are doing to improve the lives of children in our area is immensely rewarding.”

Looking toward the next 20 years for DCWAF, MacMillan says there will be a focus on sustainability.

“Our founders laid a strong foundation for us to be successful and grow over the first 20 years,” she says. “We’re excited to celebrate what their vision has made possible, and now that we’re at this mile marker, we want to be sure we are here in perpetuity.”

The 20th Annual Destin Charity Wine Auction Weekend presented by the Jumonville Family will be held 2A5p-r2il6 . Patron packages for the auction are on sale now at www.dcwaf.org