It was an evening of $2.3 million and tears of joy
Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation donates to 14 area charities
“What made the night special was just not the significant amount of the funding provided, but the recognition that this was a collective effort by literally hundreds of people. Some gave time, some gave money but all gave something. From the volunteers who built the tent floor, to our top bidders and the wine makers who provided so much support, all played a part in allowing us to give the frontline heroes resources to save children. We are all very grateful that we live in this incredible community.”
John Russell
President, Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation
Poignant words spoken by DCWAF’s president John Russell on an evening filled with the excitement and anticipation of 14 charities operating in Northwest Florida. The charities knew they were selected recipients of DCWAF’s record-breaking $2.3 million raised with fund raising efforts this year, but they didn’t know how much they would receive. One by one, the charities were called to the stage and the substantial check amounts were revealed, marking the Foundation’s largest charitable distribution to date.
The event was held at LuLu’s in Destin with an enthusiastic audience of over 300 guests watching the check presentation ceremonies, and of course, sipping on the many premium wines and tasty food offerings. Each charity gathered on stage with their staff and boards of directors. Bringing tears to many on the stage and in the audience, gratitude and appreciation were expressed by each of the charities in their thank you speeches at the podium.
Dr. Julie McNabb, CEO of The Arc of the Emerald Coast charity (formerly Horizons) commented, “We are so grateful for our partnership, and so proud to be part of this organization. I listened to the great work being done by others and realized how each charity’s mission touches people just a little differently. There are people in that room who did not have enough to eat as a child…and they can contribute to the DCWAF and benefit Food for Thought. There are people in that room who had no dental care…and they can contribute to the DCWAF and benefit Children’s Volunteer Health Network. It is a really remarkable system that touches so many people at so many levels, whether or not you are a donor, a recipient of services, or an agency. DCWAF has found a winning formula, and has won the hearts of thousands. Again, thank you for helping us renovate a shabby old portable into a beautiful, state of the art Children’s Center. Your generosity is truly extraordinary.”
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, DCWAF has donated more than $10 million to non-profit organizations that benefit children in need in Northwest Florida. These funds have impacted the lives of over 50,000 youth. DCWAF is ranked among the nation’s top four highest-grossing charity auctions in the country by Wine Spectator Magazine. For further information, visit www.DCWAF.org.
$190,000 – Children’s Volunteer Health Network
$200,000 – Emerald Coast Autism Center
$175,000 – Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center
$125,000 – Food For Thought
$162,000 – Habitat For Humanity of Walton County
$75,000 – Okaloosa Walton Homeless Continuum of Care/Opportunity, Inc.
$220,000 – Pathways For Change
$225,000 – Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast
$165,000 – Shelter House of Northwest Florida
$140,000 – Youth Village
$180,000 – Arc of the Emerald Coast
$48,000 – DCWAF Children’s Contingency Fund
