Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation has donated $3.4 million to 16 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 31. 

• To date, DCWAF has donated more than $31 million help to children in need in Northwest Florida since its inception in 2005. 

“This year’s contribution is truly a testament to the philanthropic spirit of the DCWAF community,” said Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation President Karah Fridley-Young. “These funds will have a profound impact on the lives of thousands of children, and we are grateful for the opportunity to support our charity partners; all of whom are doing important work within our community.”

The 2023 recipients of Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation funds include:

• AMIkids Emerald Coast received $125,000 to fund a GED program for at risk students between the ages of 16 – 24.

• Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast received $200,000 to fund a new CT scanner to help diagnose and accurately treat pediatric patients in the emergency department.

• Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast received $200,000 to allow 285 students from low-income or single parent households to attend programming for one full year. The programming is designed to provide unique opportunities to learn, grow, and recognize youth for their achievements in an effort to steer them clear of personal failure.

• Children in Crisis received $200,000 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 over the next year.

• Children’s Volunteer Health Network received $250,000 to fund and serve underinsured and uninsured children in need of dental 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 $315,000 to support the ECAC Phase II Learning Center Capital Campaign which will provide a new building for teens entering the Transition to Work program and in turn allow 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 $300,000 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 $300,000 to fund three new homes for families in Walton County with the expected impact of 3,650 annual nights of safe and secure housing for the children of the recipient families.

• Mental Health Association of Okaloosa and Walton Counties received $150,000to fund the Brain Health Program geared toward early identification, assessment, and treatment for approximately 35 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, literacy program, shelter services, child and family assistance, and enrichment activities.

• Point Washington Medical Clinic received $200,000 to fund the pediatric exam room and a teaching kitchen in their new facility designed to provide free medical care, education, and resources to uninsured families. 

• Shelter House of Northwest Florida received $200,000 to fund mental health play therapy, counseling, and advocacy for youth affected by domestic violence as well as childcare and other program supplies.

• The Arc of the Emerald Coast received $130,000 to fund the renovation and expansion of their facility warehouse into an after-school program center for children living with developmental differences.

• Westonwood Ranch received $225,000 for scholarships for individuals with developmental differences as well as funding their micro business programs and expansion project.

• Youth Village received $200,000 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. Read more on Youth Village.