The Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF) has donated more than $3 million to 17 children’s charities in Northwest Florida, bringing its total contributions to over $35 million since its inception in 2005.

• The funds were distributed during a private check presentation ceremony held at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa on August 29, 2024.

DCWAF President Karah Fridley-Young reflected on the foundation’s impact as it approaches its 20th year of operation. “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,” Fridley-Young said. “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 17 recipient organizations will use the funds for various programs and services benefiting children in need. These include:

• AMIkids Emerald Coast: $75,000 for a GED program for at-risk students.
• Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast: $250,000 for new equipment in their Level II NICU.
• Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast: $200,000 for mental health counseling and youth development programming.
• Caring & Sharing of South Walton: $150,000 to expand community resources, including their pantry program.
• Children in Crisis: $175,000 for housing abused, neglected, and abandoned children.
• Children’s Volunteer Health Network: $200,000 for dental care services via their Mobile Dental Clinic.
• Ellison McCraney Ingram Foundation: $200,000 for scholarships.
• Emerald Coast Autism Center: $250,000 for their Phase II Learning Center Capital Campaign.
• Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center: $275,000 for mental health therapy and child abuse prevention programs.
• Habitat for Humanity of Walton County: $225,000 to fund two new homes for families.
• Mental Health Association of Okaloosa and Walton Counties: $125,000 for their Brain Health Program.
• Opportunity Place, Inc.: $150,000 for immediate housing and services for homeless children and families.
• Point Washington Medical Clinic: $150,000 for pediatric and family nutrition programming.
• Shelter House of Northwest Florida: $175,000 for mental health services and shelter renovations.
• The Arc of the Emerald Coast: $100,000 for renovating their children’s daycare facility.
• Westonwood Ranch: $200,000 for scholarships and a residential expansion project.
• Youth Village: $150,000 for program operations, scholarships, and play area renovations.

The DCWAF announced that next year’s Destin Charity Wine Auction Weekend, the foundation’s signature fundraising event, is scheduled for April 25-26, 2025. This will mark the 20th Anniversary Auction, with tickets and details to be released in January 2025.

For more information about the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation and its initiatives, visit their website at http://www.DCWAF.org.