Last week, Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF), recognized as the third largest charity wine auction in the country by Wine Spectator Magazine, donated a record breaking $2.7 million to 15 local charities serving children in need in Northwest Florida. The private check presentation ceremony was held at the WaterColor Lake House, marking the Foundation’s largest charitable distribution to date.
DCWAF has donated more than $15 million to non-profit organizations since its inception in 2005. This year’s results are a $40,000 increase over the $2.66 million donated last year.
“We are grateful to the many supporters of DCWAF that have made this day possible. What cannot be overlooked is the effort that each of our supported organizations has expended to help us raise the $2.7 million that was donated today,”
said Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation President John Russell.
“This is less of a gift and more of a sharing of proceeds from hard work by all, and it is an honor to play a role in their mission to help children.”
In addition to funding 15 local charities, DCWAF will add $15,000 to the DCWAF Children’s Fund, which represents the funds set aside for any of the DCWAF charities that have an emergency need.
The 2017 recipients of the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation include:
AMIkids Emerald Coast received $120,000 to fund a variety of behavioral modification programs and scholarships for secondary education.
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast received $200,000 to allow 200 students from low income households to attend programming for one full year. The programming is designed to provide unique opportunities to learn, grow and to recognize youth for their achievements in an effort to steer youth clear of personal failure.
Children in Crisis received $225,000 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 100 children live a healthy lifestyle over the next year.
Children’s Volunteer Health Network (CVHN) received $225,000 to fund and serve underinsured and uninsured children in need of dental care. These funds will allow for two hygienists on the Mobile Dental Clinic, and one full-time dentist and support staff at the CVHN Dental Clinic to assist with children in need of dental and medical care. In addition, they will be able to purchase new detail supplies and cover the maintenance and repairs of their equipment.
Emerald Coast Autism Center received $200,000 to fund scholarships for approximately 12 families and the next phase of their capital campaign. The new Northwest Florida State College campus facility has allowed Emerald Coast Autism Center to increase their capacity levels, serving up to 130 students.
Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center received $225,000 to support mental health therapy, medical programs, and a case advocacy program that facilitates a child-friendly atmosphere offering counseling, family services, and coordination of investigations for child abuse and neglect.
Food for Thought Outreach received $240,000 to provide nutritious meals for school-aged children on weekends, holidays and summer break. This year’s funding will facilitate over 200,000 meals and snack items for children in Okaloosa and Walton counties.
Habitat for Humanity of Walton County received $150,000 to fully fund the building of two new homes for families with children in Walton County.
Mental Health Association of Okaloosa and Walton Counties is DCWAF’s newest beneficiary and received $150,000 to fund “The Brain Health Initiative” geared toward early identification, assessment and treatment for students ages 12 to 21 who experience mental health or substance abuse issues.
Opportunity Place received $85,000 for immediate housing for homeless children and their families.
Pathways for Change received $170,000 for comprehensive addiction treatment programs including men’s residential treatment and operations for the family center.
Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast received $225,000 to fund a 10-bed, Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
Shelter House of Northwest Florida received $170,000 to fund support groups, counseling and advocacy for youth touched by domestic violence. Funding will also support their Youth Prevention Program, therapists for children, supplies such as school snacks and diapers, tutoring materials, community outings, and the Youth Community Action Team.
The Arc of the Emerald Coast received $200,000 to support Early Intervention and Family Education Program at the Early Intervention Center for children living with disabilities.
Youth Village received $100,000 to fund afterschool programming for low-income children along the Emerald Coast.
The dates for next year’s Destin Charity Wine Auction Weekend, the Foundation’s signature fundraising event, are set for April 27-29, 2018. Learn more at http://www.DCWAF.org.
