Giving Back

Destin Charity Wine Auction raises record $3.55 million for local children’s charities

The Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation raised a record-breaking $3.55 million for children in need during its 20th anniversary event this weekend, marking a $350,000 increase over last year’s total.

Ashley Armacost

The Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation raised a record-breaking $3.55 million for children in need during its 20th anniversary event this weekend, marking a $350,000 increase over last year’s total.

The two-day fundraiser, presented by the Jumonville Family, drew more than 600 guests to sold-out events on April 25-26 across venues spanning from Destin to Rosemary Beach, with proceeds benefiting 17 partner children’s charities throughout Northwest Florida.

“This year’s Destin Charity Wine Auction was unforgettable. Together, we raised $3.55 million to change lives — a milestone made even more meaningful as we celebrated 20 years of impact and honored the founders who made it all possible,” said DCWAF President Karah Fridley-Young.

The weekend began with 12 patron dinners in private homes and restaurants Friday, collectively raising $978,600. Saturday’s live auction started with the foundation’s signature Magnum Force lot featuring 55 large-format bottles from past and present vintners, which sold for $60,500.

A seven-night Barbados getaway claimed the top spot as the highest-selling individual lot at $120,000, followed by a South of France trip that fetched $105,000. Other notable sales included a custom barrel of Paul Sutton Bourbon with a distillery experience that sold twice for a combined $100,000, and a six-day Champagne and Alsace trip that sold three times totaling $105,000.

This year’s paddle raise also set a new record of $260,000.

The auction featured 48 live lots, 33 cellar lots, 18 super silent lots, and 143 silent lots, offering rare wines, luxury travel experiences and one-of-a-kind items. Funds will be distributed to the foundation’s charity partners during a private check presentation ceremony in August at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa.

Since its founding in 2005, DCWAF has donated more than $35 million to Northwest Florida charities, impacting over 100,000 children.

The 21st annual auction weekend is scheduled for April 24-26, 2026.

DCWAF’s 17 charity partners for 2025 include

Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast
Boys and Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast
Caring & Sharing of South Walton
Children’s Home Society of Florida
Children in Crisis Inc.
Children’s Volunteer Health Network
Ellison McCraney Ingram Foundation
Emerald Coast Autism Center
Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center
Habitat for Humanity of Walton County
Mental Health Association of Okaloosa and Walton Counties
Opportunity Inc.
Point Washington Medical Clinic
Shelter House Domestic Violence Center
The Arc of the Emerald Coast
Westonwood Ranch
Youth Village

For more information on the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation, visit here.

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