Fifteen Years of Giving

DCWAF Goes Virtual with Big Results

Story and photography courtesy of Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation

Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF), recognized as the fifth-largest charity wine auction in the US by Wine Spectator, is pleased to announce the donation of $1.2 million to sixteen children’s charities in Northwest Florida following its first-ever virtual auction on August 22, 2020. Each charity was awarded its funding in a private check-presentation ceremony, adapted to fit social distancing guidelines.

“In a year when we were not even sure we would be able to host our auction, all of us associated with DCWAF are profoundly grateful to present these needed funds to our charity partners,” says DCWAF president John Russell. “It is their collective mission to help children in need that motivated all of us to find a pathway to success.”

This year’s auction, forced to transition to a virtual format due to COVID-19, marks fifteen years of charitable giving for DCWAF. Since its inception, the foundation has awarded over $22 million to its partner charities, all serving the critical needs of children locally in Northwest Florida. While the amount donated is less than previous years, it is an outstanding success for DCWAF’s partner organizations in a time when almost all fund-raising events have been canceled or postponed.

The 2020 recipients of Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation funds include the following:

AMIkids Emerald Coast received $80,000 to fund a GED program for at-risk students between the ages of sixteen and twenty-four.

Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast received $83,000 to fund Pediatric and Family Birth Place equipment to include HALO BassiNests, a Vein Viewer, bili lights, and a GlideScope.

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast received $65,000 to allow sixty-five students from low-income households to attend programming for one full year. The programming provides unique opportunities for learning and growth, recognizing youth for their achievements in an effort to steer them clear of personal failure.

Children in Crisis received $80,000 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.

Children’s Volunteer Health Network received $65,000 to fund and serve underinsured and uninsured children in need of dental care. These funds allow for hygienists and staff on the Mobile Dental Clinic, the Healthcare Referral Network, and dental supplies for the Mobile Clinic to assist children in need of dental and medical care.

Emerald Coast Autism Center received $70,000 to fund behavioral therapists and job coaches as they launch a new transition-to-work program.

Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center received $75,000 to support mental health therapy, medical programs, and a case advocacy program that facilitates a child-friendly atmosphere and offers counseling, family services, and coordination of investigations for child abuse and neglect.

Food For Thought Outreach received $85,000 to fund food and program supplies, such as masks and hand-sanitizing products, so that children and families usually dependent upon free or reduced-price school meals can continue receiving nutritious meals during the pandemic.

Habitat for Humanity of Walton County received $75,000 to help fund building new homes for families with children in North and South Walton County.

Mental Health Association of Okaloosa and Walton Counties received $75,000 to fund the Brain Health Initiative, which is geared toward early identification, assessment, and treatment for approximately twelve uninsured students ages twelve to twenty-one who experience mental health or substance abuse issues.

Opportunity Place, Inc. received $80,000 to fund immediate housing for homeless children and their families to ensure they are safe and secure. These funds will facilitate various child services, including child-centered case management support, shelter services, child and family assistance, and enrichment activities.

Pathways for Change received $60,000 to fund a residential treatment program for men and their families actively seeking substance abuse treatment through an eighteen-month reentry initiative.

Shelter House of Northwest Florida received $72,000 to fund mental health play therapy, counseling, and advocacy for youth touched by domestic violence. They also provide childcare and program supplies.

The Arc of the Emerald Coast received $75,000 to fund the renovation of their facility warehouse into an after-school program center for children living with disabilities.

Westonwood Ranch received $75,000 for scholarships for children on the autism spectrum in its part-time job skills program and funding for maintenance and repairs to the educational center and aquaponics farm.

Youth Village received $85,000 to fund program operations and ensure its doors can remain open to serve children during and after the pandemic.

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The dates for next year’s Destin Charity Wine Auction Weekend, the foundation’s signature fund-raising event, are set for April 23–25, 2021. The foundation is already planning its sixteenth annual auction and will release tickets and details on the auction’s format in early January. Learn more at DCWAF.org.