Children’s Volunteer Health Network

For the Love of Kids

By: Hailey Bethke | Photography courtesy of Children’s Volunteer Health Network

Children’s Volunteer Health Network (CVHN) has had a successful year in 2024. In February, the nonprofit celebrated another successful fundraising event in partnership with Alys Beach at the 13th Annual 30A Wine Festival. The lively weekend featured sophisticated flavor profiles from the country’s most established vintners, and attendees raised their glasses high, helping to raise over $80,000 for CVHN’s children’s healthcare initiatives. To date, the organization has established mobile dental clinics that serve over one thousand children each year with free preventative dental care. CVHN has also expanded its offerings to include complimentary mental health services for youth in Okaloosa and Walton counties.

In March, the Children’s Volunteer Health Network held its third annual Soirée on the Bay auction and wine tasting. The event took place at the beautiful Dugas Estate and raised over $300,000 to support CVHN’s work in the Northwest Florida community. Guests enjoyed dining and dancing under twinkling lights by the shore of the Choctawhatchee Bay, coming together to celebrate CVHN’s service-oriented mission. Special thanks go to Café Thirty-A and Basmati’s for providing delicious food and to the Tip Tops band for their lively performance under the stars.

In April, VIE proudly sponsored the Destin Charity Patron Wine Dinner, which took place at Camp Creek’s ANR Restaurant. Guests enjoyed a five-course dinner with hand-selected wine pairings from Domaine Della and Betz Family Winery. VIE rolled out the pink carpet to welcome esteemed guests, passed hors d’oeuvres and champagne, and vintners mingled with each table to offer an unforgettable dining experience. The evening successfully raised $200,000 for CVHN, demonstrating the generosity and love poured into supporting the local community.

Congratulations to CVHN for a record-breaking year of community impact!

By June, CVHN achieved a record-breaking year by providing essential dental services to children in Walton and Okaloosa counties. The organization’s two mobile dental clinics, “Pearl” and “Neicy,”brought smiles to the faces of children across the Florida panhandle. They served over 1,265 children and delivered nearly $500,000 in free dental services during the 2023–2024 school year. Of these 1,265 students, 81 percent were able to protect their teeth from decay using the Atraumatic Restorative Technique (ART), a minimally invasive remedy for cavities. The remaining 16 percent of students received treatment from CVHN’s extensive network of dental professionals, relieving them from pain and severe infection.

CVHN has implemented several classroom programs to promote dental longevity and vibrant health. The Early Intervention Preschool Program visits preschool classes six times a year to apply a medication that reduces the risk of tooth decay by up to 97 percent. The My First Toothbrush Program provides toothbrushes and toothpaste to local students and nonprofit organizations through generous donations. In 2024, CVHN donated over fourteen miles of floss to community members in need. These initiatives promote proper dental hygiene and make bright, confident smiles accessible to all.

As they kicked off the 2024–2025 school year, CVHN began serving additional sites, including Destin Elementary School, Southside Primary School, fifth graders at Freeport Middle School, and preschool students at the Wise Center and Freeport Learning Center. These new locations were added to their growing list of schools where they provide essential dental care services, ensuring more children receive the preventative care they need. The nonprofit organization is also looking to expand its network of dental, vision, and medical professionals interested in contributing to its mission of providing affordable and accessible healthcare for children in need. Support from the local community is critical for the success of the program. If you are interested in joining the network and offering your time and services, please get in touch with Megan Trent at megan@cvhnkids.org.

October brought new opportunities to support CVHN through exciting local events, such as the 2024 Witch Rides in Bluewater, Santa Rosa Beach, and Destin. This fun-filled event not only raises funds for CVHN but also raises awareness about children’s health issues in the community. Part of Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation, the Harvest Wine & Food Festival in WaterColor, Florida, took place from October 17–20 with a weekend of Pleiades wines and culinary delights. This festival and other DCWAF events are great opportunities to enjoy delicious food and wine while supporting a good cause. CVHN requires volunteers for fundraisers throughout the year. If you’re interested, you can fill out the form on CVHNKids.org/ContactUs to get involved.

We are incredibly proud to have the Children’s Volunteer Health Network as a valued community partner and to witness their benevolent service to the community. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all thesupporters, volunteers, and donors for making this possible. Congratulations to CVHN for a record-breaking year of community impact!

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To connect with CVHN, please visit their website, CVHNKids.org, and follow along on Instagram @CVHNKids05 and Facebook @CVHNKids.