The Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation raised over $1 million at its marquee event, Wine & Dine in Paradise, on April 27-28, breaking fundraising records for the sixth consecutive year. The weekend featured 15 Patron and Restaurant Dinners, a Walkabout and themed silent and live auction. The live auction raised $756,000, $89,000 more than the previous year and the silent auction earned $65,000, nearly doubling prior year.
"What an amazing event and result! The energy in the room, Southern hospitality and generosity of attendees was beyond impressive," Grace Evenstad said, "Changing children's lives for the better is an investment in our future. Ken [Evenstad] and I were thrilled and humbled to serve as this year's Honorary Chairpersons and help needy children along the Emerald Coast."
The Evenstads teamed with fellow Oregon vintners Penner-Ash, Willamette Valley Vineyards, Bethel Heights and Adelsheim to offer the Ultimate Oregon Experience live auction lot that consisted of airfare for four, a four night stay in the Domaine Serene guest house in Willamette Valley, Oregon, lunches, dinners, blending seminars, winery tours on horseback and more. This was a high selling lot at $16,000.
A one week stay for eight people in Umbria, Italy was the highest selling lot of the day, going for $25,000-twice-bringing in $50,000 for the Wine Auction.
"We're so thankful to all our supporters for making this another record-breaking year. These proceeds will make a huge difference in the lives of thousands of Emerald Coast children", Foundation Executive Director Todd Vucovich said.
Funds raised by the Foundation will be distributed this summer to the following local charities: Children in Crisis, Emerald Coast Children's Advocacy Center, Sacred Heart Hospital of the Emerald Coast, Children's Volunteer Health Network, Inc., Youth Village, Shelter House, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida, Emerald Coast Autism Center, Eleanor J. Johnson Youth Ranch, Horizons, and Pathways for Change.
About Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation:
After six years of successful wine events, dedicated teamwork and fervent support, the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation has raised over $5,000,000 dollars and has become known to patrons from across the country as a premier event for wine and food lovers and philanthropists alike.
"What an amazing event and result! The energy in the room, Southern hospitality and generosity of attendees was beyond impressive," Grace Evenstad said, "Changing children's lives for the better is an investment in our future. Ken [Evenstad] and I were thrilled and humbled to serve as this year's Honorary Chairpersons and help needy children along the Emerald Coast."
The Evenstads teamed with fellow Oregon vintners Penner-Ash, Willamette Valley Vineyards, Bethel Heights and Adelsheim to offer the Ultimate Oregon Experience live auction lot that consisted of airfare for four, a four night stay in the Domaine Serene guest house in Willamette Valley, Oregon, lunches, dinners, blending seminars, winery tours on horseback and more. This was a high selling lot at $16,000.
A one week stay for eight people in Umbria, Italy was the highest selling lot of the day, going for $25,000-twice-bringing in $50,000 for the Wine Auction.
"We're so thankful to all our supporters for making this another record-breaking year. These proceeds will make a huge difference in the lives of thousands of Emerald Coast children", Foundation Executive Director Todd Vucovich said.
Funds raised by the Foundation will be distributed this summer to the following local charities: Children in Crisis, Emerald Coast Children's Advocacy Center, Sacred Heart Hospital of the Emerald Coast, Children's Volunteer Health Network, Inc., Youth Village, Shelter House, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida, Emerald Coast Autism Center, Eleanor J. Johnson Youth Ranch, Horizons, and Pathways for Change.
About Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation:
After six years of successful wine events, dedicated teamwork and fervent support, the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation has raised over $5,000,000 dollars and has become known to patrons from across the country as a premier event for wine and food lovers and philanthropists alike.