DCWA Foundation Donates $2.035 Million to Charities in Northwest Florida

Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF) donated $2.035 million to 12 Northwest Florida children's and other charities on Sept. 23 at a private ceremony at Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville in Destin, marking the Foundation’s largest charitable distribution to date.

This year’s revenues represent a 48 percent increase (+$660,000) over the $1,375,000 donation in 2013. Destin Charity Wine Auction currently ranks sixth in the country among the Wine Spectator Magazine’s Top Ten Charity Wine Auctions in the U.S. and may advance to top five based on this year’s success.

“For all of us associated with Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation, the distribution of funds to the organizations who do the real work of helping children is the best day of the year,” said John Russell, President of DCWAF. “We are grateful for all the support that has made these grants possible.”

Children in Crisis received $200,000 to fund housing for abused, neglected, and abandoned children.

Children’s Volunteer Health Network received $175,000 to fund a mobile dental clinic, health care referral program and CVHN Dental Clinic to serve more than 1,000 underinsured and uninsured children in need of dental care.

Emerald Coast Autism Center received $300,000 to fund scholarships and capital campaign purchase of land and facility construction to serve children on the autism spectrum.

Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center received $150,000 to fund more than 2,000 direct mental health therapy sessions and child services for abused and neglected children.

Food for Thought received $100,000 to provide 68,000 backpacks of nutritious meals, reducing food insecurity and feeding more than 500 school-aged children on weekends, holidays, and summer break.

Habitat for Humanity of Walton County received $150,000 to fund the building of two homes and half of a third home for families with children.

Horizons of Okaloosa County received $235,000 to fund the renovation and expansion of the Children’s Center for children living with disabilities.

Opportunity Inc. received $100,000 to support the children services department, including children’s coordinator, educational supplies, outdoor classroom, field trips, and child care at Opportunity Place, an emergency shelter for homeless families.

Pathways for Change received $215,000 to fund comprehensive addiction treatment programs and operate the family center.

Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast received $150,000 to fund healthcare and a Pediatric Navigator for children.

Shelter House of Northwest Florida received $150,000 to fund support groups, counseling, and advocacy for youth ages 6 months to 17 years, touched by domestic violence.

Youth Village received $110,000 to fund summer camps and after-school programming for more than 40 low-income children along the Emerald Coast.

“Through our participation with Destin Charity Wine Auction, our organization has been able to double the number of children that we served this year,” said Teresa Imdieke, executive director of Habitat for Humanity. “With their help, many more children will have the security of a stable roof over their heads and a safe place to lay their heads at night.  We are grateful for Destin Charity Wine Auction, which is allowing us to help make more dreams come true for our well deserving local families.”

The dates for next year’s Destin Charity Wine Auction Weekend, the Foundation’s signature fundraising event, are set for April 23-26, 2015. Learn more at www.DCWAF.org.
 

Children's Health Volunteer Network

Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation’s mission is to connect wine enthusiasts to raise money to benefit children in need in Northwest Florida. Founded in 2005, DCWAF has donated more than $6 million to Northwest Florida charities through hosting world class wine and culinary events. These funds have impacted the lives of over 50,000 youth, including those afflicted by health issues and abuse. Learn more at DCWAF.org or facebook.com/DCWAF.