Sandestin Wine Festival Donates Over $50,000 to Local Charities

The Sandestin Wine Festival, one of the top wine festivals in the country, is donating more than $50,000 to local charities and philanthropic causes. The news was announced at a press event at the Village of Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort.

Village Special Event Manager, Lanier Motes, presented a $33,000 check to Kim Henderson, Executive Director, Fisher House of the Emerald Coast; and a $21,000 check to Sara Becnel, board member of the Sandestin Foundation for Kids.

According to Ms. Henderson, the funds from the Sandestin Wine Festival donated to the Fisher House will be used for worthwhile efforts to assist military families with members undergoing local medical treatment.

On behalf of the Sandestin Foundation for Kids, Ms. Becnel reported the funds will support the organization’s mission to make a meaningful and positive difference in children’s lives, including health and economic issues.

The Sandestin Wine Festival is known as the “Kentucky Derby of Wine Festivals” because of its grandeur, southern appeal, white tents, and the tasting of hundreds of wines. With a 27 year history, the Sandestin Wine Festival is the most established and continuously running wine festival on the Gulf Coast.

In addition to its philanthropic contributions to local charities, the Sandestin Wine Festival is estimated to generate hundreds of thousands of dollars in economic impact to the area, including accommodations, food, beverages, shopping and other travel spending.

“This year was a record year and we appreciate the support of the community, leading wine distributors and other valued partners,” said Ms. Motes.

Next year's festival dates are April 10-13, 2014. For more information on Sandestin Wine Festival visit www.sandestinwinefestival.com.

Pictured from left:Sara Becnel, board member of the Sandestin Foundation for Kids; Alan Meyers, executive director of the Baytowne Wharf Neighborhood Association; Lanier Motes, special events manager for the Village of Baytowne Wharf, and Kim Henderson, executive director of the Fisher House.
 

About Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is the #1 resort on Florida’s Emerald Coast for all ages and all seasons. The resort invites guests to a world of 30 charming neighborhoods with more than 1,200 villas, town homes and the best in Destin hotel accommodations. As a member of Visit South Walton and Visit Florida, the resort features more than seven miles of beaches and pristine bay front, four championship golf courses, 15 world-class tennis courts, 19 swimming pools, a 113-slip marina, a fitness center and spa, meeting space and The Village of Baytowne Wharf, the charming pedestrian village with shopping, dining, activities and events.  Guests can visit www.sandestin.com or follow Sandestin on Facebook and Twitter for the latest information and events.