Annual Report 2022

Thoughts

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Dear Friends,

This is my last opportunity to contribute to our yearly annual report as I announced my retirement as president of DCWAF earlier this summer. Karah Fridley-Young now leads the Foundation as the new president of our organization. The board has asked me to stay on through the 2023 auction as a consultant, and I am grateful to be able to continue to support DCWAF, although in a limited role.

I am extremely optimistic regarding the future of DCWAF. Karah is the ideal choice to lead our team. Karah and I have worked side by side for the past 10 years. She brings knowledge, passion, and drive, and is uniquely talented in all the ways that are meaningful to leading a diverse group of people. Supporting Karah are Kate MacMillan and Mindy Holscher, and if you have ever interacted with either of these two, you know they are professional, intelligent, and highly passionate about our mission. It has been a joy and an honor to work with the three of them to help the children of Northwest Florida.

Our board of directors is also a true asset to the Foundation. We have a board of 28 highly committed individuals that provide support, direction, and long hours of work on behalf of DCWAF. We have a great mix of professionals that bring a wealth of experience, and their contributions cannot be overstated. At the center of the culture and values of DCWAF are our longest serving board members, Joan and Steve Carter. Our success starts with this amazing couple, and I will miss watching them work their magic in so many different ways.

Finally, a word about our charity partners. These are the people that wake up every morning not knowing exactly what challenges the day will bring but understanding how important it is that they rise to that challenge. They are true partners in every sense of the word. Their accomplishments over my 10 years as president is what I will cherish most as I reflect back on my time with DCWAF.

The results from the past year were exceptional by every measure. It was critical to get back to pre-pandemic performance, and we did that in a big way. The funds raised are so needed by our partners and we know they will be put to good use.

Thank you for all you have done over the years to support our work and to help so many, many children. You too are one of the strengths of the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation.

Sincerely,

John Russell
President
Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation

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FROM THE CHAIRMAN

Dear Friends,

What a crazy couple of years it has been! We have been through some of the most difficult and trying times most of us have ever experienced in our lives through the pandemic, a volatile market, high unemployment, and nearly record inflation. Despite the challenges, our community has come together and with the hard work of our staff, Board of Directors, Trustees, charities, patrons, and everyone else associated with DCWAF, we had a record-breaking year!

It was an honor to serve as the 2021-2022 Chairman of the Board of Directors for this incredible organization. I have seen the Foundation make a significant impact over the 8+ years I have been involved, and it was exciting to raise over $3.8 million dollars at this year’s auction in our first year “back under the tent” since the pandemic began. In the days following the 17th annual Destin Charity Wine Auction, our presenting sponsor, Ryan Jumonville generously stepped up to donate another $200,000 to ensure that we broke $4 million for the first time.

I have continually said that I felt 2020 and 2021 were the hardest years, and if it were not for the previous Chairmen of the BOD, Jeff Garrard (2020) and Steve Carter (2021), this year would not have been such a success. Their guidance laid the groundwork to ensure 2022 was an amazing year, and I would personally like to thank them for their leadership during these trying times.

DCWAF also saw internal changes this year as our President of 10 years, John Russell, retired and transitioned to the next phase of his life. John served tirelessly during his time as President of this organization, and DCWAF has grown leaps and bounds under his leadership. I am very excited to have 10-year staff member of the DCWAF, Karah Fridley-Young, step into the President role. I have no doubt that she is the right person to help DCWAF grow and continue to have an amazing impact and influence in the lives of children in need in Northwest Florida.

The mission of the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation is “Connecting wine enthusiasts to raise money benefiting children in need in Northwest Florida.” I believe this year that we not only succeeded in our mission, but also brought our entire community together more than ever before to raise money to help children in need through our 16 charities!

Thank you, everyone, for all you do for this great organization!

Cheers,

Robért Hinojosa
Chairman of the Board
Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation

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BENEFICIARY Charities Of 2022

changing the lives of children

Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation donated $3.775 million to 16 Northwest Florida children’s charities on August 31 at the Henderson Beach Resort, marking a $1,775,000 increase in fund donated over the previous year. Celebrating its 17 year anniversary, DCWAF has now donated more than $28 million to non-profit organizations serving children in Northwest Florida.

“What cannot be overstated is the impact these funds will have on our supported charities. They have battled through the pandemic to continue to deliver their services, often at great risk to themselves, so that the children of our community would know they were not forgotten.” – John Russell, DCWAF President

AMIKids Emerald Coast

AMIkids Emerald Coast received $145,000 to fund a GED program for at risk students between the ages of 16 – 24.

$145,000