Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation Donates $3 Million to 16 Local Children’s Charities

Premier fundraising organization, Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF), is pleased to announce it has donated $3 million to 16 children’s charities in Northwest Florida following another successful year of fundraising. Funding was awarded in a private check presentation ceremony at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa on September 18. To date, DCWAF has donated more than $38 million to help children in need in Northwest Florida since its inception in 2005.

"As we bring our 20th anniversary to a close, I find myself reflecting on the extraordinary vision and dedication of our founders—the foundation upon which our success has been built,” said Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation President Karah Fridley-Young. “Their legacy has carried us to this milestone, and it now falls to us to ensure that same spirit carries forward for the next 20 years and beyond. The continued success of DCWAF is not only vital to our mission, but also essential to the well-being of the partner charities we serve. As we look ahead, a steadfast focus on sustainability will be key to securing our future and deepening our impact."

The 2025 recipients of Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation funds include:

Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast received $210,000 to fund fetal monitors, Giraffe warmers, and other equipment that will elevate the level of care provided in the Level II NICU.

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast received $250,000 for a two-part program that will provide on-site access to a licensed Mental Health Counselor for youths in mental health crisis, and to subsidize the operational costs of providing youth development programming that will impact more than 200 low-income youths annually from kindergarten to grade 12 during afterschool and summer months.

Caring & Sharing of South Walton received $200,000 to expand their community resources including family counseling and their Kids Specific Pantry which provides food, diapers, wipes, formula, and other necessary supplies to families in need in Walton County.  

Children in Crisis received $225,000 to fund the facilitation of housing for abused, neglected, and abandoned children. On-site housing provides stability, shelter, house parents, food, clothing, and necessary items to help children live a safe and healthy lifestyle.

Children’s Home Society of Florida is DCWAF’s newest beneficiary and received $150,000 to expand their community resources within the school system that provide critical services ranging from tutoring to medical and behavioral health care to help eliminate barriers to care for school age children in need in Northwest Florida.

Children’s Volunteer Health Network received $175,000 to fund and serve underinsured and uninsured children in need of dental care. These funds will allow for staff, supplies, and maintenance for the Mobile Dental Clinic to assist children in need with the most basic dental care to more advanced care.

Ellison McCraney Ingram Foundation received $200,000 to fund scholarships for teens that have received help from at least one DCWAF charity partner in their lifetime.

Emerald Coast Autism Center received $200,000 to support the ECAC Phase II Learning Center Capital Campaign which provides space for teens entering the Transition to Work program and in turn allows the Autism Center more space on their primary campus to serve young children on the spectrum in need of behavioral therapy.  

Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center received $225,000 to support mental health therapy programs, the case advocacy program that facilitates a child-friendly atmosphere offering counseling, family services, and coordination of investigations for child abuse and neglect, and the CARES prevention program that educates and empowers students and adults with information and strategies to prevent, recognize, and respond appropriately to all types of child abuse and exploitation.

Habitat for Humanity of Walton County received $275,000 to fund two new homes for families in Walton County, providing safe and secure housing in perpetuity for the children of the recipient families.

Mental Health Association of Okaloosa and Walton Counties received $137,000 to fund the Brain Health Program geared toward early identification, assessment, and treatment for uninsured students ages 12 to 21 who experience mental health or substance abuse issues.

Opportunity Place, Inc. received $175,000 to fund immediate housing for homeless children and their families to ensure they are safe and secure. These funds will facilitate a variety of child services including child-centered case management support, a literacy program, shelter services, child and family assistance, and enrichment activities.

Point Washington Medical Clinic received $150,000 to fund essential pediatric medications, family nutrition programming, and the educational play area within their facility designed to provide free medical care, education, and resources to uninsured families.

The Arc of the Emerald Coast received $100,000 to fund the renovation of their children’s daycare program facility for children living with developmental differences.

Westonwood Ranch received $175,000 for scholarships for individuals with developmental differences as well as providing transportation support for students who live in Okaloosa and Walton Counties to make their program accessible and reduce transportation barriers.

Youth Village received $160,000 to fund program operations, teacher salaries, and scholarships for children from low-income households to attend their VPK and after-school programs.

DCWAF is also proud to make a $93,000 contribution to the Jumonville Family Children’s Fund; a reserve fund intended to facilitate the long-term sustainability of the organization and serve as a safety net for DCWAF and its benefitting charities during emergency situations. The dates for next year’s Destin Charity Wine Auction Weekend, the Foundation’s signature fundraising event, are set for April 24-25, 2026. The Foundation will release tickets and details in January. Learn more at http://www.DCWAF.org.