AMIkids Emerald Coast, Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast, Children in Crisis, Inc., Children???s Volunteer Health Network, Ellison McCraney Ingram Foundation, Emerald Coast Autism Center, Emerald Coast Children???s Advocacy Center, Food for Thought Outreach, Habitat for Humanity of Walton County, The Arc of the Emerald Coast, Mental Health Association of Okaloosa & Walton Counties, Opportunity Place, Inc., Shelter House of Northwest Florida, Westonwood Ranch, and Youth Village.
Children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see.
??? John F. Kennedy
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
??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,
Rob??rt Hinojosa
Chairman of the Board
Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation
AMIkids Emerald Coast received $145,000 to fund a GED program for at risk students between the ages of 16 ??? 24.
TOTAL CONTRIBUTION IN 2022
Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast received $200,000 to fund a new CT scanner to help diagnose and accurately treat pediatric patients in the Emergency Department.
TOTAL CONTRIBUTION IN 2022
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast received $200,000 to allow 250 students from low-income households to attend programming for one full year. The programming is designed to provide unique opportunities to learn, grow, and recognize youth for their achievements in an effort to steer them clear of personal failure.
TOTAL CONTRIBUTION IN 2022
Children in Crisis received $200,000 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 over the next year.
TOTAL CONTRIBUTION IN 2022
Children???s Volunteer Health Network received $200,000 to fund and serve underinsured and uninsured children in need of dental care. These funds will allow for hygienists and staff on the Mobile Dental Clinic, the Healthcare Referral Network, and dental supplies for the Mobile Clinic to assist with children in need of dental care.
TOTAL CONTRIBUTION IN 2022
Ellison McCraney Ingram Foundation received $140,000 to fund scholarships for teens that have received help from at least one DCWAF charity partner in their lifetime.
TOTAL CONTRIBUTION IN 2022
Emerald Coast Autism Center received $250,000 to support the ECAC Phase II Learning Center Capital Campaign which will provide a new building for teens entering the Transition to Work program, and in turn allow the Autism Center more space on their primary campus to serve young children on the spectrum in need of behavioral therapy.
TOTAL CONTRIBUTION IN 2022
Emerald Coast Children???s Advocacy Center received $325,000 to support mental health therapy program, 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 prevention program that educate and empower students and all relevant adults with information and strategies to prevent, recognize, and respond appropriately to all types of child abuse and exploitation.
TOTAL CONTRIBUTION IN 2022
Food for Thought Outreach received $200,000 to fund food and other supplies for their Backpack and In-School Snack Programs available to over 3,400 students receiving free or reduced lunch, and Holiday Services, offered at each pantry location to supplement the needs of families struggling with food insecurity.
TOTAL CONTRIBUTION IN 2022
Habitat for Humanity of Walton County received $250,000 to fund one new home for a family in Walton County and the infrastructure of Hope Village including roadwork, power lines, and utility taps.
TOTAL CONTRIBUTION IN 2022
Mental Health Association of Okaloosa and Walton Counties received $150,000 to fund the Brain Health Program geared toward early identification, assessment, and treatment for approximately 25 uninsured students ages 12 to 21 who experience mental health or substance abuse issues.
TOTAL CONTRIBUTION IN 2022
Opportunity Place, Inc. received $165,000 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, literacy program, shelter services, child and family assistance, and enrichment activities.
TOTAL CONTRIBUTION IN 2022
Shelter House of Northwest Florida received $175,000 to fund mental health play therapy, counseling, and advocacy for youth affected by domestic violence as well as childcare, and other program supplies.
TOTAL CONTRIBUTION IN 2022
The Arc of the Emerald Coast received $200,000 to fund the renovation of their facility warehouse into an after-school program center for children living with developmental differences.
TOTAL CONTRIBUTION IN 2022
Westonwood Ranch received $275,000 for scholarships for individuals with developmental differences to include the Part-Time Job Skills Program as well as funding their micro business programs and cottage expansion project.
TOTAL CONTRIBUTION IN 2022
Youth Village received $200,000 to fund program operations and scholarships for children from low-income households to attend their VPK and after-school programs as well as the renovation of two outdoor play areas.
TOTAL CONTRIBUTION IN 2022
TOTAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO DATE
Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation successfully completed its fifth Harvest Wine & Food Festival in South Walton. Following a hybrid year of sold out micro-events, 2021 saw the return of a large-scale Grand Tasting while retaining an expanded line-up of wine and cocktail events.
HARVEST WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL REVENUE
On February 5, DCWAF hosted its first fundraiser designed specifically to help young girls in our community at the home of Tiffany Edwards. DCWAF charity partners were invited to submit a special grant request to fund either a new or existing project for young women in need. With a goal of $30,000 and six charities requesting support, DCWAF board members Jeanne Dailey, Tiffany Edwards, and Lane Redding created the inaugural Galentine???s Day Fundraiser. The women???s only fundraiser exclusively utilized female-owned businesses for event production and included an engaging keynote from Good Grit Founder Laura Quick. The sold out event raised an astounding $65,400 in one afternoon, doubling DCWAF???s goal for this first year event.
GALENTINE???S REVENUE
Currently ranked #5 in the country by Wine Spectator Magazine, The Destin Charity Wine Auction weekend has been recognized in the ???Top 10 U.S. Charity Wine Auctions??? by the magazine for the last 10 consecutive years. For the first time since the pandemic began, DCWAF was thrilled to welcome guests back to the tent for a fully in-person auction experience. The excitement was palpable amongst the sold-out crowd of 600 attendees, and more money was raised for children in need than ever before in the history of DCWAF.
After raising a record-breaking $3.8 million during the auction weekend, local philanthropist and auction presenting sponsor, Ryan Jumonville made a surprise late donation of $200,000 to bring the total amount fundraised to $4 million.
LIVE AUCTION REVENUE
SILENT AUCTION REVENUE
A tradition Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation is particularly proud of is the ???Paddle Raise.??? The year Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation was created, Chan Cox, DCWAF founder, lost his 30 year old son, Clinton, to the devastating effects of addiction. A memorial fund was created to bring awareness and build a legacy for Clinton from the proceeds of a paddle raise at the live auction. This year, DCWAF broke from tradition and raised money for all 16 benefiting children’s charities rather than dedicating the paddle raise to one, specific charity. For the first time, the first $65,000 raised through the paddle raise was matched by Bill & Cheryl Stegbauer, Stephen & Joan Carter, and the Alys Beach Foundation.
PADDLE RAISE REVENUE
DCWAF broke from tradition to offer a very special 9-liter of Ellison Ingram Cuv??e, named in honor of long-time supporters, Doug and Merrisa Ingram???s nine-year-old son who tragically passed away last year. This lot sold for $65,000 and then again for $75,000, raising a grand total of $140,000. Proceeds from this lot will benefit the Ellison Ingram Scholarship Fund, which awards scholarships to children in Northwest Florida who have previously benefited from one of DCWAF???s partner charities. The 2022 auction was comprised of 46 Live Lots, 8 Cellar Lots, 37 Super Silent Lots, and 137 Silent Lots featuring rare wines, luxury travel experiences, and many other one-of-a-kind items.
The highest single-selling lot of the afternoon was a trip with private air passage to Middleburg, VA, which sold for $110,000. A luxurious sevennight stay in the British Virgin Islands aboard a four-bedroom Moorings 52.4 monohull captained by Chef Tim Creehan sold for $70,000, and an immersive trip to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail complete with private air passage, courtesy of NetJets, sold for $75,000.
During the Wine Auction weekend, ten Patron Dinners were held in notable restaurants and private homes in the area. These dinners pair celebrity chefs with participating vintners to create a memorable dining experience for every attendee. The Foundation is especially thankful to the Patron Hosts who opened the doors to their homes and restaurants and set the stage for the auction weekend.
???It is our hosts who create the anticipation for the auction. It is our hosts that take such great care of our vintners and chefs, and it is our hosts who start us off with great auction revenue from their dinners. Each is an amazing contributor to the success of our mission and truly a force for good in our community.???
??? John Russell, DCWAF President
TOTAL PATRON DINNER AUCTION REVENUE
George & Stephanie Brannon, Jr., Jeff & Cindy Garrard, and
Rob??rt & Shelly Hinojosa at Churchill Oaks
Christine Carter & Ken Bryant
Stephen & Joan Carter at Seagar???s Prime Steaks & Seafood
Ben & Tiffany Edwards with Jeanne Dailey & Jay Nettles
Cory & Hillary Fosdyck at Ovide
Tom & Dana Saffel at THE CITIZEN at Alys Beach
Bill & Cheryl Stegbauer at Bijoux
Bert & Sue Trucksess with Max & Kay Watson
Randall & Maria White at Vin???tij Food + Wine
Jack & Candis Wilson
Swiftly Catered
The following wineries generously donated to the 17th Anniversary Auction.
Shirley Roy & Bryan Zupon – Roy Estate??– Honorary Vintner
Kevin Hague – Barnett Vineyards
Greg Brewer??-??Brewer-Clifton
Jill Delariva Russell??-??Cambria Estate Winery
Erik Ackerman??-??Cardinale
Todd Newman??-??Dakota Shy
Jay McDonald??-??EIEIO Winery
Lizz Cintron??-??Fisher Vineyards
Ric Forman??-??Forman Vineyard
Ted Henry??-??Groth Vineyards and Winery
Luis Reyneri??-??Knight???s Bridge Winery
Paula Kornell??-??Kornell Wine Company
Sam Lando??-??LANDO Wines
Pedro Vazquez & Savannal Reber??-??Law Estate
Stu Lerner??-??Lerner Project
Niccolo Maltinti??-??Marchesi Antinori
John Conover??-??Plumpjack Group
Dr. Madajah Revana??-??Revana Wines
Todd Kerlin??-??The Debate
Kirk Venge??-??Venge Vineyards
Jean Noel Fourmeaux??-??VGS Chateau Potelle
CRAFT SPIRITS PROPRIETOR
Freddie Noe
Knob Creek & Basil Hayden
2022 HONORARY CHEF – Jack McGuckin – Bijoux ??? Miramar Beach, FL
Matthew Basford – Canoe ??? Atlanta, GA
Ignacio Bernal – Vin???tij Food & Wine ??? Miramar Beach, FL
Fleetwood Covington – Seagar???s Prime Steaks & Seafood ??? Miramar Beach, FL
Tim Creehan – Cuvee 30A ??? Inlet Beach, FL
Drew Dzejak – The CITIZEN at Alys Beach ??? Alys Beach, FL
Cindy Hutson – Ortanique on the Mile ??? Coral Gables, FL
Emeril Lagasse – Emeril???s Coastal ??? Miramar Beach, FL
Joelle Mollinger – Joelle???s French Bistro ??? Skaneateles, NY
Dan Vargo – Fine Coastal Cuisine ??? Destin, FL
In September, DCWAF hosted an educational tasting of Antinori wines led by Erik Saccomani and virtually by the legendary Alessia Antinori.
AMOUNT RAISED
In February, DCWAF hosted a Riedel Seminar at the Henderson Beach Resort to a sold out audience. The educational seminar demonstrated the relationship between the shape of a glass and the perception and enjoyment of wine.
AMOUNT RAISED
To become a sponsor visit www.dcwaf.org/sponsors for more information or call us at (850) 650-3732.
Rob??rt Hinojosa????? Chairman of the Board
Lane Redding????? Chairman Elect
George Brannon, Jr. ??? Vice Chairman
Stephen Carter????? Past Chairman
Jeanne Dailey ??? Secretary
Doug Ingram ??? Treasurer
Chris Abbott
Joan Carter
Stephen Carter
Dana Crowe
Keith Dean
Tiffany Edwards
Cory Fosdyck
Jeff Garrard
Van Geeker
Bob Gelardi
Dana Hahn
Roger Hall
John Jansen
Bob Kirk
Chuck Palmore
Justin Phelps
Audie??Rowell
Tom Saffel
Bill Stegbauer
Dr. Michael Stickler
Pamela Wellborn
Kurtis Wolff
Chan Cox
Jim Adams
Dr. Warren & Shannon Amos
Glenn & Dana Armentor
Rob Babcock
Kevin Mason & Laura Balters
Jim & Renee Beaman
Don & Jan Bishop
Don Bradley
Jim & Sherre Bunch
Dr. Bill & Pam Burden
Lamar & Tracy Conerly
Tim Creehan
Gary & Carolyn Dietzen
Demetrius Fuller
Jake & Shawn Hallsted
Don Hay
Tim Krueger
Kay Martin
Jim & Vicki Matthews
Richard & Demetria McNeese
Susan Kiley & Wayne Paul
Glenda Palmore
Jim & Tammy Pierce
Joseph & Suzanne Quinlan
Dann & Colette Schwartz
John & Margaret Sheehan
Brian & Crystal Spencer
Cheryl Stegbauer
Bert & Sue Trucksess
Jack & Candis Wilson
John Russell ??? President
Karah Fridley-Young ?????Director
Kate MacMillan ??? Communications Manager
Mindy Holscher ??? Office and Events Coordintator
Staff of DCWAF:
The staff of DCWAF: L-R) Kate MacMillan, Karah Fridley-Young, John Russell, Mindy Holscher
