DCWAF Doubles Goal, Raising $64,000 at the Inaugural Galentine’s Day Fundraiser

Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation, the nation’s premier fundraising organization, raised more than $64,000 at their inaugural Galentine’s Day Fundraiser on February 5th, 2022!

Hosted by DCWAF board members Tiffany Edwards, Jeanne Dailey, and Lane Redding at the home of Tiffany Edwards, the Galentine’s Day Fundraiser brought women together to support initiatives within the Foundation’s 15 partner children’s charities that directly impact at-risk girls. Sponsored by Newman Dailey Resort Properties, Progress Bank, and Stephen & Joan Carter, the event boasted an all-female guest list and the Founder of Good Grit Magazine, Laura Quick, as the keynote speaker. Only female-owned businesses were used in the production of the event.

“I’m still glowing from the success of our inaugural Galentine’s Day Fundraiser,” said DCWAF board member and event host, Jeanne Dailey. “It was so much fun, and I met so many fabulously philanthropic women. Tiffany, Lane, and I were overwhelmed by their generosity. We more than doubled our fundraising goal, enabling us to help even more young girls!”

The event, slated to become a new annual event for the foundation, had a goal of raising $30,000 to fund the following six initiatives:

AMIkids Emerald Coast:

Monthly education, fellowship, and mentoring for young girls regarding self-care, self-esteem, and self-defense.

Boys and Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast: Project SMART Girls 

A 10-week, small group program focused on health, fitness, prevention, education, and self-esteem enhancement through dynamic sessions, activities, field trips, and mentoring opportunities with adult women.

Mental Health Association of Okaloosa & Walton Counties: Smart ART’s Self Protection Training

A personal safety and defense training program at Emerald Coast Martial Arts Academy to prepare girls ages 11 – 21 with basic survival skills to prevent bullying, harassment, abuse or abduction, and preserve mental health.

Shelter House of Northwest Florida: Period Poverty

A program to address the unique health needs of young girls ages 9 – 18 by providing feminine hygiene products and education to girls without access to these resources.

Westonwood Ranch: Job Exposure for Girls with Developmental Differences

This program will provide spa & salon experience exposure and job skills training for 9 female participants.

Youth Village: Educational Opportunities 

Four weeks of dance lessons, eight weeks of Girls Empowered in Math and Science (GEMS) program at the Emerald Coast Science Center, and a weekly book club for 15 elementary and middle school-aged girls.

By doubling its goal, the foundation fully funded all six programs while also contributing to its Children’s Fund, a special reserve fund available to the Foundation’s 15 partner charities in times of emergency.

The following female-owned or operated businesses participated in the event's production: Fisher’s Flowers, The Cheese Chick 30a, La Crema Tapas and Chocolate, Hey Mama Wines, GG Bloom, Kiara Watson Photography, Good Grit, Southern Comfort Transportation, Better Together Beverage, and Distillery 98.

Save the date! The 2nd Annual Galentine’s Day Fundraiser will be held on February 4th, 2023 at Candis Wilson’s home. Stay tuned to see what exciting charitable initiatives the Foundation will raise funds for this year!

To learn more about the event, visit https://www.dcwaf.org/events/2nd-annual-galentines-day-fundraiser.

Published on Monday, November 21, 2022