DCWAF donates more than $3 Million to 17 Local Children's Charities
Premier fundraising organization, Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF), is pleased to announce it has donated over $3 million to 17 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 August 29. To date, DCWAF has donated more than $35 million to help children in need in Northwest Florida since its inception in 2005.
“As we move into our 20th year of operation, I can’t help but reflect upon the true impact of $35 million on the children of our community,” said Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation President Karah Fridley-Young. “more than 60 Habitat for Humanity houses, a Level II NICU unit, two dental buses, support services for the homeless, abused, and neglected, and countless other lifesaving programs. I am eternally grateful for the support of our donors and look forward to continuing our work to ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive.”
The 2024 recipients of Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation funds include:
AMIkids Emerald coast received $75,000 to fund a GED program for at risk students between the ages of 16 – 24.
Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast received $250,000 to fund new equipment that will elevate the level of care provided in the Level II NICU.
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast received $200,000 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 is DCWAF’s newest beneficiary and received $150,000 to expand their community resources including their pantry program which provides food, diapers, wipes, formula, and other necessary supplies to families in need in Walton County.
Children in Crisis received $175,000 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 Volunteer Health Network received $200,000 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 $250,000 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 $275,000 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 $225,000 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 $125,000 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 $150,000 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 the pediatric and family nutrition programming in their new facility designed to provide free medical care, education, and resources to uninsured families.
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, program supplies, and a shelter renovation to provide family suites and a larger youth room.
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 $200,000 for scholarships for individuals with developmental differences as well as funding their residential expansion project.
Youth Village received $150,000 to fund program operations and scholarships for children from low-income households to attend their VPK and after-school programs.
The dates for next year’s Destin Charity Wine Auction Weekend, the Foundation’s signature fundraising event, are set for April 25-26, 2025. The Foundation is excitedly planning in anticipation of its milestone 20th Anniversary Auction and will release tickets and details in January. Learn more at http://www.DCWAF.org.