Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation Donates $1.375 Million to 14 Northwest Florida Charities
Destin, FL (PRWEB) August 21, 2013 -- Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation donated $1.375 million to 14 Northwest Florida charities on August 6th at a private ceremony at Churchill Oaks, marking the Foundation’s largest charitable distribution to date.
This year’s revenues represent a 12.7 percent increase (+$155,000) over 2012. As a result, the Destin Charity Wine Auction will likely rank among the Wine Spectator Magazine’s Top Ten Charity Wine Auctions in the U.S. for the second year in a row.
“For all of us associated with Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation the distribution of funds to the organizations who do the real work of helping children is the best day of the year,” said John Russell, President of DCWAF. “We are grateful for all the support that has made these grants possible.”
Pathways for Change received $163,500 to fund comprehensive addiction treatment and family programs. Emerald Coast Autism Center received $150,000 to fund a land purchase and facility construction, as well as scholarships for children on the autism spectrum. Children in Crisis received $150,000 to fund housing for abused, neglected, and abandoned children. Horizons of Okaloosa County received $145,000 to fund the renovation and expansion of the Children’s Center for those living with disabilities.
“I stood there in awe reflecting on the impact Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation has on the children in this community. Families in need have so many more resources as a result of their hard work. Houses to live in, programs to attend, support for those traumatized by life events …all because of a group of dedicated and generous people who didn’t just talk the talk but decided to walk the walk,” said Dr. Julie McNabb, Chief Executive Officer of Horizons of Okaloosa County. “DCWAF’s impact crosses every barrier I can think of, and touches the lives of not just those in need now, but those in need for generations to come.”
Children’s Volunteer Health Network received $139,000 to fund more than 1,000 under insured and uninsured children’s healthcare. The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center received $130,000 to fund more than 2,000 direct mental health therapy sessions and child services for abused and neglected children. Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast received $110,000 to fund healthcare and a Pediatric Navigator for children. Habitat for Humanity of Walton County received $101,000 to fund the building of two homes for families with children. Shelter House of Northwest Florida received $85,000 to fund support groups, counseling, and advocacy for youth ages 6 months to 17 years, touched by domestic violence. Youth Village received $71,000 to fund 40 low-income children scholarships for after-school and summer learning programs. Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast received $50,500 to support the Club Power Hour tutoring and Healthy Habits youth development programs. Food for Thought received $40,000, which will fund food insecurity prevention for school-aged children by providing weekend backpacks of nutritious meals. Opportunity Inc. received $30,000 to maintain the children services department at Opportunity Place, an emergency shelter for homeless families. Fisher House of the Emerald Coast received $10,000 to fund housing for military families during medical emergency.
The dates for next year’s Destin Charity Wine Auction Weekend, the Foundation’s signature fundraising event, are set for April 25-27, 2014.
About Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation:
Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation’s mission is to connect wine enthusiasts to raise money to benefit children in need in Northwest Florida. Founded in 2005, DCWAF has donated more than $6 million to Northwest Florida charities through hosting world class wine and culinary events. These funds have impacted the lives of over 50,000 youth, including those afflicted by health issues and abuse. Learn more at DCWAF.org or facebook.com/DCWAF.
Lauren Magli, Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation, http://www.DCWAF.org, +1 8506503732, [email protected]
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