Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation Increases 2012 Revenue By Nearly 40 Percent

Destin Charity Wine Auction Likely to Place in the Nation's Top 10

Weekend-long Event in South Walton and Destin Nets record $1.425 Million

DESTIN, Fla., May 31, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF) announced that its 2012 revenue represents a 39-percent increase over 2011 results. As a result, DCWAF will likely rank among the Top Ten charity wine auctions in the United States when results are announced by Wine Spectator magazine in March of 2013. Total live and silent 2012 Auction revenue is $1.2 million, versus $840,000 earned in 2011. Combined revenue for the weekend's events totaled more than $1.4 million.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120531/DC16316)

"We are extremely pleased with this year's success," said John Russell, president, DCWAF. "We have increased revenue each year since the inception of the Wine Auction in 2006, and, as a result, we have been able to generate both enhanced recognition and participation by vintners, celebrity chefs and attendees.  This has allowed us to increase our support to the children in need in our area.

"This year, we will provide funds to 11 charitable organizations throughout Northwest Florida," continued Russell. "This is the overriding mission of our organization -- to enhance the lives of children in need. As our giving capacity continues to strengthen, we, in turn, are able to provide more and more assistance. And concurrent with our giving capacity, we are able to attract more top tier vintners and chefs to participate in our event."

"We were thrilled to come to Destin, FL to participate in the Destin Charity Wine Auction," said Beth Novak Milliken of Spottswoode Estate Vineyard and Winery. "The DCWA allows us to showcase our wines within an arena of true wine admirers and collectors."

The 2012 Destin Charity Wine Auction included 31 vintners from around the world, many of whom have been coming to the event since its inception. Destin's wine charity event continues to grow through word-of-mouth and each year, new vintners ask to be included. This allows DCWAF to offer unique and different wines and wine-oriented trips every year.

The Wine Auction is comprised of nearly 200 silent and live offerings, many of which are unavailable at other venues. In fact, many of the Wine Auction attendees look forward to the ability to secure rare and unusual wines. This was a record setting year for Destin Charity Wine Auction, with more than 525 people in attendance. The event was sold out weeks in advance.

Concurrent with the Wine Auction, 12 Patron Dinners were hosted in private homes throughout South Walton and Destin, FL. The Patron Dinners pair celebrity chefs with participating vintners and are held the evening before the Wine Auction. The collaboration of the chefs and vintners result in sumptuous multi-course dinners and provide the attendees with unforgettable dining experiences.

"We were excited to come to Destin, FL to prepare a Patron Dinner," said Nyesha Arrington, executive chef, Wilshire Restaurant, Santa Monica, CA, and finalist on Bravo's "Top Chef Season 9." "It was a very inspiring experience to create a memorable dinner and pair each course with a different wine from the Dominio IV Winery. We truly felt gratified to be able to participate in the Destin Charity Wine Auction this year and to witness the joy and generosity of the attendees."

Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF) was initiated for the purpose of connecting wine enthusiasts and philanthropic-minded citizens in order to raise money for children in need. Founded in 2006, DCWAF has donated more than $3.5 million to Northwest Florida children's charities by hosting world-class wine and culinary events. These funds have impacted the lives of more than 34,000 youth, including those afflicted by health issues and abuse. Learn more at DCWAF.org or facebook.com/DCWAF.

SOURCE Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation