Eleven Local Children's Charities Receive $1.2 Million From the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation

2012 Donation Represents the Largest Sum Ever Given by the Foundation Which Plans to Add Three Additional Charities to Recipient List in 2013

DESTIN, Fla., July 24, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation donated $1.2 million to 11 children's charities located throughout Okaloosa and Walton counties.  

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120724/DC44776-INFO)  

"This is the first time that we have given over a million dollars, "said John Russell, president, Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation. "We have increased revenue every year since the inception of the Wine Auction in 2006. As a result, we have been able to generate increased recognition and participation.

"The overriding mission of our organization is to enhance the lives of the children in our community. As our giving capacity continues to grow, we are able to provide increased assistance. Our participants are very connected to the organizations we help. All of the funds we donate stay right here on the Emerald Coast."

The 11 partner charities were presented checks at a reception sponsored by Coastal Accounting. DCWAF board members, executive staff, patrons and sponsors joined together for an emotionally-charged evening that celebrated each of the recipient charities and their good works and projects made possible through the DCWAF gifts. Seven of the recipient charities received more than $100,000 each. The other five agencies received grants of $10,000 or more, depending upon their request to the Foundation. (A list of recipient charities along with their individual gifts and planned programs accompanies this document).

"Children in Crisis has been a recipient of the Foundation's generosity for six years, " said Ken Hair, president and CEO.  "The Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation's gifts to us total almost $1 million and have helped us to provide assistance to hundreds of kids in need. The Foundation has been a wonderful community partner to a lot of the local children's organizations."

The 2012 Auction included 31 vintners from all over the world. Each year, new vintners ask to be included allowing the Destin Charity Win Auction Foundation to offer unique wines and wine-oriented trips, many of which are unavailable at other venues. This year's revenues represent a 39 percent increase over 2011 results. As a result, the Destin Charity Wine Auction will likely rank among the Top Ten charity wine auctions in the U.S.

This year's recipient charities are: Children in Crisis, Sacred Heart Hospital of the Emerald Coast, the Emerald Coast Children's Advocacy Center, the Children's Volunteer Network, Youth Village, Shelter House, Habitat for Humanity of Walton County, Pathways for Change, Horizons, Emerald Coast Autism Center and Fisher House of the Emerald Coast.

The organizations which will be added to this recipient list next year are the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast Food for Thought and Okaloosa Walton Homeless Continuum of Care/Opportunity Inc.

"We are very optimistic that we can sustain the momentum generated this year into 2013," said Russell. "The reputation of the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation continues to grow.  We are attracting  top tier vintners and chefs to our events and our auction attendees look forward to the ability to secure rare and unusual wines.  But the cornerstone of our organization and the reason we exist is to enhance the lives of our children in our local communities. That is our mission; that is our goal."

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, the DCWAF has donated more than $4.7 million to Emerald Coast children's charities by hosting world-class wine and food 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.     

Contact:
Lauren Magli
850-650-3732
[email protected]

SOURCE Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation