Sandestin Wine Festival Raises $20,000 for Local Charities

Proceeds benefit both Fisher House and Sandestin Foundation for Kids

MIRAMAR BEACH, Fl, July 14, 2015 /PRNewswire/ - The Sandestin Wine Festival, the most established and continuously running wine festival on the Florida Panhandle, announced today that the organization has recently donated $20,000 to local charities and philanthropic causes from the proceeds of the four day event, held this past spring at The Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort.

Both the Fisher House of the Emerald Coast and Sandestin Foundation for Kids were presented with checks totaling $10,000 each.

Kim Henderson, executive director of Fisher House of the Emerald Coast, commented, "Continued support from the Sandestin Wine Festival supports military families staying with us during a medical crisis by providing families with the comforts of home. Thanks to these donations, we were recently able to fly in a family member who could not afford the cost, so they could be with their Ranger son during a major surgery."

The 2015 Sandestin Wine Festival also provides support to another local program, Sandestin Foundation for Kids, which assists children in need. Sara Becnel, executive director of the Sandestin Foundation for Kids, said, "I want to thank everyone associated with the Sandestin Wine Festival for providing these proceeds to support the Sandestin Foundation for Kids," said Sara Becnel, executive director. "The Foundation is here to provide support for families immediately and when it is needed most for children throughout the Emerald Coast and abroad. Our goal is to make a meaningful and positive difference in children's lives. We appreciate the support, so our amazing stories of healing and success can be told."

"In its 29th year, our festival remains committed to supporting these two local charities," commented Alan Meyers, the Village of Baytowne Wharf executive director. "We have a long standing relationship with these two local charities and continue to support each one's mission. They are instrumental in providing volunteer support to help with the festival and we look forward to continuing our partnership and hope to increase our contribution for the 30^th Annual Sandestin Wine Festival," concluded Meyers.

The 30^th Annual Sandestin Wine Festival is set for April 14-17, 2016.

For more information about the Sandestin Wine Festival, visit www.sandestinwinefestival.com.

About the Sandestin Wine Festival
The Sandestin Wine Festival is the longest, continuously running wine festival in the Southeast. Thousands of people enjoy festival events including Sparkling Wine and Holiday Lights on Nov.14, plus Wine Dinners, Seminars and Grand Wine Tastings in April. For information, visit www.sandestinwinefestival.com.

About Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is a major destination for all seasons and all ages, and was named the #1 resort on Florida's Emerald Coast. The resort invites guests to a world of 2,400 acres and 30 charming neighborhoods featuring more than 1,250 South Walton vacation rentals, condominiums, villas, town homes and the best in Destin hotel accommodations. As a member of Visit South Walton and Visit Florida, the resort features more than seven miles of beaches and pristine bay front, four championship golf courses, 15 world-class tennis courts, 19 swimming pools, a 113-slip marina, a fitness center and spa, meeting space and The Village of Baytowne Wharf, a charming pedestrian village with events, shopping, dining and nightlife. People are invited to download Sandestin's APP for iPhone and Android devices, or become a Facebook Fan or Twitter follower for the latest events and news.

SOURCE Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort