The Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation distributed more than $3 million to 15 children’s charities serving Northwest Florida during a private check presentation ceremony Thursday at Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, while also announcing the establishment of a permanent endowment backed by a $5 million gift from the Ocoee Foundation.
- The Ocoee Foundation gift is the largest single donation in DCWAF history, according to the foundation. Combined with additional gifts secured over the past 12 months, the contribution will help strengthen the organization’s long-term sustainability and ensure its mission continues for generations, DCWAF said.
“For the past 15 years we have witnessed the compassion and effort by the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation’s staff to touch so many children and youth charities in Northwest Florida,” said Ocoee Foundation Founders John and Margaret Sheehan. “We believe in this charity and hope our gift can inspire others to donate and ensure its success going forward.”
Since its founding in 2005, DCWAF has donated more than $42 million to help children in need throughout Northwest Florida.
“This is a defining moment for DCWAF; one that celebrates the extraordinary impact we are making for children today while securing our ability to serve them for generations to come,” said DCWAF President Karah Fridley-Young. “Distributing millions to our charity partners is a powerful reflection of what our community makes possible each year, and the Ocoee Foundation’s transformational gift ensures that this work will continue well into the future.”
Donors who contribute $25,000 or more to the endowment before the end of the year will be recognized as Founders. DCWAF said the designation is available only during the endowment’s inaugural period, and the organization celebrated those who have already contributed with a champagne toast at the ceremony.
The following charities are being funded by DCWAF in 2026:
- Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast
- Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast
- Caring & Sharing of South Walton
- Children’s Home Society of Florida
- Children in Crisis
- Children’s Volunteer Health Network
- Ellison McCraney Ingram Foundation
- Emerald Coast Autism Center
- Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center
- Habitat for Humanity of Walton County
- Mental Health Association of Okaloosa and Walton Counties
- Opportunity Place, Inc.
- Point Washington Medical Clinic
- Westonwood Ranch
DCWAF also awarded Northwest Florida Guardian ad Litem $25,000 to support its Children in Need Fund, which provides shoes, clothing and specialized services to children navigating the foster care system. The grant is the first awarded through DCWAF’s newly launched Emerging Impact Grant program, which expands the foundation’s regional reach through smaller, program-specific grants.
Emerging Impact Grants are designed to introduce promising new nonprofit partners to DCWAF or support organizations whose needs or resources may not require a full-scale partnership, the foundation said.
The next Destin Charity Wine Auction Weekend is set for April 23-24, 2027. Tickets and details will be released in January.
