The Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation raised a record-breaking $3.55 million for children in need during its 20th anniversary event this weekend, marking a $350,000 increase over last year’s total.

• The two-day fundraiser, presented by the Jumonville Family, drew more than 600 guests to sold-out events on April 25-26 across venues spanning from Destin to Rosemary Beach, with proceeds benefiting 17 partner children’s charities throughout Northwest Florida.

“This year’s Destin Charity Wine Auction was unforgettable. Together, we raised $3.55 million to change lives — a milestone made even more meaningful as we celebrated 20 years of impact and honored the founders who made it all possible,” said DCWAF President Karah Fridley-Young.

The weekend began with 12 patron dinners in private homes and restaurants Friday, collectively raising $978,600. Saturday’s live auction started with the foundation’s signature Magnum Force lot featuring 55 large-format bottles from past and present vintners, which sold for $60,500.

• A seven-night Barbados getaway claimed the top spot as the highest-selling individual lot at $120,000, followed by a South of France trip that fetched $105,000. Other notable sales included a custom barrel of Paul Sutton Bourbon with a distillery experience that sold twice for a combined $100,000, and a six-day Champagne and Alsace trip that sold three times totaling $105,000.

This year’s paddle raise also set a new record of $260,000.

The auction featured 48 live lots, 33 cellar lots, 18 super silent lots, and 143 silent lots, offering rare wines, luxury travel experiences and one-of-a-kind items. Funds will be distributed to the foundation’s charity partners during a private check presentation ceremony in August at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa. 

• Since its founding in 2005, DCWAF has donated more than $35 million to Northwest Florida charities, impacting over 100,000 children.

The 21st annual auction weekend is scheduled for April 24-26, 2026.

DCWAF’s 17 charity partners for 2025 include

• Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast
• Boys and Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast
• Caring & Sharing of South Walton
• Children’s Home Society of Florida
• Children in Crisis Inc.
• 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 Inc.
• Point Washington Medical Clinic
• Shelter House Domestic Violence Center
• The Arc of the Emerald Coast
• Westonwood Ranch
• Youth Village

For more information on the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation, visit here.