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.
