Friends,
For more than 20 years, this community’s generosity has helped Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation provide lifechanging support to children across Northwest Florida. Together, we have built a legacy of compassion, impact, and unwavering commitment As we look toward the future, our responsibility is clear: to ensure this work remains strong and sustainable for generations to come.
That is why we are excited to share an important evolution in our long-term vision: the expansion of the Legacy Society with DCWAF’s dedicated endowment fund.
What the Legacy Society Is
The Legacy Society is an endowment fund created to sustain the mission of DCWAF far into the future Endowment gifts are invested, not spent, allowing the fund to grow over time. Only a portion of the earnings may be used when needed, ensuring the principal remains intact This structure creates a permanent, reliable source of financial stability for the Foundation.
Why This Endowment Matters
While our annual auction and events power incredible grants each year, an endowment strengthens our ability to operate responsibly, adapt strategically, and plan boldly By expanding the Legacy Society, we deepen our long-term sustainability, providing a strong foundation that protects our mission regardless of economic climate or unforeseen challenges
Endowment gifts help us build and maintain a carefully invested reserve, overseen by a designated committee of DCWAF Board members. This fund is essential to our future and to the vision we hold for the children we serve.
It is our hope that, with continued growth of the Legacy Society endowment, we will one day be able to guarantee that every dollar raised through our auction and events goes directly to the children, while the endowment supports the operational strength that makes it all possible
Why This Matters Now
The world changes quickly, and nonprofits must remain resilient in the face of uncertainty A strong, thoughtfully managed reserve positions DCWAF to continue making transformational grants, no matter what challenges arise. Expanding the Legacy Society is the most strategic step we can take to protect our mission and safeguard the future of the children we serve.
A Lasting Impact
Joining the Legacy Society is more than a gift it is a declaration of belief in the work we do together It honors the past, strengthens the present, and builds the future. Most importantly, it ensures that the children of Northwest Florida can continue to rely on the support this community has so faithfully provided
If you would like to learn more about how you can be a part of this important effort, our team would be honored to have that conversation
Thank you for your unwavering trust, generosity, and partnership The heart of DCWAF has always been our supporters, and this next chapter is made possible because of you
With Gratitude,
Karah Fridley-Young
President, Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation
Changing the Lives of Children
Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation donated $3.1 million to 17 Northwest Florida children’s charities on September 18 at the Hilton Sandestin, marking more than $38 million donated to non-profit organizations serving children in Northwest Florida.
“As we move beyond our 20th year of operation, I can’t help but reflect upon the true impact of $38 million on the children of our community. More than 60 Habitat for Humanity houses, a Level II NICU unit, two dental buses, support services for the homeless, abused, and neglected, and countless other lifesaving programs. I am eternally grateful for the support of our donors and look forward to continuing our work to ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive.” —
Karah Fridley-Young, DCWAF President
Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast
Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast received $210,000 for fetal monitors, Giraffe warmers, and other equipment to elevate the level of care provided in the Level II NICU.
TOTAL CONTRIBUTION IN 2024-2025
$210,000
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast received $250,000 for a two-part program that will provide on-site access to a licensed Mental Health Counselor for youths in mental health crisis, and to subsidize the operational costs of providing youth development programming that will impact more than 200 lowincome youths annually from kindergarten to grade 12 during afterschool and summer months.
TOTAL CONTRIBUTION IN 2024-2025
$250,000
Caring & Sharing of South Walton
Caring & Sharing of South Walton received $200,000 to expand their community resources including family counseling and their Kids Specific Pantry Program which provides food, diapers, wipes, formula, and other necessary supplies to families in need in Walton County
TOTAL CONTRIBUTION IN 2024 2025
$200,000
Children in Crisis
Children in Crisis received $225,000 to fund the facilitation of housing for abused, neglected, and abandoned children. On-site housing provides stability, shelter, house parents, food, clothing, and necessary items to help children live a safe and healthy li fest y le.
TOTAL CONTRIBUTION IN 2024-2025
$225,000
Children’s Home Society of Florida
Children’s Home Society of Florida received $150,000 to expand their community resources within the school system that provide critical services ranging from tutoring to medical and behavioral health care to help eliminate barriers to care for school age children in need in Northwest Florida.
TOTAL CONTRIBUTION IN 2024-2025
$150,000
Children’s Volunteer Health Network
Children’s Volunteer Health Network received $175,000 to fund and serve underinsured and uninsured children in need of dental care. These funds will allow for staff, supplies, and maintenance for the Mobile Dental Clinic to assist children in need with the most basic dental care to more advanced care
TOTAL CONTRIBUTION IN 2024-2025
$175,000
Ellison McCraney Ingram Foundation
Ellison McCraney Ingram Foundation received $200,000 to fund scholarships for teens that have received help from at least one DCWAF charity partner in their lifetime
TOTAL CONTRIBUTION IN 2024-2025
$200,000
Emerald Coast Autism Center
Emerald Coast Autism Center received $200,000 to support the ECAC Phase II Learning Center Capital Campaign which provides space for teens entering the Transition to Work program and in turn allows the Autism Center more space on their primary campus to serve young children on the spectrum in need of behavioral therapy
TOTAL CONTRIBUTION IN 2024-2025
$200,000
Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center
Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center received $225,000 to support mental health therapy programs, the case advocacy program that facilitates a child-friendly atmosphere offering counseling, family services, and coordination of investigations for child abuse and neglect, and the CARES prevention program that educates and empowers students and adults with information and strategies to prevent, recognize, and respond appropriately to all types of child abuse and exploitation.
TOTAL CONTRIBUTION IN 2024-2025
$225,000
Habitat for Humanity of Walton County
Habitat for Humanity of Walton County received $275,000 to fund three new homes for families in Walton County, providing safe and secure housing in perpetuity for the children of the recipient families.
TOTAL CONTRIBUTION IN 2024-2025
$275,000
Mental Health Association of Okaloosa and Walton Counties
Mental Health Association of Okaloosa and Walton Counties received $137,000 to fund the Brain Health Program geared toward early identification, assessment, and treatment for uninsured students ages 12 to 21 who experience mental health or substance abuse issues.
TOTAL CONTRIBUTION IN 2024-2025
$137,000
Opportunity Place, Inc.
Opportunity Place, Inc. received $175,000 to fund immediate housing for homeless children and their families to ensure they are safe and secure These funds will facilitate a variety of child services including child-centered case management support, a literacy program, shelter services, child and family assistance, and enrichment activities
TOTAL CONTRIBUTION IN 2024-2025
$175,000
Point Washington Medical Clinic
Point Washington Medical Clinic received $150,000 to fund essential pediatric medications, family nutrition programmings, and the educational play area within their facility designed to provide free medical care, education, and resources to uninsured families.
TOTAL CONTRIBUTION IN 2024-2025
$150,000
Shelter House Domestic Violence Center
Shelter House received $93,000 to fund mental health play therapy, counseling, and advocacy for youth affected by domestic violence as well as childcare and program supplies.
TOTAL CONTRIBUTION IN 2024-2025
$93,000
The Arc of the Emerald Coast
The Arc of the Emerald Coast received $100,000 to fund the renovation of their children’s daycare program facility for children living with developmental differences.
TOTAL CONTRIBUTION IN 2024-2025
$100,000
Westonwood Ranch
Westonwood Ranch received $175,000 for scholarships for individuals with developmental differences as well as providing transportation support for students who live in Okaloosa and Walton Counties to make their program accessible and reduce transportation barriers.
TOTAL CONTRIBUTION IN 2024-2025
$175,000
Youth Village
Youth Village received $160,000 to fund program operations, teacher salaries, and scholarships for children from low-income households to attend their VPK and after-school programs.
TOTAL CONTRIBUTION IN 2024-2025
$160,000
