The Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation recently donated its largest sum to 11 children’s charities, and revealed that it hopes to add three more organizations to its recipient list next year.
The $1.2 million donation was given to charities in Okaloosa and Walton counties.
The foundation’s president, Mr. John Russell, said:
“This is the first time that we have given over a million dollars. We have increased revenue every year since the inception of the Wine Auction in 2006. As a result, we have been able to generate increased recognition and participation.
The overriding mission of our organization is to enhance the lives of the children in our community. As our giving capacity continues to grow, we are able to provide increased assistance. Our participants are very connected to the organizations we help. All of the funds we donate stay right here on the Emerald Coast.”
One of the benefitting charities is Children in Crisis. President and CEO Ken Hair explained: “Children in Crisis has been a recipient of the Foundation’s generosity for six years. The Destin Wine Auction Foundation’s gifts to us total almost $1 million and have helped us to provide assistance to hundreds of kids in need. The Foundation has been a wonderful community partner to a lot of the local children’s organizations.”
This year’s charities include Children in Crisis, Sacred Heart Hospital of the Emerald Coast, the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center, the Children’s Volunteer Network, Youth Village, Shelter House, Habitat for Humanity of Walton County, Pathways for Change, Horizons, Emerald Coast Autism Center and Fisher House of the Emerald Coast.
Next year’s three new charities are: the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast, Food for Thought, and Okaloosa Walton Homeless Continuum of Care/Opportunity, Inc.
Russel said:
“We are very optimistic that we can sustain the momentum generated this year into 2013. The reputation of the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation continues to grow. We are attracting top tier vintners and chefs to our events and our auction attendees look forward to the ability to secure rare and unusual wines. But the cornerstone of our organization and the reason we exist is to enhance the lives of our children in our local communities. That is our mission; that is our goal.”