By Lori Leath Miller
There was no shortage of excitement, generosity or celebration during the 21st Annual Destin Charity Wine Auction presented by the Jumonville Family.
From spirited bidding wars and flowing wines to heartfelt conversations about the causes being supported, the sold-out event brought together more than 600 guests April 24-25 for a weekend dedicated to helping children throughout Northwest Florida. By the end of the weekend, that generosity translated into a record-breaking $4 million raised for local children in need — surpassing last year’s total by $550,000 and setting a new fundraising record in Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation history. “This historic year for Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation is a powerful reflection of what happens when generosity and purpose come together. Surpassing $4 million is more than a record—it represents real, life-changing impact for children across Northwest Florida,” said DCWAF President Karah Young.
Throughout the weekend, guests enjoyed patron dinners, exclusive wines, unique experiences and spirited live-auction bidding, all while supporting children and families across the region. One of the evening’s biggest moments came when a nine-night guided trip to Italy sold for an unprecedented $400,000 — the highest single lot sale in the event’s history. Two additional auction packages topped $100,000, marking the first time three individual lots have reached six figures in the same year.
While the auction’s headline numbers were impressive, the true beneficiaries are the thousands of children served by DCWAF’s 16 partner charities: 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, Northwest Florida Guardian ad Litem, Opportunity Inc., Point Washington Medical Clinic, Westonwood Ranch and Youth Village.
Now in its 21st year, the Destin Charity Wine Auction continues to demonstrate what makes Northwest Florida special: a community willing to come together, have fun and give generously to improve the lives of local children.
The 22nd Annual Destin Charity Wine Auction is scheduled for April 23-24, 2027. For more information, visit DCWAF.org.
