Florida Wine Auction Gives $3M to Kids, Gets $5M Gift

A wine charity that has spent two decades helping children just took a major step toward making its mission permanent.

The Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation distributed more than $3 million to 15 children's charities across Northwest Florida during a celebration ceremony on August 27. The grants support everything from autism services to foster care programs, touching the lives of vulnerable kids throughout the region.

Since launching in 2005, the foundation has donated over $42 million to help more than 100,000 children in need. The money funds critical programs for kids facing health challenges, abuse, poverty, and other hardships that no child should face alone.

This year's ceremony held special significance beyond the annual grants. John and Margaret Sheehan, founders of the Ocoee Foundation, announced a $5 million gift to establish a permanent endowment. It's the largest single donation in the charity's history.

"For the past 15 years we have witnessed the compassion and effort by the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation's staff to touch so many children and youth charities in Northwest Florida," the Sheehans said. "We believe in this charity and hope our gift can inspire others to donate and ensure its success going forward."

The endowment changes everything for the foundation and the children it serves. Instead of relying solely on annual fundraising, the organization now has a financial cushion that generates ongoing support. President Karah Fridley-Young called it "a defining moment" that secures the foundation's ability to serve children for generations.

The 2026 funding supports organizations like Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast, Emerald Coast Autism Center, and Children's Home Society of Florida. Each charity receives grants to expand programs that directly improve children's lives.

The Ripple Effect

The Ocoee Foundation's gift does more than fund future programs. It sends a powerful message that investing in children's wellbeing creates lasting community change.

The foundation also launched its first Emerging Impact Grant, awarding $25,000 to Northwest Florida Guardian ad Litem for shoes, clothing, and services for foster children. The new grant program lets the foundation support more organizations with targeted funding.

Donors who contribute $25,000 or more to the endowment by year's end receive special recognition as Founders. This one-time opportunity lets supporters literally help build the foundation's future.

The next Destin Charity Wine Auction Weekend happens April 23-24, 2027, where wine lovers will gather again to change children's lives one bottle at a time.