Along with the Fisher House of the Emerald Coast, Food For Thought is honored to be a return beneficiary of this year's Eggs On The Beach grilling competition. Make plans to join us on October 15th for the 8th Annual, Bay Breeze Patio, Eggs on the Beach! 

What is an EggFest?
An EggFest is a gathering of people who love the Big Green Egg. The Big Green Egg is an all-in-one smoker and grill, and those who have tried it know that everything tastes better on the Egg. Foods are so delicious that the Big Green Egg now has a loyal following of chefs and admirers (also known as "EggHeads") who specialize in cooking great-tasting food using only these grills. EggHeads travel from all over the country to cook and compete for best tasting dish.

Presented by Bay Breeze Patio, Eggs on the Beach will be held at Seascape Resort in Miramar Beach, just east of Destin, Florida. The next EggFest will be be held on Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and will be complemented by the scenic coastal setting, resort amenities, live music and more. 

There are two groups who attend EggFest: Cooks and Tasters. Cooks bring their own food and cook a variety of dishes on a Big Green Egg, which is provided for each cooking team. Tasters come to taste the delectable dishes and vote on their favorites.

Visit  http://www.eggsonthebeach.com/ to purchase your tickets. 

Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation Surpasses $28 Million Donated to Help Children in Need in Northwest Florida

$3.775 Million donated to 16 Northwest Florida Children’s Charities in 2022 during a private check presentation ceremony at the Henderson Beach Resort

August 31, 2022 (Miramar Beach, Fla.) – Premier fundraising organization, Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF), is pleased to announce it has donated more than $28 million to help children in need in Northwest Florida since its inception in 2005. This year alone, DCWAF donated $3.775 million to 16 children’s charities in Northwest Florida following the highest grossing auction in Foundation history. Funding was awarded in a private check presentation ceremony at the Henderson Beach Resort August 31. The total amount donated by DCWAF includes a surprise, late donation by local philanthropist, Ryan Jumonville. The Jumonville Family’s donation brings DCWAF’s gross auction revenue to a record-breaking $4 million.

“This year’s record-breaking contribution is truly a testament to the philanthropic spirit of the DCWAF community,” said Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation President Karah Fridley-Young. “After two years of virtual events, the energy in the auction tent last spring was palpable and the amount raised for children in need was humbling. These funds will have a profound impact on the lives of thousands of children, and we are grateful for the opportunity to support our charity partners; all of whom are doing important work within our community.”

The 2022 recipients of Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation funds include:

AMIkids Emerald Coast received $145,000 to fund a GED program for at risk students between the ages of 16 – 24.

Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast received $200,000 to fund a new CT scanner to help diagnose and accurately treat pediatric patients in the Emergency Department.

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast received $200,000 to allow 250 students from low-income households to attend programming for one full year. The programming is designed to provide unique opportunities to learn, grow, and recognize youth for their achievements in an effort to steer them clear of personal failure.

Children in Crisis received $200,000 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 lifestyle over the next year.

Children’s Volunteer Health Network received $200,000 to fund and serve underinsured and uninsured children in need of dental care. These funds will allow for hygienists and staff on the Mobile Dental Clinic, the Healthcare Referral Network, and dental supplies for the Mobile Clinic to assist with children in need of dental care.

Ellison McCraney Ingram Foundation received $140,000 to fund scholarships for teens that have received help from at least one DCWAF charity partner in their lifetime. 

Emerald Coast Autism Center received $250,000 to support the ECAC Phase II Learning Center Capital Campaign which will provide a new building for teens entering the Transition to Work program, and in turn allow the Autism Center more space on their primary campus to serve young children on the spectrum in need of behavioral therapy.  

Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center received $325,000 to support mental health therapy program, 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 prevention program that that educate and empower students and all relevant adults with information and strategies to prevent, recognize, and respond appropriately to all types of child abuse and exploitation.

Food for Thought Outreach received $200,000 to fund food and other supplies for their Backpack and In-School Snack Programs available to over 3,400 students receiving free or reduced lunch, and Holiday Services, offered at each pantry location to supplement the needs of families struggling with food insecurity.

Habitat for Humanity of Walton County received $250,000 to fund one new home for a family in Walton County and the infrastructure of Hope Village including roadwork, power lines, and utility taps.

Mental Health Association of Okaloosa and Walton Counties received $150,000 to fund the Brain Health Program geared toward early identification, assessment, and treatment for approximately 25 uninsured students ages 12 to 21 who experience mental health or substance abuse issues.

Opportunity Place, Inc. received $165,000 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, literacy program, shelter services, child and family assistance, and enrichment activities.

Shelter House of Northwest Florida received $175,000 to fund mental health play therapy, counseling, and advocacy for youth affected by domestic violence as well as childcare, and other program supplies.

The Arc of the Emerald Coast received $200,000 to fund the renovation of their facility warehouse into an after-school program center for children living with developmental differences.

Westonwood Ranch received $275,000 for scholarships for individuals with developmental differences to include the Part-Time Job Skills Program as well as funding their micro business programs and cottage expansion project.

Youth Village received $200,000 to fund program operations and scholarships for children from low-income households to attend their VPK and after-school programs as well as the renovation of two outdoor play areas.

DCWAF is also proud to make its largest contribution to date to the Jumonville Family Children’s Fund; a reserve fund intended to serve as a safety net for DCWAF and its benefitting charities during emergency situations. The dates for next year’s Destin Charity Wine Auction Weekend, the Foundation’s signature fundraising event, are set for April 28 - 29, 2023. The Foundation is already planning in anticipation of its 18th annual auction and will release tickets and details in January. Learn more at http://www.DCWAF.org.