Sandestin Foundation for Kids: 2025 Year in Review

At Sandestin Foundation for Kids (SDFK), our mission is rooted in compassion, community, and creating meaningful impact for children and families in need. In 2025, that mission came to life through a series of powerful events, generous partnerships, and unwavering community support.

Thanks to our donors, sponsors, volunteers, and participants, SDFK proudly donated approximately $150,000 in charitable contributions in 2025, supporting children locally, nationally, and across the globe.

Giving Through Signature Events 

Throughout 2025, Sandestin Foundation for Kids hosted and supported several signature fundraising events that brought our community together for a greater purpose.

• Swing With Heart united golfers, sponsors, and supporters for a meaningful day on the course, raising critical funds to support children and families in need while honoring the power of collective generosity.
  Read more
• Trot for a Cause, Sandestin’s annual Turkey Trot, continued its tradition of combining fitness, family fun, and philanthropy — supporting SDFK’s mission while creating a memorable holiday experience for participants of all ages.
  Read more
• The Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic (ECBC) also played a meaningful role in supporting Sandestin Foundation for Kids in 2025. Through tournament-related fundraising and charitable initiatives, ECBC helps advance SDFK’s mission to support children and families in need along the Emerald Coast.
  Read more

These events not only raised vital funds but also strengthened the sense of community that defines Sandestin Foundation for Kids.

Making Wishes Come True

$63,000 donated to Make-A-Wish

In 2025, SDFK proudly donated $63,000 to Make-A-Wish, toggle supporting eight children and their families as they experienced unforgettable “wish” moments during incredibly challenging times.

These wishes included:

• Magical trips to Disney
• Colorado ski adventures
• In-person meet-and-greets with Ninja Kidz

Each wish represented more than an experience; it was a moment of hope, joy, and relief for children and their families.

Extending Our Impact Globally 

$50,000 donated to international children’s initiatives

SDFK’s mission extends beyond our local community. In 2025, $50,000 supported children and families internationally, including:

• A children’s orphanage in Tanzania
• Tuition, school uniforms, and educational supplies for students in Kenya
• Clothing, clean water, and food supplies for villages throughout Africa

These contributions helped meet both immediate needs and long-term educational goals for children in underserved communities.

Supporting Children Close to Home 

The remaining funds from SDFK’s 2025 giving supported a variety of local and national organizations, including:

• Food for Thought – Holiday giving initiatives
• Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center – Holiday support
• Destin Elementary School
• Walton County Guardian ad Litem Foundation – Holiday giving
• Wright Elementary School – School supply drive
• Tunnel to Towers Foundation
• Foundation Academy – Supporting extensive medical treatments for a student in need

Each organization plays a vital role in protecting, educating, and supporting children during times of need.

Looking Ahead

Every dollar donated in 2025 reflects a shared commitment to kindness, generosity, and hope. Sandestin Foundation for Kids remains deeply grateful to everyone who made this year possible, from event participants and sponsors to volunteers and donors.

As we look ahead to 2026, Sandestin Foundation for Kids remains committed to continuing our mission of supporting children and families in need. Through the ongoing generosity of our community, we will build upon this year’s impact and create even more opportunities to give back.

In 2026, upcoming initiatives that will continue to support SDFK include signature events such as Sandestin’s Annual Turkey Trot, the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic, and additional community partnerships and fundraising efforts throughout the year.

Thank you for helping Sandestin Foundation for Kids make a difference one child, one family, and one community at a time.