Sandestin Wine Festival Tops off a Successful 2018 Festival by Donating More Than $65,000

Miramar Beach, Fla (June 29, 2018) - The 32 nd Annual Sandestin Wine Festival, the most established and continuously running wine festival in the Florida Panhandle, announced today the organization donated $65,940 to two deserving local charities. The proceeds are from the four-day event, held April 12th -15th, 2018 at the Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort.

Sandestin Foundation for Kids and Fisher House of the Emerald Coast were presented with checks totaling $32,970 each which was made possible by the success of this year’s festival and sold out Grand Tasting events on Friday and Saturday.

“Without the support of our community and volunteers, the Sandestin Wine Festival would not be the success that it is today. For an event that is rich in history and culture, the volunteers work very hard to make sure the guest experience is seamless from one year to the next. It gives me great pride to know the event benefits such worthy charities as the Sandestin Foundation for Kids and Fisher House of the Emerald Coast, and we look forward to the continued partnership for many years to come,” stated Alan Meyers, The Village of Baytowne Wharf executive director.

“The Sandestin Wine Festival is truly a team effort, combined with the popularity of this annual world-class event and the generosity of our supporters contributing their time and resources.” said Teresa Halverson, president of Fisher House of the Emerald Coast, Inc. “This donation helps us keep military families together when facing a medical crisis, furthering the legacy began by Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher. We are blessed with community partners and volunteers with big hearts who believe like we do that family is the best medicine.”

Sara Becnel, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort executive director and co-trustee of the Sandestin Foundation for Kids, said, “We are so grateful to our community, the volunteers and everyone who made the 32nd Sandestin Wine Festival such a success. This generous support will allow the Foundation to make a direct and immediate impact on children and their families, both locally and around the world, who face challenges including health and economic issues.”

The 33rd Annual Sandestin Wine Festival is set for April 11th -14th , 2019. Chief sponsors of the Sandestin Wine Festival include Coastal Living, ABC Fine Wine & Spirits, Visit South Walton, 30A, EC Magazine, 850 Magazine, and SoWal.

About Sandestin Foundation for Kids
The Sandestin Foundation for Kids was founded in 2011 by the owners of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, the Becnel Family. The structure of the organization allows for funds to be quickly gifted to children and families. Sandestin Foundation for Kids goal is to provide support immediately, when it is needed most to children throughout the community and abroad. The Sandestin Foundation for Kids is a tax-deductible 501(c)(3) governed by a Board of Trustees. For additional information or to make a donation visit sandestinfoundationforkids.org.

About Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is a major destination for all seasons and all ages, and was named the #1 Resort on Florida’s Emerald Coast. The resort invites guests to a world of 2,400 acres and 30 charming neighborhoods featuring 1,300 vacation rentals, condominiums, villas, town homes and the best in hotel accommodations. As a member of Visit South Walton and Visit Florida, the resort features more than seven miles of beaches and pristine bay front, four championship golf courses, 15 world-class tennis courts, 19 swimming pools, a 113-slip marina, a fitness center and spa, meeting space and The Village of Baytowne Wharf, a charming pedestrian village with events, shopping, dining and nightlife. People are invited to download Sandestin’s APP for iPhone and Android devices, or become a Facebook Fan or Twitter follower for the latest events and news.

About The Village of Baytowne Wharf
Located along the shores of the Choctawhatchee Bay in Northwest Florida, The Village of Baytowne Wharf features an array of boutiques, eateries, galleries and nightlife -- not to mention a jam-packed schedule of outdoor festivals and special events for the entire family. Recently voted Best Place to Be Seen on the Emerald Coast and Best Local Attraction, Baytowne Wharf features 16 retail shops, 11 activity and entertainment establishments, and 20 award winning restaurants and night clubs. For more information on events and merchant happenings, follow Baytowne’s Facebook posts and live tweets.