Destin Mayor’s Charity Gala returns in October with black-tie night raising money for three local nonprofits
Destin, Florida – Destin’s fall calendar will get a formal touch on Oct. 16, when tuxedos, live music and a charity auction return to The Henderson Beach Resort for an evening built around local giving.
The 2nd Annual Mayor’s Charity Gala will bring together residents, business owners and community leaders, with organizers saying 100 percent of ticket and sponsorship proceeds will support three Northwest Florida nonprofits.
Presented by Emerald Coast Entertainment Group, the black-tie event will begin at 5:30 p.m. at The Henderson Beach Resort, 200 Henderson Resort Way. Destin Mayor Bobby Wagner will open the program, while Bernard Johnson and Destin Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Shane Moody will serve as co-hosts. Event listings show the gala running until 10 p.m.
The evening will include cocktails, a plated dinner, live musical performances and an auction featuring luxury packages and getaways. Guests will also hear remarks from community leaders and this year’s honorees.
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Destin City Council member Dewey Destin will receive the Mayor Mike Anderson Award. Destin, a descendant of city namesake Capt. Leonard Destin, has served in local elected office across several decades and was the top vote-getter in Destin’s 2024 municipal election. In May 2026, the Florida League of Cities recognized him with the John Land Years of Service Award for 25 years in elected office.
The gala will also present a Community Appreciation Award to guest speaker Mark Wilson.
Money raised will benefit The Honor Foundation, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast and the Destin Parks Foundation. Their work includes career-transition support for U.S. Special Operations Forces, youth development and after-school programs, and privately funded improvements to Destin parks and recreation facilities.
Individual admission costs $86 and includes dinner, entertainment, auction access and open seating. Table sponsorships are available for $1,500, while $2,500 Gold sponsorships include a reserved table for 10, additional promotion and other event benefits.
Tickets and sponsorship details are available at mayorscharitygalanwfl.com and through Eventbrite.
The gala debuted in 2025, and organizers are continuing to sell individual seats and sponsored tables ahead of its second year. Returning guest Will Estell summed up the anticipation on the city’s Facebook post: “It’s going to be a Great second year for what was already a wonderful event to attend last year.”
