Staff report

DESTIN —A fundraiser for Shelter House of Northwest Florida raised over $33,800, the largest amount in the organization’s history.

According to a press release, more than 150 guests attended Shelter House’s 2nd Annual Palate and Palette Five-Course Wine Dinner and Live Painting on Jan. 27 at the Legendary Marine showroom in Destin. All proceeds went to Shelter House, the state-certified domestic and sexual violence center that has served Okaloosa and Walton counties for more than 30 years.

The $33,800 or more raised made Palate and Palette the largest fundraising event since the organization was formed in 1985, the press release said.

The evening featured a live painting and a performance by Jon Moody, a multi-medium artist from New Orleans.

Palate and Palette also featured the area’s top chefs, each presenting one course as Moody’s painting came to life. The lineup of culinary talent this year included Jack McGuckin, executive chef at Bijoux Restaurant and Spirits; Nikhil Abuvala, owner and executive chef at Roux 30a; Wesley True, executive culinary director at The Gulf Okaloosa Island; Tim Creehan, owner and executive chef of Cuvee 30A; Dan Pettis, executive chef of Fuel Restaurant and One20: A Modern Bistro; and Giovanni Fillippone, executive chef at the Vue on 30A.

Wines were provided by Republic National Distributing Company, Southern Wine and Spirits and Krutz Family Winery of Sonoma County, California. Select food and ingredients were donated by Whole Foods in Destin. Local beverage companies Timber Creek Distillery and Grayton Beer Company served craft cocktails and beers.

There also was a silent auction that included trips, dining experiences, gift cards, wine and more. B-Boy Productions provide entertainment with a DJ . Guests also placed bids on Moody’s artwork. 

Other event sponsors were RSVP Events, Gulf Power, The One-Destin, Flip Flop Real Estate and Marsha Babe of ERA Real Estate Niceville.

“To see the success of this event literally double within just one year is truly incredible,” said Rosalyn Wik-Iovieno, executive director of Shelter House. “The challenge our world is facing with domestic violence and sexual assault has received a substantial amount of attention in the media recently, so it speaks volumes to see our local community recognize that and step up to support our mission.”