Walton County supports events that give back every year, in and out of the area. One of the most celebrated is its annual partnership with the Emeril Lagasse Foundation, ELF, which hosts New Orleans events that draw foodies and everyday food lovers from far and wide. Though some of this year’s events required alterations to ensure guest safety, they’re as popular as ever. And Walton County has a presence at each one.
Emeril is notoriously New Orleanian, but also has a residence in Walton County, where his kids attend school, and has brought the Crescent City’s flavor to Florida in ways that give back to the community. Through Emeril Lagasse Foundation’s partnership with the Walton County Tourism Department, significant charitable contributions are made possible. Beloved events like Boudin, Bourbon & Beer, Carnivale du Vin, ChiChi Miguel in Miramar Beach, and Line, Vine & Dine in Fort Lauderdale don’t just draw crowds, they draw funding and support that keeps giving long after the plates and glasses are put away.
In addition to ELF, Visit South Walton partners annually with the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation. As part of this program, the South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival receives funds for promoting the celebrated event, ensuring its success each year and bringing dollars to the charitable work the foundation does in the community. Outreach efforts like Food For Thought fight child hunger year-round, bridge the gap between school meals during weekends and school breaks, as well as offer education and resources through the Emeril Lagasse Full-Circle Kitchen and Full-Circle Gardens.
In forging these important alliances, Visit South Walton is able to not only contribute to events that bring well-deserved attention to the destination, but that create a system of giving back in meaningful, ongoing ways to the communities they serve.
