LIFESTYLE

Cafe Thirty-A's Christmas Ball raises a record-breaking $64,000 for Caring and Sharing

The Destin Log
Cafe Thirty-A Christmas Charity Ball raised $64,000 for Caring and Sharing of South Walton.

Café Thirty-A’s Annual Christmas Charity Ball, presented by honorary sponsors All Access Coach Leasing and Mercantile, was held on Dec. 2, 2023, and raised a record-breaking $64,000 for Caring and Sharing of South Walton, an organization that provides food and financial assistance to area families and individuals in need. 

The sold-out event welcomed over 300 guests to the festively decorated restaurant, courtesy of The Grove Salon. Ticket holders were greeted with complimentary valet, sponsored by Centennial Bank, and a glass of champagne, courtesy of Corcoran Reverie. Inside, event goers enjoyed heavy hors d’oeuvres, a gourmet dinner buffet, a cash bar sponsored by Hannah Martin of Coastal Luxury, and dessert courtesy of Coastal Insurance. Sponsors and VIP attendees also received exclusive access to a pre-party event presented by Bert Summerville of Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty. 

Throughout the night, guests had the opportunity to view and bid on various pieces of art, jewelry, gift baskets, and other luxurious items featured in the extensive silent auction.  

This was the first charity ball held since longtime owner, Harriet Crommelin, passed away in early 2023. 

More than 300 people attended the Christmas Charity Ball at Cafe Thirty-A.

"It is a privilege and honor to host this event for Caring and Sharing of South Walton,” said Jackie Maliszewski, co-owner of Café Thirty-A. “I know it meant a lot to Harriet and we are proud to continue her legacy year after year.” 

Through ticket sales, sponsorship, donations, and funds raised from the silent auction, the annual event raised a record-breaking grand total of $64,000 for Caring and Sharing of South Walton. The money raised will be used to provide local families with access to food, financial assistance, case management, and connection to other resources. 

“The $64,000 raised will help us continue providing necessary resources to Walton County families,” said Carly Barnes, executive director of Caring and Sharing of South Walton.  

“Thanks to the support of Cafe Thirty-A, the event sponsors, and the attendees, the event continues to get better and better. We are so thankful for the continued support,” Barnes said.