Barbecue festival raises $83,000 for local charities
![Allie Noah, left, and Laura Moore represented Children in Crisis and received a check for $3,500 during the presentation on Wednesday at Destin Commons. [ABRAHAM GALVAN/THE LOG]](https://www.gannett-cdn.com/authoring/2017/09/22/NDES/ghows-DA-571315db-ffb1-04fa-e053-0100007f7ff1-886fa5b6.jpeg?width=660&height=452&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Local charities received checks on Wednesday from Destin Commons’ annual Smoke on the Coast and Fireworks festival.
Eighteen local non-profit organizations participated by teaming up with various restaurants and barbecue aficionados. They competed for people’s choice, judge’s pick and most spirited.
“We are very excited to be able to donate with our partnership with Coins for a Cause program and Smoke on the Coast event,” said Heather Ruiz, Destin Commons’ marketing director. “We hope the event gets bigger next year and we can donate even more.”
The event was able to raise $83,000 thanks to more than 15,000 locals and visitors who attended.
“Events like this bring all local charities together and raise awareness of what their mission is,” said Debbie Bodenstine, a board member for Habitat for Humanity. “We all work together to make the community a better place.”
