Restaurant Paradis’ Tenth Annual Prohibition Repeal Wine Dinner Raises Record-Breaking $26,260 for South Walton Academy
ROSEMARY BEACH, Fla. – Restaurant Paradis’ 10th annual Prohibition Repeal Wine Dinner, presented by Cryo 850, raised $26,260 for South Walton Academy.
Guests gathered at the Rosemary Beach fine-dining restaurant on Saturday, January 10 for a private, Prohibition-era dinner. In honor of the restaurant’s 10-year anniversary, guests were also gifted a commemorative bottle of Chicken Cock Whiskey and a rocks glass courtesy of Buddy’s Seafood.
Attendees then made their way into the main dining room where they were seated for a special five-course meal prepared by Paradis’ award-winning chef, Mark Eichin. Each course was expertly paired with wines by Break Thru Beverage Group and sponsored by local businesses including 30A Hat Bar, 30A Home, Shore Thing Cigars, and Silver Sands Premium Outlets.
The Paradis dining room was adorned with florals by Beachside Blooms, sponsored by 30A Luxury Vacations, and live music from Violin 30A filled the space, courtesy of Inlet Beach Real Estate. Guests snapped commemorative photos by Epic Photo Co. courtesy of Coastal Insurance and Shay Wiggins while Jim Clark captured every moment of the night, sponsored by Swiftly Catered. Throughout the evening, attendees also had the opportunity to enter a drawing to win various wines and spirits donated by Café Thirty-A, Bud and Alley’s, Cash’s Liquors, Pescado, Pazzo Italiano, The Dawson Group and Wild Olives.
Through donations, the wine and spirits pull, ticket sales, and sponsorships, the 10th annual event raised $26,260 for South Walton Academy, a private, non-profit inclusion school and pediatric therapy clinic in Santa Rosa Beach, Fla. Located at 305 Mack Bayou Road, South Walton Academy is dedicated to empowering every child to reach their highest potential through inclusive education and community engagement. The school serves children from preschool through 12th grade and offers individualized education as well as therapeutic support such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and behavioral therapy for those who need therapeutic accommodations.
“On behalf of South Walton Academy, we are incredibly grateful for this generosity, from Paradis and the community that made this possible,” said Calley Middlebrooks, founder of South Walton Academy. “This gift represents so much more than a donation, it reflects a shared belief in our students, staff, and our mission, inclusion. As this event and our school both celebrate our 10th year, this support is especially meaningful. This will directly impact the lives of the children and families we serve. Thank you for standing with us and helping us continue to grow, thrive, and create opportunities for every student.”
The money raised from the 10th annual event is the most raised in the event’s history. Over the past decade, Paradis’ Prohibition Dinners has raised over $63,000 for various local charities including Alaqua Animal Refuge, Beach Care Services, Destin Charity Wine Auction, Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center, Food for Thought Outreach, Hannies Grannies, Neurodiversity Resource of the Panhandle, and Westonwood Ranch.
“We had a truly magical and unforgettable evening celebrating 10 years of giving back to our amazing community and especially to South Walton Academy,” said owner Monica Cosenzi. “When we started this Prohibition wine dinner 10 years ago, we never imagined it would grow into what it is today. Our food, wine and overall concept have remained the same, but the biggest change has been the growth and generosity of our beloved community. Our hearts are full as we are thankful to each and every person who makes this possible.”
About Restaurant Paradis
Restaurant Paradis is a small fine dining restaurant that was taken over by local couple, Monica and Danny Cosenzi in 2014. Nestled in the beautiful coastal town of Rosemary Beach, Florida, you’ll find this hidden gem that loyal customers like to call home. Evoking a warm neighborhood feel, the dining area features an understated wine country elegance. Open for dinner beginning at 5 p.m., Paradis is committed to serving fresh seasonal ingredients, which celebrate local produce and an abundance of fresh Gulf seafood, along with prime steaks and fine wines. Paradis welcomes wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners, and all celebrations, both intimate and large. Throughout the year, Paradis also offers select wine dinners and tastings from some of California’s most exclusive vintners. For more information, please follow Restaurant Paradis on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Information can also be obtained via www.restaurantparadis.com or by calling 850-534-0400.
