Bijoux Destin’s 2015 Winemakers Benefit Dinner and Silent Auction was able to contribute more than $20,000 to help with the costs of open-heart surgery for longtime employee, William Binford.

On January 9, at just 25 years old, Binford was diagnosed with a torn aorta. He was flown immediately to Pensacola from Destin for emergency open-heart surgery. Insurance will only cover a small fraction of the total costs accrued from his surgery, hospital stay, and recovery.

100 percent of the proceeds from the wine dinner on March 5 were contributed to the William Binford Recovery Fund.

Local businesses donated items for the silent auction and wines were provided by Dunstan Wines of Durell Vineyard, Sanglier Cellars, Pip Wines, and Prime Cellars. Wines by these vineyards are all distributed locally by McNeese Distributing.

“We do feel like a family and are very thankful for the support that was shown for Binford and his girlfriend, Katy,” said Leslie Bulgarella, co-owner of Bijoux Destin. “Winemakers donated their wines and Joe and Sue Quinlan covered all of our food costs. All the servers donated their time, as well, so it was truly a team effort.”

For more info or to make a donation to the William Binford Recovery Fund, please visit his fundraising page.