West Alabama Food & Wine Festival Awards $35K Each To Two Local Nonprofits

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The West Alabama Food & Wine Festival has awarded $35,000 each to Turning Point Alabama and the Humane Society of West Alabama in 2025 following the annual event in Historic Downtown Northport.

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The annual event was held April 27 and the funds raised mark an increase from the $30,000 awarded to each of last year’s beneficiaries.

“Once again, this festival has proven to be more than a fun event — it’s a powerful force for good,” Festival Co-Chair Debbie Sanford-Metz said. “We are incredibly proud to present $35,000 to each of our beneficiaries this year, helping them continue their life-changing work.”

Turning Point Alabama, a returning beneficiary, offers support services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.

“The support we’ve received through this festival continues to be transformative,” said Derek Osborn, executive director of Turning Point. “This gift will allow us to reach more victims, offer more resources, and make a greater impact in helping survivors build new lives.”

The Humane Society of West Alabama, which operates a no-kill, all-volunteer animal shelter in the Tuscaloosa area, joined as a first-time beneficiary.

“These funds will go directly toward rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in need,” said Humane Society of West Alabama Executive Director Brian Gaerity said. “Our work is entirely donation-driven, so this is an enormous boost to our mission.

Organizers say that since its founding in 2013, the festival has raised more than $280,000 for local nonprofits.

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