Category: Featured

Featured posts

  • Toasting Hope with Bailey Brigade

    Toasting Hope with Bailey Brigade

    By Heather Bennett Eye

    We’ve all been affected by cancer. Cancer has touched us whether it’s a dear friend, a loved one, or a personal diagnosis. Michele Bailey, founder of Bailey Brigade, and her family were affected in a big way when her husband Scott, a father of three, passed away in December 2021 from a rare salivary gland cancer. He was only 54 years old.

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    Bailey Brigade was started to honor Scott and support locals battling all types of cancer. All money donated goes to help patients from The Emerald Coast. “Every dollar raised here is helping your neighbor,” stated Michele. They work closely with the oncology team at Ascension Sacred Heart Cancer Care at Santa Rosa Beach. “They have the most incredible spirits and are so loving to the patients,” said Michele.

    In the two years since they started, Bailey Brigade has provided four scholarships for those wanting to go into the medical field, hundreds of chemo care backpacks for cancer patients that contain self-care and hydration items along with letters of encouragement from local school kids and community members, held multiple fundraisers, and raised thousands of dollars in co-pay assistance, and now transportation assistance.

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    For their latest fundraiser in November 2024, Toasting Hope, Bailey Brigade teamed up with the 30A Distilling Co. to produce a charitable spirit. The bourbon, originally a single barrel from Indiana, had been resting at Sugarfield Spirits in Gonzales, Louisiana before making its way to 30A. The seven-year-old bourbon was transferred to an Orange Flavored Rum barrel to finish for two weeks. The final product is a unique 118 proof, limited-edition bourbon. The Bailey Brigade Board members hand-labeled and numbered the 195 bottles produced. Each bottle comes in a handcrafted wooden box to protect and display the bourbon. One hundred dollars of the $175 retail price goes directly to Bailey Brigade to support their mission.

    You can purchase a bottle at the 30A Distillery Co. (605 N County Hwy 393, Bldg 15-B, Santa Rosa Beach) during their tasting room hours, or contact Michele directly. “This is an exceptional bourbon. One of a kind, there’s only one like it, and when it’s gone, it’s gone,” stated Michele. “It makes a perfect old fashioned.” You can learn more about the bourbon on the Bailey Brigade website or by visiting the 30A Distillery Co. website at www.30adistillingco.com under About Our Spirits.

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    Bailey Brigade also partnered with South Walton High School for several fundraiser nights at local sporting events, where they sold Bailey Brigade merchandise, and all ticket sales went to the non-profit as well. This fall Bailey Brigade was invited to the Flutterby Festival by the Cultural Arts Alliance where kids painted rocks with messages of encouragement to add to their chemo care backpacks.

    The goal for Bailey Brigade is to be able to continue funding the assistance they have in place, and eventually expand. To reach this goal, Michele would love to have consistent donations and fundraising, ongoing signature events in the community and to partner with local businesses who support the mission behind Bailey Brigade. “If you are a local business that believes no one should go through cancer alone, and want to partner with us, please call. We’re determined to find a way to continue to be able to help local cancer patients,” said Michele. “Everybody is just one diagnosis away from being the person in the chair.”

    Another way to help is to volunteer your time and skills. If you are interested in social media, website content or grant writing, Bailey Brigade is also looking for volunteers to assist with social posts, maintaining their website and writing blogs, and grant writing to help secure additional funding. These volunteer positions could be great for either someone with years of experience looking to get involved in the community, or students looking to gain community service hours for Bright Futures.

    For more information about Bailey Brigade and their army of hope and love, please visit their website at www.baileybrigade.com and follow them on Instagram @baileybrigadefl. To reach Michele, please call (850) 586-1382.

    Remember to get your bottle of bourbon before they are all gone!

    Views: 53

  • 2025 Perfect in Walton County Award Winners Announced

    2025 Perfect in Walton County Award Winners Announced

    Walton County Tourism

    The Walton County Tourism Department unveiled the winners of the 2025 Perfect in Walton County Awards during a celebration at the Hotel Effie Sandestin on Thursday, Jan. 30. Now in its 11th year, this annual tradition invites residents and visitors to nominate and vote for their favorite tourism-related businesses, services and organizations.

    “We are incredibly proud to celebrate our local business, activities and events as part of the Perfect in Walton County awards,” said Matt Algarin, tourism director for Walton County. “These awards allow us to celebrate and shine a spotlight on our well-deserving businesses that work hard to provide unforgettable experiences throughout the year.”

    This year, more than 6,000 votes were cast across 30 categories to determine the best in dining, entertainment, shopping and more throughout Walton County. The 2025 Perfect in Walton County guide features the 90 winners, including first, second and third place, or Diamond, Platinum and Gold, in each category.

    “What it means to win is that you’re a leader in the community, you’re giving back to the community and you’re supporting the community – those three valuables,” said Kevin Rosa, director of Sales and Marketing at Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, winner of three awards. “It validates everything you do in your job day to day, that you’re setting the standard in the community and being recognized by [Walton County Tourism], the entity that brings us all together.”

    Jared Herzog, Diamond Award winner for Best Local Musician/Band, has won in the past and says he feels fortunate to attend the awards again this year.

    “Music has been a big part of my life, ever since I was very young,” said Herzog. “There are so many incredibly talented musicians in this area, and I’m honored to stand aside them and get to attend this amazing event every year.”

    The full list of winners and detailed category results can be viewed online at perfectinwaltoncounty.com.

    Views: 30

  • Local Knights of Columbus Council Delivers Another Successful “Coats for Kids” Campaign

    Local Knights of Columbus Council Delivers Another Successful “Coats for Kids” Campaign

    By Heather Bennett Eye

    Over the week of November 18, 2024 – November 22, 2024, the Knights of Columbus Council 17689, affiliated with Saint Rita Catholic Church, provided over 400 area families with much-needed coasts for children in Walton County. In conjunction with Caring and Sharing of South Walton, the Knights raised funds through the fall from Saint Rita parishioners and other local donors to purchase over 600 new coasts – exceeding their goals for the second year straight.

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    Knights of Columbus Brother Jeff Ricketts led the months-long campaign and enlisted many fellow knights to carry out this important mission. Families who had registered to receive coats, were able to pick them in conjunction with receiving their Thanksgiving meals from Caring and Sharing’s Santa Rosa Beach headquarters. “We are so thankful to the Knights of Columbus and their Coats for Kids program. Each year, they commit to distributing hundreds of coats to the families we serve and despite our growing needs, they always deliver,” stated Carly Barnes, Executive Director of Caring & Sharing.

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    The “Coats for Kids” initiative is a nationwide outreach for the national order of Knights of Columbus, a Catholic Fraternal Organization classified as a 501©(3) benefit society. Since 2009, they have been able to distribute over 100,000 coats in 50 states and 10 Canadian Provinces.

    If you are interested in providing a head-start donation to the 2025 campaign, please scan the QR code shown. The Knights with to thank everyone who contributes to provide comfort for the needy in our local community – the primary mission of the Knights of Columbus.

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    For more information on the Knights of Columbus, please visit http://www.kofc.org and for more information on Caring and Sharing, please visit their website at http://www.caringandsharingsowal.org.

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    Views: 2

  • Special Event to Help Finance Facility for Adults with Autism

    Special Event to Help Finance Facility for Adults with Autism

    By Kenneth Books

    The Ground Up Project, an organization designed to find homes for adults who have autism, plans a unique event next month to raise funds to further that goal. And it promises to be a “wacky” and “crazy” time.

    “This is our inaugural marquee event,” said spokesperson Lisa Pitell. “We’re throwing a ball and we’ll judge the wackiest, craziest outfit to christen the wacky, tacky king and queen.”

    The Ground Up Project has operated for a little more than two years. Its founders describe it as a “think tank” project.

    “What about when the kids with autism are adults?” asked project board member Kendra Brownlee. She said Project members examined facilities for grownups with autism and “what we saw, we didn’t like. There was nothing to hope for.”

    According to thegroundupproject.org, only 7% of adults with autism have access to living outside their family home, 48 percent of them report feeling lonely and no living situations are available in our area for individuals with special needs to live independent, fulfilled and happy lives.

    Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain.

    People with ASD often have problems with social communication and interaction, and restricted or repetitive behaviors or interests.

    Common signs of autism in adults include finding it hard to understand what others are thinking or feeling, getting very anxious about social situations, finding it hard to make friends or preferring to be on one’s own, seeming blunt, rude or not interested in others without meaning to, finding it hard express feelings, taking things very literally – for example, not understanding sarcasm or phrases like “break a leg” and having the same routine every day and getting very anxious if it changes.

    “Even when a child accomplishes something he didn’t do in the past, it opens up new challenges,” Project board member Eric Hambright told Life Media in 2023. If Ground Up Project is successful in creating this facility, he said, “there will be plenty of demand.”

    The group’s concept includes not only a standard facility with plenty of amenities and first-class care, but a community of group homes and apartments, each suited to individual residents’ needs and desires. According to the group’s presentation to the commissioners, the facility will have a support staff onsite 24/7, along with security measures on multiple levels. Each residence will be centered around an activities center, furthering residents’ bonds with the community, sense of belonging and providing the opportunity to be socially active.

    “To my knowledge, between Pensacola and Panama City, there’s nothing like we’re contemplating,” says Lisa Pitell. “We’re trying to establish a real community.”

    “The goal is to establish a facility that will enable adults to live a little more freely,” says Project board member Kendra Brownlee.

    “We want to ensure people like us don’t have to worry about people not doing what we planned to do,” Hambright says.

    The gala event is scheduled for Feb. 22 at 6 p.m. at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Resort. Ground Up hopes to see 150 individuals attending. Tickets for the event, which has been in the planning stages for about six months, Pitell said, are $150 per person. All proceeds will go toward a residential facility for adults with autism.

    A disc jockey will be on hand, as will a photo booth, entertainment and a silent auction. Also provided will be heavy hors d’oeuvres.

    “We’re hoping to sell out,” said Pitell. “This is our first year, so we don’t have any kind of expectations.”

    The organizers hope to see outfits that are “the most outrageous or the silliest that we’ve ever seen,” Pitell said. “Of course, it’s not required that people dress up, but the goal is to get as many people participating as possible. Dress can be casual or formal. People can come with whatever level of dress they want.”

    Some VIP judges have already been set: The event’s platinum sponsor, Life Media and another event sponsor.

    For more information on the Ground Up Project, visit TheGroundUpProject.org.

    Views: 6

  • The Perfect Christmas

    The Perfect Christmas

    By Gueary Clendenning

    What was the perfect gift you received as a child during Christmas? You know,  the one gift that stands out in your memory even after all these years?

    Christmaschild At Christmas

    I remember my perfect gift was a fully loaded red chrome Schwinn bicycle! How many of you from my generation got that bike for Christmas?  But of the gifts we all received, I would think being with family and friends is what we cherished the most.

    Living in Illinois for many years, driving home in the snow, and listening to carols being played on the radio was a lot of fun. At Grandfather’s house, some of us would sleep on the floor, so all the family could stay together. On Christmas morning, we would be awakened by the shouting of the Children, “Wake up it’s Christmas!” Reading the Christmas story from St. Luke’s gospel was first on the agenda. Then we would pray, giving thanks to God for sending His Son. Afterward, some would share what they were most thankful for. Next was the madhouse, as everyone started opening their gifts. Joy and laughter filled the room as we modeled our new clothes and opened sometimes unexpected gifts. And soon the living room floor was littered with Christmas wrappings and ribbons.

    Big Family Taking Photo Together At Christmas

    Breakfast was always special on Christmas day, which always included sausage gravy and biscuits with various egg casseroles. Can you tell there’s a little Southern blood in us? And Christmas dinner, what a feast! A huge bowl of chicken and dumplings, garden salad, and freshly baked dinner rolls was the tradition at our house; followed by desserts we couldn’t resist! The memories have lasted a lifetime.

    I realize for some, Christmas is a difficult time. Many have experienced heartaches, broken relationships, disappointments, and the passing of family members. Such is the case with me.

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    Is that why God sent his Son? Into an imperfect world, Jesus came, showing God’s love for us by dying on the cross. He paid the penalty for our sins, and through putting our faith in Him we will become children of God.

    (Read St. John 1:12 and 3:16 and Romans 10:13). The perfect gift is to spend Christmas with God and His family forever. That’s God’s ultimate purpose for you!

    May you receive God’s perfect gift this Christmas!

    Merry Christmas to all!

    Views: 1

  • You’re Always Welcome at The Open Door Food Pantry

    You’re Always Welcome at The Open Door Food Pantry

    By Heather Bennett Eye

    Just south of Chat Holly on the west side of Highway 331 down a tree-lined drive sits The Church at the Bay, formerly the South Walton Baptist Church. This church has been home to The Open Door Food Pantry since 2018. Every Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., volunteers from The Church at the Bay and other churches, alongside volunteers who simply feel a calling to serve, join together to distribute food.

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    The Open Door Food Pantry has grown since its opening, and so has the needs of our community. What began as a small distribution center in the church’s fellowship hall quickly grew to fill the classroom pods behind the church, and in 2023 they moved into their current building that provides them with 1950 square feet with a second-floor loft, and the space to house 15 freezers and two walk-in coolers.

    When COVID hit in 2020, the amount of people in need increased, but has since doubled. This year, The Open Door Food Pantry fed 80,996 people compared to 46,324 people in 2020. Several factors play a role – an increase in food prices; grandparents on a fixed income who are now taking care of their grandkids; job loss or reduced income; and unexpected expenses such as medical emergencies or repairs. Sometimes the refrigerator goes out and the food loss is more than your budget can cover.

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    Filling these needs is the mission of The Open Door Food Pantry. “This is a Christian mission. This is not a business. We’re not here to judge, we’re here to serve,” said Assistant Manager Carole Bishop. There’s no limit on how many times people can come to receive food. If your neighbor, family, or friends have needs, you to pick up on their behalf, and there’s no limit on that either. If you can’t make the pickup time, you can arrange for a volunteer to meet you when you’re available. If you’re unable to drive, a volunteer can deliver food to you. “It’s not a handout, it’s a hand up. We don’t look down on people at all,” stated CEO Bill Howell.

    Volunteers at The Open Door Food Pantry also won’t ask for ID or take any personal information. By not accepting any government assistance, they aren’t required to keep documentation on those they assist. Your need is completely anonymous. “Jesus didn’t ask for an ID when he fed the 5,000, why should we?” asked Carole. “We don’t want to intrude in their lives.” Volunteers are available to pray with those who come through the line and ask, but it’s not a requirement. They also have a bilingual volunteer who can offer prayer in Spanish if needed.

    Without government assistance or solicitation, The Open Door Food Pantry relies on The Church at the Bay to provide their location, electricity, water and insurance. Donations from local businesses and the community provide food. They’ve had a long-standing contract with Destin Harvest and have received grants from St Joe and donations from other local businesses. “We’ve been blessed,” stated Bill. “Many businesses donate. It’s the only way we have the money to continue.”

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    From week to week, they don’t know what kind of items they will have, but they strive to give away as much as they can. So far this year, they’ve donated 595,846 pounds of food. “God has been so good in providing us so much food. He is the miracle. He provides us the miracle every week,” stated Carole.

    Just as the ebb and flow of needs varies week to week, as food insecurity rises in Walton County, The Open Door Food Pantry will strive to continue to grow and meet the needs of the community. Many people wouldn’t have been able to make it without them, but they are also in need of volunteers to make sure they can serve as many people as they can. If you are interested in volunteering at The Open Door Food Pantry, please visit their website for more information https://thechurchatthebayandopendoorfoodpantry.com or contact Bill Howell at (850) 217-6991.

    Views: 13

  • Alaqua Animal Refuge Seeks Public Support for Animals Displaced by Hurricane Milton Despite National Assistance

    Alaqua Animal Refuge Seeks Public Support for Animals Displaced by Hurricane Milton Despite National Assistance

    Alaqua Animal Refuge Seeks Public Support for Animals Displaced by Hurricane Milton Despite National Assistance

    Alaqua Animal Refuge is urgently seeking public support to continue providing life-saving care for animals displaced by Hurricane Milton. While national animal welfare organizations have stepped in with emergency grants, food, and bedding, Alaqua remains in critical need of monetary donations, volunteers, fosters, and adopters to sustain the ongoing care for these animals.

    As the designated emergency shelter for Hurricane Milton, Alaqua quickly mobilized to meet the needs of displaced animals, even before state supplies could arrive. The refuge sourced kennels, food, and medical supplies from a three-hour radius, ensuring every incoming animal had the shelter and care they needed.

    Thanks to the generosity of national and local organizations, Alaqua received emergency grants and supplies. However, the sheer volume of animals—many of them in dire condition—has placed an enormous strain on the refuge’s resources. The animals are currently housed in two large emergency arenas, and many are suffering from severe health conditions, including heartworm disease, malnutrition, untreated injuries, broken bones, and behavioral trauma from the storm.

    “We’re incredibly grateful for the national support we’ve received, but the reality is we still need significant help from our community,” said Laurie Hood, Founder and CEO of Alaqua Animal Refuge. “The animals need long-term care, and for that, we need monetary donations, more volunteers to assist with daily care, foster homes, and adopters willing to take in these special animals.”

    How You Can Help:

    • Monetary Donations: These are our most pressing need to cover ongoing medical treatments, food, and operational costs. Donate at www.alaqua.org
    • Volunteer: Help with animal care, feeding, and support at our emergency facilities.
    • Foster or Adopt: We need foster homes to relieve the overcrowding and give animals a loving environment to recover.
    • Spread the Word: Share Alaqua’s story on social media and encourage others to get involved.

    “These animals have been through so much, and while we’ve made strides in stabilizing them, we need the community’s support to continue their care and find them forever homes,” Hood added.

    For more information on how to donate, volunteer, foster, or adopt, visit www.alaqua.org or contact Alaqua Animal Refuge at (850) 880-6399.

    Views: 2

  • Anything Can Happen at ECTC!

    Anything Can Happen at ECTC!

    By Nathanael Fisher, ECTC Producing Artistic Director/CoFounder

    Last year, Season 11 ended with a beautiful and magical show – Mary Poppins. Hillary Marshall Anthony and Vincent Pelligrino, along with 20 other cast members and a spectacular creative team co-created a wealth of magical, heartwarming and inspirational moments on our stage for you, our Emerald Coast Theatre Company community. My favorite moment of the show was during Act II when every cast member took the stage and the full company sang with full hearts “Anything Can Happen.” Here are just a few of the impactful lyrics:

    If you reach for the stars
    All you get are the stars.
    But we’ve found a whole new spin!
    If you reach for the heavens
    You get the stars thrown in –
    Anything can happen if you let it!

    While we were in tech rehearsals for Mary Poppins, I asked the cast to put themselves and their dreams into the number as they sang, and to really imagine and believe that anything could happen for them—and we would believe right along with them. This idea of dreams coming true is personal for me. If you read my article in last year’s program, you learned about “How ECTC Came to Be” (you can find this article on our website under “Theatre Thoughts”). As I consider the history of ECTC since its beginning in October of 2012, it is clear to us…Anything CAN Happen.

    Emerald Coast Theatre CompanyWe launched our first program in January of 2013 with an after-school theatre class of 10 students at Destin Elementary School. The following summer we produced a theatre camp at Destin Elementary with 30 students in a non-musical production of Aladdin. Anna had our 6-month old daughter, Zoe, as well as our 6-year-old twins, Mia and Bella, in tow as she gathered props and designed costumes for 30 students! Ora Wolfgram, a bright eyed 11-year-old girl, played Aladdin’s cat. The playwright took liberties in creating many roles for kids — hence Aladdin had a cat. Her only text was “meow,” and she delivered that meow with so much subtext each time that the audience knew exactly what that cat was saying. Ora is a professional artist now, and in a beautiful twist of fate, she is serving as ECTC’s resident Props Artisan and Stage Manager. We were blown away at the time that our 10 students had grown to 30 (and a cat)…anything can happen!

    Summer of 2013, we launched the Family Theatre programs at HarborWalk Village and the Village of Baytowne Wharf. I wrote energetic, three-actor plays, with engaging audience interaction for these sites. I pitched Jamie Hall, Marketing Director for Harborwalk Village at the time, the idea of a Family Theatre show, and she said, “I’ll pay you for two performances, and provide tech support. If I like it, I’ll book you for the summer.” After watching more than 100 people engage in “Pirate Pete and the Case of the Missing Fisherman” while dancing, laughing and having a great time, I asked her, “Well, what’s the schedule? Your audience loved that show!” We were booked with our first gig.

    While getting to know this community again (Anna grew up here), we were aware of the wonderful work that StageCrafters was doing in Fort Walton Beach, the great programming at Seaside REP, and the strong theater presence in Bay County with The Martin and Kaleidoscope Theaters. With the growth of the Destin, Miramar Beach and Santa Rosa Beach communities, it seemed like there was an opportunity to complement the theatre scene with professional theatre programming in Destin and Miramar Beach. So, in summer of 2014, Anna and I again started knocking on doors. Who had an empty retail space or event space that would allow us to produce a show? A Dickens Christmas is a three-actor adaptation of A Christmas Carol that I wrote to help launch our professional theatre, and HarborWalk Village and Sandestin both blessed us with event spaces for that inaugural production. 367 people attended the performances of that show and ECTC’s productions for adults and families were launched…anything can happen!

    During the first three years of the organization, we stored all the props and costumes we acquired in our garage, the carport was used as the scene and paint shop, and our Chevy Traverse was the work van. We had plastic bins and foldable dollies. One of my most vivid memories is dropping Anna off to teach a class with Miss Darla while I took care of our 8-year-old twins and two-year-old baby. There they were walking down the sidewalk in 90° weather, dolly and bins in tow with a full heart and determination to teach theatre to their students. In the summer of 2015, Stacey Brady, Marketing Director at Grand Boulevard, hired ECTC to produce a 45-minute adaptation of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer’s Night Dream for Theatre Thursdays in the Grand Park. The following year, Stacey and her team were gracious enough to let us use the space that is now Williams Sonoma for some additional professional theatre shows and kids classes. These were humble beginnings for sure, but Anna and I were already seeing the benefits for kids and patrons. The long days, hard work and lugging all the “stuff” around was so worth it when we heard how people’s lives were changing for the better.

    In addition to producing shows and camps, I was working as an adjunct professor at UWF in Pensacola as well as at Gulf Coast State College in Panama City. During this time, as I drove from one end of Highway 98 to the other and worked on productions in between, I just kept looking for empty spaces. The prayer in my heart was to have a home for ECTC. One day while driving by Grand Boulevard it hit me: every building had second floors that had offices built out, but the 560 building looked empty. Every time I drove by, I considered the idea, ‘What if that was a space for us?’ We already had a great relationship with Grand Boulevard; what were the possibilities? One night while driving by with Anna, I pointed to it. “Anna, see that building? See how it’s dark, and how every other building on the second floor has lights but that one?” She nodded with a small smile of understanding. “They haven’t built out that space yet and I really feel like we are going to be there one day.” “How do you know?” she asked. “I just have a feeling; I’m not saying it’s a word from God or anything, I just have this really strong feeling we are going to be there one day.“

    In August of 2016, I got the call from Stacey Brady. “Hey Nathanael, can you and Anna meet me at the 560 Building at Grand Boulevard?” We walked upstairs into the empty, echoey expanse and she said, “Well, it’s 17,600 square feet. Think you can use it?” “Yes!” Anna and I exclaimed as we burst into happy tears. As I recount this story, I can’t help but think of some of the lyrics referenced earlier: If you reach for the heavens, you get the stars thrown in — ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN!

    When we moved into 560 Grand Boulevard, I was still paid part time with ECTC while volunteering full time. Anna was hired as an independent contractor per teaching or costuming gig and volunteering the rest of the time as well when she wasn’t at her regular job teaching 4th grade. With a grant from the St. Joe Community Foundation, we bought curtains and tracking to divide off the performance space. A grant from the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County covered additional theater lighting, and with some amazing volunteer help from friends at University of West Florida – Glenn Breed and Phillip Brulotte – we moved in and prepared to open Constellations, our first show in the new space.

    Because audience members need a place to sit, we filled this need with donated white folding chairs. Monica Bowes owned an event company and offered her event chairs whenever I wanted as long as I was able to come get them myself and they weren’t in use for an event. By this time, my Father in Law, Jerry Ogle, had donated an old Ford truck to ECTC. So, every time we did a show at the Market Shops, the Williams Sonoma space at Grand Boulevard, and even the first couple of shows at 560 Grand Boulevard, off I would go in the old Ford to pick up one to 200 foldable white event chairs, and, of course, to return them the day after the production run ended. Soon after moving into 560 Grand Boulevard, with generous donations from Eric and Teresa Bolton and Doug and Jan Best, we were able to purchase our soft, cushy, black chairs and some sound equipment! For a time, these chairs set in rows on ground level worked. But, one day we had a few hundred children at a Field Trip production of Flat Stanley the Musical, and the kids on the back two to three rows were sitting on their knees and standing up. They simply could not see, because all of our nice cushioned chairs were ground level. Unfortunately, we did not get the grant funding we were hoping for to purchase risers. Later that week, I was having lunch with Shirley Simpson and we were discussing how unfortunate it was that we didn’t get the grant money. Mrs. Simpson asked me, “Well, how much do you need for the risers?” I replied with the amount. She returned with, “You’ve got it!” WHAT?!!! To this day, Shirley and I recount this story, her joy in being able to have such a positive impact on ECTC and my overwhelmed reaction at her news. If you know me, then you know that I responded with some breathless wonder and a few tears – truly, anything CAN happen!

    Since 2016, the partnership with Grand Boulevard for the space has been a dream come true. Our first season there, Season 4 (2016-2017), we produced two to three actor shows and no musicals: Constellations, A Dickens Christmas and Bakersfield Mist. We had a little over 1,800 people attend those three productions, 1,745 people attended our educational program performances, and we had about 470 education program registrations. I had just become full time with the company, but still supplemented by continuing to adjunct at Gulf Coast State College and UWF, Anna was still hired as needed as an independent contractor and volunteered the rest of the time, and our team was filled out with some amazing independent contractors like Bridgett Bryant, Darla Briganti, Cana Strong and others.

    Fast forward to the end of Season 11 and looking forward to Season 12 – we are now producing shows with casts of up to 22 actors; we had over 13,000 people attend Season 11 professional and Family Theatre productions, over 3,100 people attend the educational theatre productions, and 769 registration in our educational theatre programs including the satellite programs in DeFuniak Springs, Freeport and Panama City. Our team has grown to eight, full-time employees, including Anna and I, and one part-time employee. And, we’re looking forward to another season of spectacular professional and educational theatre with the goal of serving our community with excellence! ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN!

    While we were celebrating our 10-year anniversary, we were being interviewed by Zandra Wolfgram for an article in a local magazine. She asked Anna and I, “So, Year 10! Is it ‘Mission Accomplished’?” Anna and I looked at each other and laughed – “Mission just getting started! We are not done dreaming!” We still feel that way. Look at the last 11 years, look what’s happened, look how YOU our community has embraced us. We are so incredibly grateful for everything that has happened, but with YOUR help there is more. Will you dream with us, will you believe with us that even still…ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN!?!?

    Views: 1

  • Membership Keeps Arts FUN-ded

    Membership Keeps Arts FUN-ded

    Will YOU Join Us?

    By Zandra Wolfgram

    Looking for fun? You have arrived. As a member of Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF), you are already aboard the “bus to fun town.”

    Take it from the MKAF’s CEO of Fun, Demetrius Fuller.

    “We really want to up our fun factor in all we do— including raising awareness and funding. Our tagline is Membership Keeps Arts FUN-ded,” Fuller explains.

    To realize our vision to “enhance and inspire every life through arts and culture,” it takes community support. As Fuller explains, individual giving has always been the rock bed of MKAF.

    Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation Zot Artz by Jim Clark“Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation was initially started from the Arts Guild Lunch attended by local art lovers and evolved into the huge support system of volunteers, patrons and sponsors we have today. Membership is the backbone of MKAF and a direct tie to the community. Taking part as an individual member helps to support the arts education and outreach that Mattie Kelly is known for,” Fuller says.

    Melanie Moore is the Director of Art Education and couldn’t agree more. This year, she has plans to complete nearly 160 custom ArtsReach programs. From teaching artists, residencies, workshops, touring performances and summer camps, each offering is designed to uniquely benefit a range of diverse populations from the needs of K-12 students, children and adults with special needs to veteran and active-duty military service members.

    “We’re connecting with and providing creative opportunities for populations that lack access to art,” Moore explains. “We tailor our programs to those who uniquely benefit from different ways of learning innovative and unique programming. We want to share the arts and a love of the arts with everyone we can and with the best programming we possibly can.”

    And this is where you come in.

    MKAF cannot deliver quality arts programming like the annual Festival of the Arts in the fall, the 10-week Concerts in the Village in the spring, not to mention its year-round ArtsReach community outreach initiatives without the community’s help. So please join us.

    “Membership is affordable, and the benefits are fun,” assures Fuller. “Where else can you spend $150 and get access to 15 concerts, a Festival of the Arts pass, plus discounts on MKAF events? You just can’t.”

    There are several new MKAF membership levels from just $75.

    Art Nouveau (40 years old and under) Single $75 – For those 40 years of age and under. Member benefits include admission to all of the Spring Concerts in the Village and Festival of the Arts, plus preferred pricing to all MKAF events.

    Pop Art – Single $150 or Double $250 – Member benefits include admission to all of the spring and fall Concerts in the Village and Festival of the Arts, plus preferred pricing to all MKAF events. This category is available as a single or reduced fee for couple who reside in the same residence.

    Renaissance Single $250 – Includes all member benefits of the Pop Art category plus a VIP Table seat at all of the Concerts in the Village, table is assigned upon arrival. (This is a limited membership category and will be filled on a first come, first served basis.)

    Impresario Single $500 – Includes all member benefits of the Pop Art category plus a preferred VIP Table seating at all of the Concerts in the Village, plus 10 general admission tickets to use at any Concerts in the Village or Festival of the Arts. (This is a limited membership category and will be filled on a first come, first served basis.)

    Plus, pledging your support is easy to do. Simply go to the MKAF website and sign up on the home page.

    Supporting MKAF means you are a champion of the arts. Since forming in 1995, MKAF has impacted 420,000 through our ArtsReach programs.

    You will be helping to support this special MKAF memory shared by Melanie Moore of Hands On with Zig, an MKAF ArtsReach partner who presents interactive educational based music events with multicultural themes:

    One of my favorite memories working with Zig was after visiting the ARC of Walton County. Zig begins each program by introducing himself and sharing some things about his life as a musician/composer/educator based in Nashville. After two hours of all of the clients learning to play percussion instruments of various genres (including country music) and making music as an ensemble, I saw that some of the participants were huddled in a group off to the side. It seems that they deduced that since Zig is from Nashville, and as a musician, that he must know Crystal Gale, and asked if he could bring her with him next time, as one of them was actually named after Crystal Gale. Zig explained that he did not know her personally, so it would most likely be him returning by himself in the future.

    However, when Zig returned to Nashville, he did work his connections and reached out to her. Needless to say, Crystal Gale sent an autographed photo to the ARC and it now holds pride of place. Needless to say, her namesake was moved to tears. What many may not realize is that when Zig comes to visit, and everyone learns to play an instrument as part of “the band,” they become the stars of their own show, and feel like they are a part of something special.

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  • Sandcastle Kids: Building a Legacy of Love

    Sandcastle Kids: Building a Legacy of Love

    By Heather Bennett Eye

    Shelley Joiner and her husband, Casey, have long cherished the beauty of The Emerald Coast, a place they call home. Shelley, who spent years as a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse, dedicated herself to caring for the most delicate lives. Meanwhile, Casey, a local realtor with Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty, understands that a home is more than just a building—it’s a refuge for families.

    Jacqueline Ward Images

    Nearly a decade ago, their close-knit community was shaken when multiple friends and neighbors found themselves in the unimaginable position of watching their children or grandchildren battle childhood cancer. As they witnessed the physical and emotional toll this journey took on these families, Shelley and Casey felt a deep sense of helplessness. They wanted to do something—anything—to ease the burden, but they didn’t know how.

    They began to think about how healing our beautiful beaches are, reflecting on how the tranquil sound of waves and the warm embrace of the sun had always provided them with peace. What if these families, who were enduring so much, could experience this same comfort? What if they could escape the relentless cycle of hospital visits, treatments, and fear, even if only for a week?

    This idea grew, fueled by their desire to offer more than just words of sympathy. In 2015, that idea became a reality with the founding of Sandcastle Kids, a South Walton-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing all-expenses-paid vacations for families facing childhood cancer. With the deep understanding that these children and their families endure unimaginable mental, emotional, and financial stress daily, the goal of the organization is simple yet profound: to give these families a chance to escape their harsh realities and find rest, relaxation, and healing on the beautiful beaches of South Walton. The organization’s board is made up entirely of volunteers, so every dollar raised goes straight to helping families.

    At the beginning, the largest challenge facing the organization was securing accommodations for the families they wanted to help. 360 Blue, a local property management company, stepped forward as a foundational partner. They didn’t just offer a solution, they offered a lifeline by donating properties and encouraging their clients to do the same. The generosity of 360 Blue and their clients has enabled Sandcastle Kids to flourish, allowing them to look forward to continuing this life-changing work for many years to come.

    Jacqueline Ward Images (1)

    Sandcastle Kids works directly with Pediatric Oncology Social Workers at hospitals across the Southeast to identify families in need of a break. Each year, they bring roughly 20 families to the shores of Santa Rosa Beach during the non-peak rental season. By 2024, nearly 150 families will have found respite in the sand and surf, thanks to the efforts of this remarkable organization.

    Once they arrive, the families have only one responsibility: to have fun. Sandcastle Kids takes care of the rest. From covering gas expenses for travel to providing gift cards for groceries and activities, restaurant certificates, and even photography sessions donated by generous local business owners, every detail is thoughtfully arranged. Each family’s vacation is designed to be as special and stress-free as possible, allowing them to create precious memories together.

    “Our 4-year-old daughter, Eve, had been in the fight of her life for 828 days when we arrived at Watercolor for a much needed respite. Not only has Eve been putting her bravest face on for more than two years, our 10-year-old, 8-year-old and 2-year-old have sacrificed so much during Eve’s extended hospital stays and periods of compromised immunity,” stated the Gvozdas Family. “What a gift it was to be able to surprise them with a week of ‘Yesses!’ Yes, you can go for a walk on the beach; yes, you can jump in the pool; yes, you can go to the candy store – yes, yes, yes!! When we said yes to this trip, many months ago, we had no idea that Eve would have her last dose of chemo (hopefully ever, Lord willing) during this week. We celebrated as she so bravely took that last chemo pill in the kitchen. We cheered, we cried, we danced, and we praised God for bringing her to this moment and for providing the beautiful setting for the celebration. A moment we’ll never forget, in a place we’ll never forget. We are forever grateful for your kindness and generosity in making these trips possible. It was a week of laughter, rest, memories made, miles biked, shells collected, dolphins spotted, and lessons learned by our children – that there are some really really kind people in the world.”

    What began as a heartfelt desire to help friends in need has blossomed into a beacon of hope for families across the Southeast. Sandcastle Kids is more than just a charity; it’s a community of compassionate individuals committed to making a difference, one family at a time. Through the warmth of the sun, the soothing sounds of the ocean, and the kindness of strangers, Sandcastle Kids continues to build a legacy of love and healing, one sandcastle at a time.

    Views: 53

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