Category: Featured

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.

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.

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.

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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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.

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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?

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.

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.

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!

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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.

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.

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.”

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.

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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

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.

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.

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.

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