The United Way of Okaloosa-Walton Counties introduces Ron Denson as the director of the Florida panhandle, Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). The CFC program is a nationwide annual federal workplace campaign, which United Way of Okaloosa-Walton Counties has proudly managed locally since introduction in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy. The largest non-profit workplace campaign, CFC is responsible for raising hundreds of millions of dollars for non-profits locally, nationally, and international. Denson served 20 years in the United States Navy, followed by 11 years as the director of the Greater Pensacola/EscaRosa Area CFC program. He is a member of the CFC National Committee, trainer at a number of National CFC Conferences, and co-chaired the National CFC, Million Dollar Roundtable (MDRT) Atlanta Conference in 2013. 2015 VITA Program Sees $156,000 in Tax Refunds
VITA (Volunteers Income Tax Assistance) is an IRS community initiative led by the United Way of Okaloosa-Walton Counties to provide free income tax preparation. Along with the community partners, Goodwill Easter Seals of Ft Walton Beach, First Presbyterian Church of Crestview and United Way, VITA had another successful year. 2015 VITA Volunteers processed 127 tax refunds, keeping $156,319 in our community and saving taxpayers in Okaloosa County $18,150 in preparation fees by using VITA.
Sacred Heart and Florida Blue Agree on New Contract
Sacred Heart Health System and Florida Blue have reached agreement on a new three-year contract that maintains Sacred Heart as a leading healthcare provider in Florida Blue insurance plans. Sacred Heart continues as an in-network provider for the following Florida Blue plans:
- BlueCare HMO (Health Options Inc.),
- BlueChoice (Preferred Patient Care),
- BlueOptions (Network Blue),
- BlueSelect, Advantager65,
- BlueMedicare HMO,
- BlueMedicare PPO, and
- Traditional Indemnity plans.
Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast has been named one of the nation’s 100 Great Community Hospitals by Becker’s Hospital Review. The “100 Great Community Hospitals” 2015 list was released on June 24. Hospitals featured on the list have fewer than 550 beds. Some are suburban hospitals, but many are located in rural areas and are their communities’ sole hospital. Of the 100 hospitals listed, only four are located in Florida. The Becker’s Hospital Review editorial team selected hospitals for inclusion based on various rankings and awards, including Truven Health Analytics – for which Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast has been named one of the nation’s 100 Top Hospitals for the past four years.
Gulfarium's Salute to Shark Week
You've seen them on TV, now see sharks at the Gulfarium! Gulfarium's Salute to Shark Week will be held July 6-12, to celebrate one of the ocean's most fascinating creatures. General admission guests can enjoy shark-themed activities, specials, and discounts throughout the park all week long. During the week kids can dive in to the custom aquarium bounce house and enjoy other activities, such as shark feeding demonstrations, kids’ crafts, and a park-wide scavenger hunt. Enjoy discounts on shark-themed merchandise and a special $5 OFF deal on a thrilling shark and stingray snorkel encounter. Call (850) 243-9046 x2 to book or visit Gulfarium.com and use the online code SHARKWEEK for $5 off your Stingray Bay Snorkel Encounter. Restrictions apply.
Twin Cities Woman’s Club Donates Movie Night to CIC Kids
The Twin Cities Woman’s Club presented a donation of $500 to Children in Crisis (CIC) to sponsor a Movie Night for the at-risk children living at the CIC Neighborhood. The Movie Night, complete with popcorn and juice barrels, will be enjoyed by over 40 kids. Seen here, President Lorraine Phillips presents a $500 donation to Ken Hair, CIC president and CEO. Also representing the club are Jo Ann Dunnam, co-chair of childhood concerns, and Brenda Brown, vice president.Sinfonia Offers Pre-Sale for SEASON 10
Enjoy Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s entire main season lineup of concerts for only $195...a $30 savings over single ticket prices. Gala tickets featuring Kristin Chenoweth & Seagar's Cabaret tickets feat. For more information about the season, visit SinfoniaGulfCoast.org.
World Impact Real Estate Holds May Agent Meeting
The World Impact Real Estate (WIRE) May 6 agent meeting covered many topics, including insurance, home warranties, decorating, and lending. Tablets were given to agents without one to help in their business. With technology always changing, WIRE wants to help agents with the tools they need to be their best and most productive. WIRE agents want to “impact the world one transaction at a time.” This is accomplished through strategic partnerships with organizations around the world who share its vision and commitment to feeding the hungry, ending human trafficking, and providing for orphans.
MKAF Concludes Concerts in the Village with Seering & Mulligans
Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF) wraps up its 20th anniversary edition of its Concerts in the Village summer series at the Cultural Arts Village with two special concerts in July. David Seering returns on Thursday, July 2, with an evening of music celebrating some of American’s famous artists and composers to patriotic songs. On Thursday, July 9, the music showcase series will conclude with a performance by The Mulligans — the popular local band will perform favorite dance tunes from the ‘60s and ‘70s (originally scheduled for May 28). To honor local men and men in uniform MKAF is extending a special discounted admission of 50 percent off. For active duty military with valid ID admission to the concert is just $5. The gate opens at 6 p.m., and the concert begins at 7 p.m. Admission to each of the spring/summer Concerts in the Village is $10 per person; children under 12 and MKAF members are free. A few remaining VIP event tables are available. Proceeds benefit MKAF's cultural and education mission.Davidson and Emerald Coast Middle Schools Say YESS to Sports Safety
Thanks to The Taylor Haugen Foundation, the Davidson Middle School baseball and Emerald Coast Middle School softball teams both said “YESS” to state-of-the-art, high-tech EvoShield shirts. Designed to protect against Commotio Cordis, The EvoShield chest and back guard utilizes the same technology found in the football rib shirts, which help protect against abdominal injuries. Both shirts disperse the impact over a larger area, lessening the impact and reducing the potential for injury. After a successful season outfitting and equipping more than 1,000 Okaloosa and Walton county football players, The YESS program began educating local baseball and softball teams about the importance of youth spots safety.
Sacred Heart Hospital Supports Food for Thought
Throughout the year, Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast partners with area agencies to meet critical needs in the community. The hospital recently partnered with Food For Thought, a not-for-profit organization that provides backpacks filled with healthy, easy-to-prepare food for students who are dependent on free or reduced school meals. The organization’s goal is to support a child’s development and educational experience by bridging the gap between school meals during weekends and holiday breaks. Food For Thought has been working to fight child hunger since 2010, and currently serves 15 schools in Walton and Okaloosa counties, providing backpacks for 770 students each week. Hospital associates donated more than 675 food items.
