December 2015 Business Briefs / Member News Part 4

Knights of Columbus Donate to Sacred Heart Hospital Chapel Improvements
The Knights of Columbus Council recently presented a $4,000 check to Roger Hall, president ofSacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast, and Jeff Ryan, chaplain, for improvements to the hospital’s chapel. Sacred Heart chapel is open to patients, families, visitors, and the healthcare team as a place of reverence and prayerful solitude. 


VW Car Club Helps Children in Need
The local chapter of the Kusten Kruezers VW Car Club helped the 52 kids living at the Children in Crisis (CIC) Neighborhood with a donation of $4,000. CIC was chosen as the benefiting charity for the huge car show held at the Mullet Festival grounds. CIC was nominated by a member of the club and voted by the membership to receive the funds. Seen here, Ken Hair, CIC president and CEO, receives the donation from Steve Osborn, car club president.

Museum Seeks Volunteers
The Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida is seeking shift volunteers who can work set hours each week helping to greet guests, answer phones, and assist in the gift shop. Current openings are 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., on Fridays and Saturdays, and 1 – 4 p.m., on Wednesdays and Saturdays. If you cannot commit to a weekly obligation, but want to volunteer, other opportunities are available. Call the museum at (850) 678-2615. 

Playground Corvette Club Donates to Covenant Hospice
Covenant Care is the recent recipient of a $200 donation from the Playground Corvette Club in Fort Walton Beach. Donations from groups, such as the Playground Corvette Club, help fund Covenant Hospice’s special programs in Okaloosa and Walton counties. These programs include bereavement services, children’s support programs, spiritual support services, and charity care. Covenant Hospice accepts patients regardless of ability to pay. In 2014, the organization provided more than $1.7 million in care for uninsured or under-insured patients facing a terminal illness. 

Waterfield & Associates Hold Online Auction for Children in Crisis
Waterfield & Associates, Inc. – Destin Insurance Group hosted an online auction for Children in Crisis (CIC). It raised $800. Beth and Gary Kelly, the winning bidders, will enjoy a stay at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, along with various gift cards to local restaurants, a dinner cruise aboard the Solaris, golf in Sandestin and Kelly Plantation, and a Spa Package from the Spa Sandestin. Ken Hair, CIC president and CEO, is seen here with Benny Waterfield, Kim Kurth, and other associates.

Warren Averett Expands Southeast Presence
Warren Averett, LLC, continues to expand its Southeast presence with the upcoming merger of Panama City-based firm Jinks & Moody, PA. This addition brings the Warren Averett firm to more than 800 team members, serving clients through 14 offices across Alabama, Florida, and Georgia. The merger, effective Jan. 1, 2016, offers clients expanded reach and resources, service solutions, and a strengthened depth of expertise, with the same level of personal client service. 

Blue Marlin Realty Group Donates Toys to Local ER
Blue Marlin Realty Group partnered with Porsche of Destin, Gregg ORR Auto, and members of the local community to collect and donate toys to children who visited the Emergency Room at Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast this holiday season. The donation was made on Dec. 21. Seen here, Sacred Heart Hospital employees Tracy Perk, Jessica Markowski, Tina Withrow, and Jeff Ryan accept more than 200 toys from Blue Marlin Realty Group team members Holden Hughes, Johnathan Hughes, Rick Moore, Jerry Sullivan, Leslie Sullivan, and Roger Conner.

Building Homes for Heroes Repeats Festival of Trees Win
Building Homes for Heroes took home Best of Show for the second year in a row at the sixth annual Festival of Trees in Grand Boulevard at Sandestin and was awarded the top prize of $2,500 by the panel of judges. Its display included a military-themed Christmas tree, small wooden houses, and a flag presentation that reflects its mission to build homes for returning disabled veterans. For the first time ever, there was a tie for second place with Heart Animal Rescue andEmerald Coast Theatre Company each winning $1,250. The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast won the People’s Choice Award and received $2,000. Seen here, David Switzer, 5-year-old Cameron Hale, and Kelly Hale of Building Homes for Heroes accept the Best of Show prize from Stacey Brady, Chelsea Calhoun, and Bill Bubel of Grand Boulevard.

Tee Off for Toys keeps Giving to Children
The Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort helped the kids living at the Children in Crisis (CIC) Neighborhood through its 4th Christmas Tee Off for Toys event. Seen here, Ken Hair, CIC president and CEO, accepts the donation of more than 500 toys worth more than $7,500 from Rick Hileman, Sandestin’s director of golf, and staff.



Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Brings Children a Merrier Christmas
The Emerald Coast Harley Owner’s Group (HOG) Chapter #3605, sponsored by Emerald Coast Harley Davidson, hosted its 36th Annual Toys 4 Tots Run this Holiday season with the proceeds benefiting the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center and Children in Crisis. With 500 motorcycles and their riders, the successful operation collected more than 600 toys and raised more than $13,000 to benefit the two organizations.