February 2016 Business Briefs / Member News Part 4

United Way Announces Result of 2015 Campaign
Betty Brassell, with First City Bank and the 2015 Campaign Chair, along with the Board of Directors for the United Way of Okaloosa Walton County, announced that $1,311,359.39 was raised for Okaloosa and Walton counties due to the generosity of businesses, organizations and individuals that made the campaign a great success. This year’s result is a 7% increase over the 2014 campaign, which is truly a testament to the caring nature of the community even when times are challenging. 
 

Webelos Scouts Donate Winter Coats to CIC Kids
Members of the Webelos Scouts presented a donation of two large bags containing 25 winter coats for the children living at the Children In Crisis (CIC) Children’s Neighborhood.  Webelos Scouts Joshua Rogers, Pack 519, and Jacob Berggren, Pack 522, headed up the campaign. Seen here, Ken Hair, CIC president and CEO, accepts the donation. 
 


Magic of Love Recaptured at LuLu’s
It was a romantic Valentine’s Day indeed. LuLu’s in Destin held its first Tropical Re-Union Wedding Vow Renewal Ceremony. With ordained minister Hurricane Jane presiding, an impressive 150 couples gathered on LuLu’s sandy beach overlooking the Choctawhatchee Bay for a memorable wedding vow renewal ceremony. The complimentary happening also included a champagne toast, flowers, cake, and a commemorative wedding renewal certificate. 

The Arc Receives $1,5000 Donation
A special check presentation was made during the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber First Friday Coffee on Feb. 5, 2016.  Okaloosa County Sheriff Larry Ashley, along with Capt. Gay, presented a donation in the amount of $1,500 to The Arc of the Emerald Coast from the First Judicial Circuit Law Enforcement Association.  Donna Tashik, director of community development for The Arc, graciously accepted on behalf of the agency.  Donations such as this will assist with operations of the agency, which provides services to children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, and Walton counties. 

Century 21 Fine Homes & Estates Blue Marlin raises $4,000 for Easter Seals 
Century 21 Fine Homes & Estates Blue Marlin proudly announces that the Affiliation Celebration held on Feb. 3, raised a total of $4,000 for Goodwill Easter Seals, a community-based health agency dedicated to helping children and adults with disabilities attain greater independence. Having recently affiliated with Century 21 Real Estate LLC, the Century 21 Fine Homes & Estates Blue Marlin team celebrated with a tri-ribbon cutting with the Destin Chamber of Commerce, Greater Fort Walton Area Chamber of Commerce, and Walton Area Chamber of Commerce. More than 300 friends, family, and business associates attended the community event at Regatta Bay Golf & Yacht Club. Following the ribbon cutting, guests enjoyed dinner and dancing to live music by Jones & Company and a silent auction.  Co-Brokers and Co-Owners Jonathan Hughes and Jerry Sullivan are seen here with Goodwill of the Easter Seals of the Gulf Coast’s Bill Dillman.
 
Citizen Scientist Water Quality Monitoring Volunteers Needed
The Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance is looking for multiple citizen scientist water quality monitoring volunteers to take over monthly water quality samplings on various water bodies throughout the Choctawhatchee Bay and River watershed. For details, visitwww.Facebook.com/BasinAlliance.
 
36th Emerald Coast HOG Toy Run Helps Kids
The Emerald Coast Harley Owners Group Chapter #3605  closed out the year by donating more than $13,000 to help the abused children served by the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) and the at-risk abused and neglected children living at the Children in Crisis (CIC) Neighborhood. Seen here, Vito Tomasello, director of the Emerald Coast Harley Owners Group Chapter, and the membership presented the donation to Ken Hair, CIC, and Julie Hurst, ECCAC.