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Friday, February 24, 2023United Way Emerald Coast Presents Volunteer Week
Volunteer Week: April 16th – April 22nd, 2023 Learn morehere Sponsorship Opportunity: Looking for ways to align your brand with making a difference in our community? Put your brand in front of hundreds of local volunteers and businesses. Sponsorships start as low as $500. SPONSORSHIP DEADLINE: MARCH 10 Project Submission Deadline: Are you a non-profit, school, or community organization with a project that could use some manpower? Our volunteers are here to help. Submit your project request
Wednesday, February 08, 2023United Way Emerald Coast presents Volunteer Week: Day of Caring and Our 2nd Annual Volunteer Celebration!
Volunteer Week is an opportunity to honor the individuals that donate their time and dedication towards tackling issues in our community. Join us in a week of volunteerism through hands-on and virtual opportunities to support some of our region's nonprofits and end the week with a luncheon as we celebrate YOU and your impacts! Download our flyer here, check out the sponsorship opportunities here, or sign up to volunteer here! Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, United Fidelity Bank.
Wednesday, November 02, 2022United Way Emerald Coast Now Offering Group Volunteerism Projects!
UWEC is here to help make your team-building volunteer opportunity one to remember. Our staff will work closely with you to customize your activity so that everyone will leave energized and inspired. You can clean up a beach, build a trail at a local park, read to children, plant a community garden - the options are endless.
Thursday, October 06, 2022New Mental Health Resources Coming to Local Area
Children’s Volunteer Health Network (CVHN) and The Youth Mental Health Project are introducing regional chapters of The Parent Support Network to the panhandle. Two local events will be held in Okaloosa and Walton counties to discuss The Parent Support Network and the regional chapters being developed. The new resources will provide local parents and caregivers who are concerned about their children’s mental health with an opportunity to find and support each other in a confidential and safe space. The
Wednesday, September 21, 2022United Way Emerald Coast Recognizes 2022 Class Of ‘40 Under 40’ At Awards Celebration
United Way Emerald Coast (UWEC) hosted its ‘40 Under 40’ awards celebration on Friday, September 16 at The Island Resort. Presented by Florida Power & Light, nearly 200 people attended the sold-out awards celebration which recognized Okaloosa and Walton counties’ top young leaders. “FPL is honored to partner with United Way Emerald Coast as the Presenting Sponsor of the ’40 under 40’ event to recognize our local up and coming leaders,” offered Bernard Johnson, Florida Power & Light’s Regional Manager. “The
Monday, August 29, 2022Okaloosa Health Summit | NEXT WEEK!
Save the date for the Okaloosa Health Summit on September 8 from 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Mark your calendar for the launch of the 2022 Community Health Assessment booklet and formation of our new workgroups! The workgroups will strive to improve the health of Okaloosans. The meeting will be held virtually and in-person at three locations across the county: Crosspoint Church - Niceville North Okaloosa Medical Center - Crestview United Way Emerald Coast - Fort Walton Beach Register
Wednesday, May 04, 202215 Graduate from Chamber’s Community Education & Leadership Program
On May 3, the Destin Chamber celebrated the graduation of 15 business professionals from its 14th Destin Forward class. During the event, the prestigious Destin Forward Leadership Award, chosen by class vote, was presented to Jenna Kilpatrick of the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance. Destin Forward, a community education and leadership program, was created to help find and educate future city and business leaders. After a retreat in August, the class spent the next eight months touring and learning about
Thursday, March 17, 2022How Should Your Donation Be Invested?
It's time to raise your voice and let us know how your gift to United Way Emerald Coast (UWEC) should be invested. By volunteering as a Community Investment Grant Panelist, you will have the unique opportunity to hear about the work UWEC's nonprofit partner agencies are doing across Okaloosa and Walton counties while recommending where Community Investment grants will have the greatest impact on critical needs in our region. UWEC donors of any amount are invited to participate. (Not currently a donor? You
Monday, March 14, 2022United Way Emerald Coast Launches Women United
United Way Emerald Coast (UWEC) celebrated the launch of Women United on Saturday, March 5. In honor of Women’s History Month, 118 ladies from across Okaloosa and Walton counties gathered at WaterVue at Brooks Street in Fort Walton Beach to celebrate the launch of UWEC’s Women United chapter. At the event, our community’s most generous ladies were invited to raise their voice for the causes they are passionate about by voting on the first focus of Women United. Previously vetted by the Women United
Tuesday, March 08, 2022Redding Promoted to South Walton & Bay County Market President
Progress Bank Florida Market Executive Dewayne Youngblood announced today that Lane Redding has been promoted to South Walton & Bay County Market President. “Due to our recent expansion into Panama City, it was the perfect time to grow Lane’s role to Market President of that area and the surrounding community. She has been instrumental in our success since she joined the Bank in 2020 and we are excited to watch her continue to prosper in her new position,” said Youngblood. Redding graduated from Baylor
Friday, January 21, 2022Eglin Federal Credit Union Participates in United Way EC's 28th Day of Caring
Eglin Federal Credit Union is proud to once again support the United Way Emerald Coast’s 28th Annual Day of Caring. Twenty-three employees painted and landscaped at the Emerald Coast Science Center in Fort Walton Beach and at the Crestview Manor in Crestview on Friday, Jan. 14. This year’s Day of Caring aligned with Martin Luther King Day’s National Day of Service celebrated on Monday, Jan. 17. “In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing
Friday, September 17, 2021United Way Emerald Coast Honors 40 Under 40
United Way Emerald Coast’s (UWEC) Emerging Leaders is pleased to announce the inaugural class of “40 Under 40” honorees, presented by Step One Automotive Group. This award seeks to recognize Okaloosa and Walton counties’ top young leaders excelling in their workplaces and making a difference in the community. This is UWEC’s first year organizing the Emerging Leaders 40 Under 40 award. Seeing the talent, leadership, and passion possessed by the community’s young professionals, UWEC created a venue to
Tuesday, August 24, 2021United Way Emerald Coast Kicks Off Virtual Singing Competition and Fundraiser, Rock United
United Way Emerald Coast is excited to kick off Rock United - presented by Gulf Power Company, a virtual singing competition for local bands and musicians. Rock United celebrates and recognizes the great musical talent in Okaloosa and Walton counties, while helping our community by supporting the efforts of United Way Emerald Coast. Rock United is organized in a single-elimination bracket tournament. The winner of each match-up is based on the number of votes in the United Way Rock United fundraiser.
Monday, August 02, 2021United Way Emerald Coast Seeking Nominations for 40 Under 40
Monday, July 12, 2021Fort Walton Beach Medical Center & United Way Emerald Coast Partner to Impact Five Hundred Local Children
Fort Walton Beach Medical Center (FWBMC) partnered with United Way Emerald Coast (UWEC) to host a Snack Pack Kit Build, a corporate engagement opportunity provided through UWEC to support our neighbors experiencing hunger. FWBMC accompanied the kit build with an internal food drive, engaging over fifteen departments within the organization. “Our colleagues enjoy helping the community and it showed with the United Way Snack Pack Food Drive,” said Mitch Mongell, CEO, FWBMC. “We are proud to have been the
Thursday, July 08, 2021Kim Cox Joins United Fidelity Bank
Kim Cox has joined United Fidelity Bank as Business Development Officer for the Fort Walton Beach and Destin banking centers. Kim has over 40 years of banking experience in the NW FL market, and was one of the original founders of Beach Community Bank. Kim has truly been a leader in the banking industry in the Fort Walton Beach area. Kim serves as Chair of the United Way Emerald Coast, is on the Board of the Emerald Coast Foundation, and previously served on the Board of Opportunity Place. In her spare
Monday, April 12, 2021United Way Emerald Coast and the Florida Department of Health in Walton County Announce Walton County's first Little Free Pantry
The Florida Department of Health in Walton County (DOH-Walton) and United Way Emerald Coast (UWEC) held a ribbon cutting ceremony on April 7, 2021, officially opening the Little Free Pantry at the DOH-Walton Office in DeFuniak Springs, FL. The last couple of years, Little Free Pantries have been popping up nationwide in an effort to address hunger. UWEC was recently awarded funding through a CARES Act grant for COVID-19 relief to bring 10 of these pantries to Walton County. These stand alone, small,
Monday, March 29, 2021United Way Emerald Coast Changes Lives Through COVID-19 Relief
United Way Emerald Coast (UWEC) celebrates the one-year anniversary of launching its COVID-19 relief fund to support local, community-based organizations that are providing services for individuals and families affected by the pandemic. In March 2020, as the schools closed and local businesses started cutting hours, UWEC and its sponsors decided it was time to step up for the neighbors and fill in the gaps. Since then, individuals and families across the region who were financially impacted by COVID-19
Monday, March 01, 2021February 2021 at United Way Emerald Coast
Last month, the United Way Emerald Coast (UWEC) was able to feed more than 500 local families alongside our friends at Destin Harvest, Feeding the Gulf Coast & the Fort Walton Beach Police Department, bringing the food distribution total more than 640,000lbs since April 2020! Additionally, UWEC wrapped up the annual Coats for Kids drive at the end of January, spreading the warmth to children across our community. Special thanks to Okaloosa Gas for the generous donation of coats and continued support of
Tuesday, November 17, 2020United Way Emerald Coast Seeks Nonprofit Partners
United Way Emerald Coast (UWEC) is pleased to announce it is accepting applications from local non-profits who wish to become Partner Agencies. This application is open to all 501(c)3 non-profit organizations serving Okaloosa and/or Walton counties; partnership status will be valid for one year. There are many benefits in becoming one of UWEC’s Partner Agencies. It enhances your organization’s credibility by showing the community (and other funders) that your organization has been reviewed, vetted, and
Tuesday, October 13, 2020And the Winner is...
Congratulations, Duchess, on the BIG Rock United win! Even with the new virtual landscape, United Way was able to transition this event to a successful virtual competition with a fantastic prize. Want to rewatch the competition? You can go to Rock United's Facebook page to watch it all again! Congrats to United Way Emerald Coast for an awesome event that raised over $50,000! Watch Duchess' final performance here.
Monday, October 05, 2020Cram the Van 2020
2020 has forced the United Way Emerald Coast to think outside the box, be creative, and find new ways to support its mission. Each year it hosts Cram the Van, a school supply drive that supports Okaloosa and Walton county students. The organization created an Amazon Wishlist to give the community an opportunity to donate supplies, accepted monetary donations, and several businesses even hosted their own collection drives. With partnerships new and old, Cram the Van was a success! Cram the Van collected and
Saturday, September 12, 2020Rock United Voting is LIVE!
The United Way Emerald Coast's Rock United voting is currently happening! Artists are competing head-to-head for your votes. Every vote equals one dollar in donations. The grand prize winner will open for Grammy Award winning Billy Currington on September 26th, receive a $2,000 cash prize, have a professional photoshoot with Blacksuit FM Photography, and enjoy a 2-night stay at The Island Ft. Walton Destin by Hotel RL.Vote here!
Tuesday, August 25, 2020First Round Voting for Rock United Kicks Off August 20
Voting in the first virtual Rock United competition benefiting United Way Emerald Coast (UWEC) will begin Thursday, Aug. 20. 26 local music artists have entered the competition and will compete for the grand prize of $2,000 cash, opening for Billy Currington at the Gulf on Okaloosa Island on Sept. 26, a professional photoshoot with BlacksuitFM Photography, and a two night stay at The Island Hotel by RL the weekend of Sept. 26. Money raised during competition voting will benefit UWEC and help fight for the
Friday, August 14, 2020United Way Emerald Coast Distributes $867,168 to Local Non-profit Organizations
United Way Emerald Coast (UWEC) awarded a total of $867,168 to local nonprofit organizations in Okaloosa and Walton counties from the COVID-19 Relief Fund, Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP), 2020-21 Community Investment grants, and donor-designated gifts. United Way works diligently with hundreds of partners to fight for every person's health, education, and financial stability in Okaloosa and Walton counties. "We are so fortunate to be a recipient of United Way Emerald Coast’s COVID-19 Relief
Monday, August 10, 2020Good News from the United Way Emerald Coast
United Way Emerald Coast’s COVID-19 Relief Fund continues to lift up thousands of families across our community. This month, we surpassed 24,000 neighbors served since launching the fund in April! These are neighbors, families, and friends right here in Okaloosa and Walton counties who needed our help. And you made that help possible. Thank you to everyone who believes in our mission and has so generously supported our efforts. We just wrapped up our fiscal year and I’d love to share a few important
Monday, August 03, 2020United Way Emerald Coast Announces Virtual Singing Competition Fundraiser, Rock United
United Way Emerald Coast is excited to announce the first virtual singing competition to come to the Emerald Coast. Rock United will celebrate and recognize the great musical talent in Okaloosa and Walton counties, while helping our community grow stronger through the efforts of United Way Emerald Coast. The virtual singing competition and fundraiser is for local bands and musicians. The Grand Prize winner will receive $2,000, plus perform as the opening act for Billy Currington at the Gulf on Okaloosa
Wednesday, July 29, 2020Local Boutique Public Relations Agency Welcomes New Team Member
After its launch in 2015, Whitney Lee has built SociaLee PR and Media Co’s client roster into a variety of industries. With a growing list of responsibilities, it was no time until Lee added to her team. Elizabeth Eulberg began with SocialLee in April of 2020, right as COVID 19 struck the nation. Through the transition of businesses adapting to quarantine and social distancing, Eulberg jumped in head first to take on various roles and responsibilities to manage the communications efforts for numerous
Thursday, July 09, 2020United Way Hosts “Cram the Van” Back to School Supply Drive
WHEN AND WHERE:Staples CrestviewSaturday, July 25, 2020 | 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Text and Virtual Donations accepted now through: Saturday, Aug. 15, 2020. Text Donation: Text CRAMTHEVAN to 41444 Online Donation: Amazon Wishlist: https://bit.ly/CTVAmazonWishlistMake a Gift Online: https://bit.ly/MakeAGiftCTV United Way Emerald Coast and community partners are hosting the annual Cram the Van school supply drive for students in Okaloosa and Walton counties! This year, United Way has provided four different ways to
Wednesday, June 24, 2020SocialLee PR & Media Co Welcomes New Client
SocialLee PR & Media Co is excited to officially announce that United Way of the Emerald Coast has become its newest client! United Way Emerald Coast is a volunteer-based organization that brings individuals and groups together in a community-wide effort to help people. This local charitable organization partners with and raises money for local health and human care service providers.
Monday, June 15, 2020$70,000 for COVID19 Relief Provided to 15 Local Non-profit Organizations
United Way Emerald Coast released the third phase of grant money totaling $70,000 to 15 local non-profit organizations in Okaloosa and Walton counties from the COVID-19 Relief fund. Since United Way began the COVID-19 relief grant process, they have provided a total of $140,000 back to 19 vetted local non-profits. United Way works with hundreds of partners to fight for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in Okaloosa and Walton counties. Their COVID-19 relief grants provide
Friday, May 22, 2020$40,000 for COVID19 Relief Provided to Seven Local Charities
United Way Emerald Coast has released its second phase of grant money totaling $40,000 to seven local charities in Okaloosa and Walton counties from their COVID19 Relief fund. United Way works with hundreds of partners to fight for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in Okaloosa and Walton counties. Their COVID relief grants provide support to charities who provide housing assistance, utility assistance, healthcare and food security to those impacted by COVID19. “We launched
Wednesday, April 08, 2020United Way Emerald Coast Announces Phase 1 Grant Recipients
Thank you to all who have donated to United Way's COVID-19 Relief Fund! United Way Emerald is proud to announce Phase 1 Grant recipients. These agencies were selected because of their expertise in their field. They will help us address immediate needs for food, shelter, and healthcare. These funds are intended to support our ALICE households - those who are facing financial instability and crisis situations because they lost their jobs or experienced reduced work hours because of this pandemic. Phase 1
Friday, March 27, 2020United Way Emerald Coast Receives $125K in COVID-19 Emergency Assistance from Gulf Power Foundation
As communities around the world grapple with the lasting economic and health impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, community support organizations like United Way are in need more than ever. United Way Emerald Coast is honored to be the recipient of a $125,000 donation from the Gulf Power Foundation to help members of our communities impacted by COVID-19. “I am constantly inspired by the Gulf Power team and we feel incredibly grateful for this gift from Gulf Power Foundation. They have so much compassion
Tuesday, March 24, 2020United Way Emerald Coast Launches COVID-19 Relief Fund
United Way Emerald Coast (UWEC) envisions a healthy community for all residents and is greatly concerned about the local impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19). UWEC is collaborating with a network of non-profits and community partners to identify the region’s most critical social service needs and mobilize support across Okaloosa and Walton counties. UWEC created the COVID-19 Relief Fund to support local community-based organizations that are providing services for individuals and families affected by the
