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Author: Joe Public

Pays to be a pack rat of paper, Within These Walls

Written by Joe Public on . Posted in Articles.

Cleaning up some paper records and I find this little publication called Within These Walls.  This document precedes me here at Fisher House of the Emerald Coast and it is a compilation of letters written by Fisher House guests across the network.  In this season of giving, and loving, it’s so appropriate.  The first page has a poem written by a Fisher House volunteer.  I am intrigued and learn it was set to music…..found it today on the foundation’s website.  Sharing today…..https://youtu.be/ehdnwR2NEqs

Be on the lookout for our own composition, written by Steve Ferrell for our 12th Annual Helping Heroes Gala.  Stay tuned……

Words from Guests December 2, 2019

Written by Joe Public on . Posted in Articles.

Team Eglin includes the 6th Ranger Training Battalion and we appreciate their service. Grateful our Fisher House is available for all services. #loveisgoodmedicine

All You Need is Love and a Good Teammate, Role of Caregiving

Written by Joe Public on . Posted in Articles.

Previous galas have been the person serving and they have remarkable lives full of hope and inspiration. At Fisher House, our homes and the comfort they offer center on families and the support systems that caregiving provides. We also participate with Month of the Military Child in April each year and recognize that the whole family serves, voluntary or otherwise. We have added several new events for 2020, one IN FEBRUARY which will feature Jennifer Nelson, sharing some of her perspectives as one of these teammates. I ran across this cute video and who doesn’t love a Sesame Street message?

Cox Communications Packs the Pantry

Written by Joe Public on . Posted in Event Photos.

This group from Cox Communications is taking PACK the pantry to an all new level. Not only did they shop under a timeline and budget as part of their team building visit, they stacked their goodies into our pantry, organizing and streamlining, then packed themselves in for a famous COX selfie. We love them for blessing our house guests! ❤️

Knights of Columbus Assembly 3236 bless our Fisher House

Written by Joe Public on . Posted in Event Photos.

Friends of Fisher House, John and Richard visited our Fisher House on Tuesday, donating $500 from Knights of Columbus Assembly 3236.  This organization, and these two big hearts are frequent givers to care for our military families during a medical need.  The Knights of Columbus is the world’s largest Catholic, Family, Fraternal, Service organization.  Their guiding principles are Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism and their rich history include many years of service to the local community, Catholic Church, families, and young people.  We love that they support two of our favorite things….families and patriotism.  #knightsofcolumbusdogood

Feel Good Friday

Written by Joe Public on . Posted in Articles.

“Thank you Fisher House for allowing us to stay at this wonderful, peaceful, beautiful, comfortable lodging. Our daughter is in the Air Force (works here at the hospital). She and her husband had a baby girl so we are proud Grandparents. Thank God for this amazing place.”

Words from our Guests

Written by Joe Public on . Posted in Articles.

“I’ve spent the last week here at Fisher House in support of my son, who had an emergency surgery. Flying from California to Florida was a task all on its own but getting here and not having to worry about a play to stay, food and laundry has been the biggest blessing. Thank you to all who have made Fisher House what it is and the mission they support happen. I have felt love and support from the staff and other guests since arriving. Thank you Fisher House.”

6th Annual Eggs on the Beach nets Fisher House $16,250

Written by Joe Public on . Posted in Event Photos.

MIRAMAR BEACH — The sixth annual Eggs On the Beach cooking competition raised $40,000 for local nonprofit organizations, including its two nonprofit partners, Fisher House of the Emerald Coast and Food for Thought.
Held at Seascape Resort on Sept. 28, the family-friendly event welcomed more than 750 tasters and volunteers who sampled an array of delicacies cooked on Big Green Eggs by 25 cook teams.
Food for Thought and the Fisher House of the Emerald Coast each received a $16,250 donation from the 2019 EggFest.
“Our sixth annual event was a great success due to our amazing cook teams, volunteers and sponsors,” said Bay Breeze Patio co-owner and event founder Susan Kiley. “We feel proud to have created one of the best food festivals in the area. It is humbling to see the community come together to support these great causes.”
In the nonprofit category, South Walton Academy earned first place and a $3,500 donation. In second place, Sinfonia Gulf Coast earned a $2,500 donation toward its Youth Orchestra. The Rotary Club of Destin placed third and won a $1,500 donation.

Kevin Louthain, cooking for Westonwood Ranch’s Bacon Nation, tends to his grill during the 6th annual Eggs on the Beach Eggfest held at Seascape Resort Saturday.

Tasters voted Saltwater Restaurant Group the winner of the Taster’s Choice award. Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty earned second place and Fort Walton Beach Medical Center’s “Five Wild Blazing Medical Cooks,” placed third.
Judge’s Choice winners for 2019 were first place Saltwater Restaurants Inc., second place Setco Services in partnership with Jackacudas Seafood & Sushi, and third place Westonwood Ranch’s Bacon Nation.
Honorary judges were chef Phil McDonald and Debbie Swenerton of Black Bear Bread Co., chef Nikhil Abuvala of Roux 30a and Jack McGuckin, executive chef Bijoux Destin.
The best booth display was presented to Saltwater Restaurants Inc.

12th Annual Helping Heroes Gala, #heartscript – All You Need is Love takes place October 17th

Written by Joe Public on . Posted in Articles.

This annual black-tie event benefitting Fisher House of the Emerald Coast and co-hosted by Emerald Sponsor Emerald Coast Hospice welcomed a sold-out crowd of 340 to the Henderson Beach Resort and Spa Thursday evening. Bobby Dove, a former Army Green Beret Medic with the 7th Special Forces Group in Crestview as part of Eglin Air Force Base was the featured speaker. While deployed to Afghanistan, Bobby suffered great injury to his dominant right hand and right leg after he came into contact with an IED on a motorcycle parole. His story was captured as part of a NAT GEO series Inside Combat Rescue. Bobby recovered and deployed again seven months after his initial injury. Since medically retiring in 2014, he now owns and operates Hooligan Charters, a fishing charter located at Emerald Coast Marine in Niceville.

Brieanne Raines, Hospice Specialist with Emerald Coast Hospice said, “When I learned of the opportunity to partner, I knew it was a good way to show our support in a very tangible way. Many of our families along the Emerald Coast have served, and the mission at Fisher House with comfort homes aligns with our core values to offer care and comfort. “

Platinum sponsors included Vertex Aircraft Integration and Sustainment, Okaloosa Gas District and Crane Aerospace, among many other gold, silver and bronze sponsors. A VIP reception took place pre-event with Laura Hussey, WEAR morning news anchor greeting sponsors on the red carpet. While the mission focuses on families, this fun, classy gala brings together passionate supporters each October to show their affection for our military families for both service and sacrifice. Ted Corcoran, President/CEO of the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce serves as the Master of Ceremonies and this year, Steve Ferrell of HDR Engineering debuted his original song written as a special tribute.

Those in attendance included senior level military members of Team Eglin, Air Force Special Operations at Hurlburt Field and United States Army 7th Special Forces Group in Crestview, along with retired military members and their spouses who now call the Emerald Coast home and many high-profile community and civic leaders. The Blue Wahoos military mascots representing the Air Force and Army posed for photos during the reception.