All in the family, #familiesblessingfamilies – commemorative donations made in memory or to honor a loved one are a great way to pay it forward for Fisher House families. Here’s a dad receiving his Fisher House bling basket and the note acknowledging the gift made to US from his daughter. She was honoring her dad, uncle and grandfather. Her dad got a cool mug, a warm stadium blankie, and confirmation he had raised her right. #loveisgoodmedicine still time to do your own paying it forward into 2020 today and tomorrow. . https://fisherhouseemeraldcoast.org/donate/
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……
Team Eglin includes the 6th Ranger Training Battalion and we appreciate their service. Grateful our Fisher House is available for all services. #loveisgoodmedicine
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?
What is the benefit of chamber membership and being present? We won the Let it Ride from the Crestview Area Chamber and chair elect, Ryan Price delivered it in person! Woo hoo! Pays to show up! #loveisgoodmedicine
“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.”
“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 worryabout 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.”
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.
We are so pleased with the continued partnership we have with Okaloosa Gas District. Not only do they give generously in the community and financially support this event, they also provide the natural gas at our house where our guests feel the love first hand. Hear from our house manager, Marc Ambrose. click here.
