It was a “Who’s Who†event with Mayor Ashton Hayward, Guy Thompson, mayor of Milton and Beverly Zimmern, mayor of Gulf Breeze in attendance.
Sheila Bowman, district director, attended on behalf of Congressman Jeff Miller.
Paul Young, executive director of Greater Escambia Community Foundation introduced the board and didn’t take too much time getting to the good stuff, the seven recipients of the grant.
“We’re giving real checks, not those big fake ones,†Young said.
The money came from an anonymous donor early this year. The donor wanted to help those who have been negatively impacted by the oil spill. The funds came from a contribution from the Fund for Gulf Coast Communities, a program of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors .
Each organization received a certificate of appreciation from Congressman Jeff Miller along with their normal-sized check.
The first grant given was to Lakeview Center of Baptist Hospital. They will utilize the $36,125 awarded to create a Child’s Place of Healing, an outdoor playground for children affected by the oil spill and under the care of Lakeview Center.
Favor House was awarded $50,000 to create a shelter program for those who suffered emotional and financial distress caused by the spill.
The First United Methodist Church, acting as fiscal agent for the Gulf Coast Interfaith Alliance will use the $43, 100 grant to fund three programs: Milk and Honey, provides after-school and summer programs for children, Suit Yourself Ministry, provides business attire for women returning to the work-force and Serve the Hungry, provides food and clothing for those in need.
Loaves and Fishes was awarded $30,000 to provide food and emergency shelter for those affected by the spill.
The Lynn F. Johnston Pediatric Dental Clinic, a program under Sacred Heart Foundation, was awarded $41,625. The program provides children in Escambia and Santa Rosa County will dental care.
The South Santa Rosa Interfaith Ministries was given $45,500 to assist oil spill victims. And finally the United Ministries was given $50,000 to provide emergency shelter to families and individuals affected by the spill.
Each individual that stepped up to accept their grant money was quick to acknowledge volunteers who have worked hard for their organization.