Fundraiser for A Better South Walton at Bud & Alley's

Join community members at a “Raising the dead” fundraiser for A Better South Walton at Bud and Alleys Restaurant in Seaside on Oct. 30 from 5-8pm.

“Sometimes raising funds can be harder than raising the dead but when it comes to SouthWalton’s future, it’s worth the effort,” said Dave Rauschkolb, speaking on behalf of A BetterSouthWalton (ABSW). “Join us because there is no denying, Walton County is getting a little spooky these days.” Raising the Dead fundraiser is planned Friday, October 30 from 5 to 8 p.m.

at Bud and Alley’s in Seaside, 2236 East County Road 30-A. A $20 donation is requested at the door. Light hors d-oeuvres, beer/wine, music and a raffle including a Bote stand up paddle board and a beautiful necklace from La Vie Est Belle Fine Pearls + Leather Jewelry by Wendy Mignot will be on offer.

ABSW is exploring solutions to pressing issues in SouthWalton County that include proper allocation of tax dollars, governance and local representation. Coalescing around the issue of building a Hampton Inn in the Seagrove neighborhood, community members quickly realized that without a greater degree of input into a vision for the future, issues like the chain hotels will continue to threaten our SouthWalton neighborhoods. 

Incorporating SouthWalton is just one potential solution the group is exploring. That option was discussed in a series of three community meetings held in May of this year where residents, business owners and property owners were encouraged to voice their vision for the future of our area. ABSW commissioned a feasibility study that will answer many of the questions raised at the community meetings regarding our tax base, demographics and the viability of a municipality south of Choctawhatchee Bay. 

“We are actively seeking donations to fund the feasibility study through our website www.abettersouthwalton.com,” said Rauschkolb. “The data collected in the study will benefit all of Walton County regardless of whether incorporation goes forward or not,” according to Rauschkolb. ABSW has partnered with SouthWalton Community Council, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, to accept tax-deductible donations for this cause.

The second draft of the feasibility study has been completed and continues to be reviewed. “We want to be sure that the study meets all the needs of our community and moves our efforts for local solutions forward,” said Rauschkolb.

ABSW invites a robust discussion of the results of the study. A series of meetings will be advertised and posted on our website with dates, times and locations soon. Please see www.abettersouthwalton.com for more information regarding the study, our mission and our core group as well as an opportunity to make a tax-deductible donation. A BetterSouthWaltoncan be contacted at info@abettersouthwalton.com for more information.