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Food For Thought Outreach, Inc. recently announced that Trustmark Bank, of Okaloosa and Walton Counties, recently raised and donated $2,115.86 to the organization. Trustmark Bank ran a fundraising campaign to support Food For Thought for the entire month of June.  Lenny's Sub Shop in Destin and Wing Stop in Destin also helped and contributed to the bank branches’ efforts by offering discounts and free food coupons for anyone that donated at least $5 dollars to the campaign.

Demetrius Fuller is a proud beach local who is the very embodiment of exceptional talent and generous spirit. His dream was to create a professional orchestra for our community, with an eye toward giving back whenever possible.

Demetrius has succeeded in achieving his main dream, and as the founder of Sinfonia Gulf Coast, he is able to give back to the community through entertainment, education, and inspiration.

The South Walton High School Cheerleaders for the upcoming 2013-2014 school year are as follows: Julianna Allen, Savannah Bartleson, Angela Beabout, Maria Beabout, Marissa Brown, Zoelle Coetzee, Chandler Davis, Natalie DiCiaula, Emily Dismukes, Bella Ekstrom, Kate Harper, Taylor Hatley, Jenna Kotowske, Maria Martins, Alex Page, Kiera Singletary, Ashley Ward, Katie Wesson and Alexis Workman. They are coached by SWHS science teacher and cheerleading coach, Ashlee Scarpulla.
 

South Walton Fashion Week is right around the corner and you can already hear the high heels coming down the runway. Scheduled for October 11-13, 2013, SWFW in Grand Boulevard’s Town Center at Sandestin is calling all aspiring designers and models to apply now through September 3, 2013. Applications must be submitted at swfw.org. Get your application in soon to be a part of the first South Walton Fashion Week!

Wyndham Vacation Rentals has announced that ResortQuest by Wyndham Vacation Rentals launched a Local’s Loyalty Program to reward local residents for their hospitality in welcoming thousands of tourists to the Gulf Coast each year.
 

The Ballots have been counted as Emerald Coast Magazine and the Junior League of the Emerald Coast eagerly prepare for the 2013 “Best Of the Emerald Coast” (BOEC) Event.  Each year readers of Emerald Coast Magazine cast votes for the “Best of the Emerald Coast” to choose the finest food, services, and places our region has to offer.  BOEC is an event showcasing the area's best of the best as voted by readers of Emerald Coast Magazine. Winners will be honored at the annual “Best Of” awards ceremony a week prior to the event.
 

Do you know the next award winner? Are YOU the next award winner? Tourism in South Walton succeeds through the efforts of dedicated, enthusiastic and innovative people. The Van Ness Butler Jr. Hospitality Award, now entering its eleventh year, recognizes an outstanding individual who has made significant contributions to tourism in Walton County while working with other community businesses or organizations to enhance South Walton’s standing as an upscale travel destination. Please consider nominating yourself or someone you know.

The Volunteer Guild at Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast recently presented a $67,600 donation to the hospital in support of a variety of patient care initiatives. Each year, the Volunteer Guild invites hospital department managers to apply for one of the Volunteer Guild’s special capital sponsorships to enhance patient care, resulting in new equipment, software upgrades and customer service projects.
 

End of July Update: South Walton Turtle Watch (SWTW) is reporting the most current count of sea turtle nests is up to 55. Some of the first nests of the season are approaching 50-60 days and we should start to see hatchlings and/or their tracks to the water any day.

Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation's (MKAF) 18th Annual Festival of the Arts Poster Competition has a new winner! Among the many creative entries, Andy Saczynski's design captured the judges’ attention with its vibrant colors, coastal theme and creative design.

"While it was a difficult decision, Andy's piece simply had all the elements of a great poster design and represented the festival's colorful, friendly coastal atmosphere," said Festival of the Arts Poster Judge and Local Artist Cara Roy.