• Trouble logging in? Send us a message with your username and/or email address for help.
New posts
Canaan Foundation Memorial Fundraiser
A Huge Success
Help Still Sought for Women's Home Expansion

The Holiday Extravaganza Event at the Sandestin Hilton on November 21st was a spectacular evening and all who attended had a marvelous time. The Playground Big Band with vocalist Gina Walker heated up the evening with their incomparable vintage and swing music. The Dance floor was swirling with couples showing off their moves.

The Sandestin Hilton Staff and chefs made sure it was a memorable evening and there were over 50 silent auction items thanks to the generosity of too many local individuals and businesses to list. In addition, there was an exciting live auction featuring trips and a catered in-home feast by local favorite restaurateur Jim Richard and Chef Todd of Stinky's Fish Camp fame.

During the intermission, retired Judge Foster Sanders shared about the prevalence and gravity of the substance abuse problem that the Canaan Foundation and the Path of Grace combat in their mission. There was a bittersweet moment when friends and family of Foundation Board Member, Henry (Buddy) Faulkner shared their memories and honored his life of excellence and commitment. Buddy had been the driving force of this event and was unstinting in the support of this cause and others in the community. Lost in a an car crash a few weeks prior to the event, he will be severely missed, but his legacy of changing lives will continue.

Featured at the entrance to the event was a large depiction of the floor plan of the building that was donated to the Canaan Foundation by the St. Joe Co. This 4000sq/ft office space, easily converted to a dormitory will enable the Path of Grace to expand from its present capacity of 7 residents to bed count of as high as 25 to 30. The present facility has been overwhelmed by women, mostly local, desperate to fight their addiction and reclaim their lives and families. Because the Path of Grace program is a long-term residential commitment, residents stay a minimum of 6 months. There is a minimal turn-over rate and those seeking admission face a waiting list. Sometimes getting this help is a life-or-death matter; it is heartbreaking not to be able to meet the need.

As well as defraying the operational costs of the Path of Grace, raising the $50,000 estimated cost of moving the building was the goal of this special event. Charlie Earles, President of the Board of Directors, was pleased to announce that the Extravaganza brought in $33,000. This significantly advances the efforts to move the building from its present location in Sopchoppy to Freeport. The ambitious goal is to have the new facility ready to receive new residents on the present location of the Path of Grace by May of 2010, the second anniversary of this life-changing Home.

While the Foundation is extremely pleased to be over half-way to their expansion goals, there are still many needs, financial and physical to be met. If you can help by making a contribution or offering services, legal, architectural, or can assist in any way to achieve this goal, please call Canaan Foundation Director, John Broussard at 850-974-4573.

Also please make contact if you are struggling with addiction or know someone who is and wants help with it. You can find out more about the Foundation at www.canaanrecoveryfoundation.org
 
Last edited:

Namaste

Beach Comber
Mar 19, 2009
14
5
Congratulations!

Hope you guys get the help you need to help more people locally.

Thanks for what you do.
 
New posts


Sign Up for SoWal Newsletter