FPRA's Holiday Toast on the Coast Benefits Local Food for Thought

The Northwest Florida Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) raised almost $5,000 at its annual holiday fundraising event, Holiday Toast on the Coast: A Taste of Seaside, FL, on Dec. 6, benefiting the local NWFL Coast chapter and Food For Thought Outreach, Inc. 
 
The event, sponsored by Bracken Law, P.A., was held at Justin Gaffrey Studio & Gallery in Seaside, FL. Through the generous support of business owners and community residents, more than 30 silent auction items were available for bidding and dozens of prizes were won through drawings. The evening featured an intimate performance by NBC's "The Voice" contestant Geoff McBride. McBride sang five hits from his newly released album on Dec. 1, 2013. Guests were treated to a surprise from Geoff McBride when he announced that everyone would receive a copy of his new cd. 
 
This year’s event offered a unique twist incorporating ‘A Taste of Seaside’ to include and promote local restaurants and businesses of Seaside, FL. For a $25 donation, guests enjoyed heavy hors d’oeuvres provided by popular Seaside, FL restaurants including Bud & Alley’s, Great Southern Café, Modica Market, The Shrimp Shack and Signature Catering of 30A. Complimentary wine, beer and champagne were graciously sponsored by Beverage Law Professionals and Back Forty Beer Company. Each guest also received a commemorative champagne glass, donated by I Do Vino, as a keepsake to celebrate the local chapter’s 10th anniversary. 
 
Attendees were encouraged to bring canned food items or grocery gift cards to support Food For Thought Outreach, Inc.'s Christmas Service–a dinner provided on Dec. 21 to local families in need–and to support their mission of providing healthy, nourishing meals for local children during off-school hours. More than 300 canned food items were brought to the event as well as dozens of grocery gift cards. During this time of year, Food For Thought is in especially dire need for the community’s support and help to not only provide a Christmas dinner for local families in need, but enough food for children during their two week break from school during the holidays. After returning to school in January, Food For Thought’s pantry is completely wiped out and the organization struggles to replenish. Please help to support their mission by visiting www.foodforthoughtfl.org to donate or get involved.
 

 
The Northwest Florida coast is proud to host a chapter of the oldest public relations association in the United States. The Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) is a statewide organization of more than 1,200 public relations professionals dedicated to advancing the profession of public relations and enhancing the professional development of its members.
The NWFL Chapter of FPRA boasts a small but mighty membership spanning the geographic areas of Okaloosa County, Walton County, and Bay County with members representing multiple local industries including government, hospitality/tourism, economic development, associations, non-profit, education, healthcare, retail, agencies and small business.