It is with great pride that together we may venture into an exciting new future with the FPC Emerald Coast Powerboat Poker Run event, starting with this August 2018 Powerboat Week format, headquartered at the Emerald Grande. One of the biggest challenges I faced as FPC re-booted this struggling charity event, was push-back from the same charities that we have supported for almost two decades. With no less than five local charities refusing to accept proceeds from our event fund-raising efforts, I was forced to take on a more focused level of engagement in finding the right fit for Florida Powerboat Club and it’s generous members. After weeks of research, countless phone calls and emails, I am proud to introduce these very worthwhile, credible, and above all, grateful charity organizations.
- Alaqua Animal Refuge
- Food For Thought
- Fisher House at Eglin AFB
Stu Jones commented, ”We are very happy that this new list of beneficiaries represents a wide cross section of charitable missions, with very dedicated founders, administrators and volunteers. With this mix, our FPC members will feel comfort in knowing they’re helping needy, lower income families to feed their kids, abused children who have no where to turn, military families whose loved ones have been injured defending our nation, and abandoned animals who have life-threatening injuries.”
Join us in welcoming our beneficiaries for this years Poker Run! Read below for more information on these amazing & impactful organizations!
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Food For Thought mission is to remove the negative impacts of hunger, and empower a child to get the most out of their education and development by providing them weekly access to healthy, easy to prepare meals.
ALAQUA ANIMAL REFUGE
Mission Statement: Alaqua Animal Refuge believes that every abused, neglected and homeless animal deserves a second chance. Our private, nonprofit animal sanctuary is committed to serving the Emerald Coast as: the premier no-kill refuge, providing protection, shelter and care to animals in need; a full-service animal adoption center; and a peaceful, proactive animal welfare advocate through educational outreach and community programs.
FISHER HOUSE
Fisher House Foundation mission is to keep military families together during times of medical need, providing a support system for healing. We believe a family’s love is the best medicine. Our guest experiences say it best. These quotes are taken from the journals that are placed in each suite for our families to share their experiences with the next guests, to inspire and encourage hope and healing.
Florida Powerboat Club has spoken with a number of other local charities in Okaloosa County about our beneficiary program for this poker run event. One of the charities we selected has not yet confirmed acceptance, and therefore we have been forced to remove their logo from our promotion materials. For the time being, this 4th position remains in flux, and on the first day of the event, Aug 15th, 2018… Florida Powerboat Club will announce the name of the charity that will fill this final position.