Presented by Janice and George Hendricks, the community, sponsors, and supporters of the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) came out once again to celebrate 25 years at this year’s annual signature happening, the Gala & Golf Weekend. It raised a significant $650,000 to help children and their families in Walton and Okaloosa Counties.
The Gala featured an energetic live auction with celebrity auctioneer, DawnMarie Kotsonis, also known as “The Gavel Girl.” ECCAC board member Cindy Cole donated her popular annual live auction lot of Women’s Bubbles & Bunco. Jim and Tammy Pierce, major donors whom the Pierce Family Center in DeFuniak Springs is named after, donated their annual Men’s Chars and Cigars lot. Women will enjoy wine, and dinner, while men will partake in high class cigars, fine dining, and signature drinks. Cole and “The Gavel Girl” worked together to achieve successful bids from 45 women and 25 men at $1,000 per person. Then guest Matthew Walker bought a whole other night for 25 men, making for a remarkable total of $95,000 raised for these 2 auction lots.
In addition, an array of sought after items were auctioned such as trips to Europe, golf at Pebble Beach, dinners and more. Guests enjoyed dinner, honoring Frank Flautt with the 5th Annual Zeke Bratkowski humanitarian award, guest speaker Crystal Davis, and live music by the Will Thompson Band.
The Golf Tournament was held at Kelly Plantation Golf Club two days after the Gala, with 108 golfers taking to the greens on the golf course.
Julie Porterfield, ECCAC CEO said, “On behalf of ECCAC, we are so appreciative and thankful for the incredible support of our sponsors and guests. The funds raised this year will make a major impact to help our hundreds of children and their families who receive our services at no cost.”
