Eglin Federal Credit Union is proud to be a presenting sponsor for Bring Hope Now’s Dragon Boat Race and Festival for the third consecutive year. In September 2025, Eglin FCU teams — Ready Oar Knot, Rowing Stones and Team Rocket — competed in the event to support suicide prevention. Through sponsorships and employee-led fundraising efforts, Eglin FCU has donated a total of $50,865 to the cause over the past three years. More than $20,000 of that total was raised by employees through annual initiatives such as dessert auctions and luncheons. This year alone, Eglin FCU employees raised $9,465 — nearly $2,200 more than last year and more than double the amount raised in 2023.
Bring Hope Now, Inc. was founded in response to rising suicide rates in Okaloosa County and surrounding areas. Eglin Federal Credit Union was one of the first organizations to support their peer-to-peer youth programs and Hope on the Line — a specialized curriculum for active-duty service members. Bring Hope Now launched the Bring Hope Dragon Boat Race and Festival, uniting local organizations to raise funds and awareness for suicide prevention.
Bring Hope Now Executive Director Peggy Brockman commented, "I've always said, our mission five years ago to start peer-to-peer Suicide Prevention programs in every school would not have been possible without the generosity and support of Eglin Federal Credit Union and its employees. The passion the teams bring to the Dragon Boat Race and its cause is inspiring. Because of them, we have been able to donate over $20,000 to the Okaloosa County School District the past two years to support our CARE Crews in each school. That's huge! We are forever grateful for having such a caring community partner like Eglin FCU."
AVP of Contact Center Operations Ruth Fennell has served as a team captain for all three years and remains deeply committed to the cause. She shared, “This event brings our employees together around a powerful mission — suicide prevention. I’m constantly inspired by our team’s energy and generosity. The camaraderie, the excitement and the sheer fun of dragon boat racing make it a highlight of the year. But it’s also about something bigger. Every team member shows up with purpose. We row for someone who needs to know they’re not alone. At Eglin FCU, we row as one team. Every dollar raised is a message of hope, and every stroke is a step toward saving lives.”
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