Okaloosa County School Superintendent Marcus Chambers Makes Generous Donation to ECCAC
Demonstrating his commitment to being a good steward for the community, Marcus Chambers, Okaloosa County School Superintendent, recently donated $25,000 from his unused campaign funds. to the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC). The donation will greatly benefit ECCAC’s vital programs, such as the Safety Matters prevention program which teaches children in local schools how to recognize and respond to unsafe situations. Chambers shared with the ECCAC staff, “Investing in the ECCAC is an
ECCAC announces Serena Campbell as new CFO
The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) announced they have a new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) on their staff, Serena Campbell. Lee Curtis, ECCAC’s Director of Development commented, “We are so glad to have Serena on board with us, this is the first time over the years that we have hired a CFO. She is professionally qualified, has an excellent background, and is well suited for her new position.” Born in Tampa, FL, Serena Campbell was a military child who relocated with her
Peggy Stephen Swanson Announced as Newest ECCAC Board Member
The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) announces Peggy Stephen Swanson as the newest member of its Board of Directors. Originally from Winnipeg in Manitoba, Canada, Swanson attended the University of Manitoba. As a child, she spent every summer in Panama City, Okaloosa Island and Destin, and knew early on she wanted to call NW Florida home. In Canada, prior to moving to the Destin area in 1991, Swanson owned and operated a restaurant and specialty store. During that time, she also worked
Lee Curtis Promoted to Director of Development at ECCAC
The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) recently announced the promotion of Lee Curtis as their Director of Development. Curtis has been with ECCAC since 2022 in a marketing capacity with a well-proven track record. This new leadership role will increase her responsibilities by working to cultivate and maintain relationships with major gift donors and businesses. She will also oversee fundraising events, membership programs, collaborate with ECCAC’s Board of Directors, and other areas
ECCAC hosting a volunteer orientation on June 18
The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) will be hosting an informative Volunteer Orientation on Tuesday evening, June 18, from 6-7 pm. in their Niceville Center, 401 McEwen Drive. Volunteers are needed to help at their center in Niceville, or volunteers can help in other ways such as community events and more. According to ECCA Volunteer and Event Coordinator Ana Michalznik, “We invite you to take a guided tour of our Center, hear about the work we are doing in the community and learn more
Frank Flautt is ECCAC’s newest Zeke Bratkowski Humanitarian Award Recipient
The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) recently awarded Frank Flautt one of their top honors. It was at ECCAC’s Gala this year at the Sandestin Hilton where Flautt was recognized as the 5th annual Zeke Bratkowski humanitarian award recipient. Bratkowski was an NFL professional football player, and an assistant coach in the NFL for over two decades. He passed away in 2019, and was a passionate supporter of ECCAC, founding their first gala and golf event in 1999. The newest recipient of this
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month …Recognized by ECCAC with Proclamations
The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) and communities across the nation are bringing attention to the issue of child abuse prevention and how we as a society must support and help child victims of abuse. With National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, it brings to light the fact that many do not realize the peril our children can experience and have to deal with right here in Northwest Florida. To recognize this important month at both of ECCAC’s Centers in Niceville and DeFuniak
ECCAC’s 25th Annual Gala & Golf Weekend a Big Success
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
ECCAC announces 2024 board of directors: Renee Pellegrino is new President
At a recent board meeting, the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) officially announced their 2023/2024 line-up of board members and officers, as well as naming their Executive Committee. Renee Pellegrino is their new President; Khaliqa Wheatley, Vice President; and Alan Wood, Treasurer. Other members are immediate past President, Janet Parker, along with Audie Rowell, Blake Morar, Candance Vlahos, Cindy Cole, Dr. Dennis Lichorwic, Heather Parrish, Michael Thompson, Neslihan Suhi-Moore,
Shannon Amos Joins ECCAC Board
The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) recently announced its newest Board of Directors member Shannon Amos. Originally from Tennessee, Amos moved to the Florida Panhandle in 2005, where she has been a Destin resident with her husband and their 10-year-old daughter. They also have three adult children. Amos is currently a real estate agent with World Impact Real Estate. She and her husband, Dr. Warren Amos, a radiation oncologist with Genesiscare, are in the real estate investment and rental
Emerald Coast Children's Advocacy Center's Re-Naming & Re-Opening of Niceville Center
May 5th was a very memorable day for the Emerald Coasts Children’s Advocacy’s (ECCAC) Niceville Center. Not only did it mark the official re-opening after the almost 9-month restoration and renovation of the Center after it experienced fire and significant water damage, it was also the official re-naming and dedication of the Center to the Julie Sacco Porterfield Children’s Advocacy Center. Guests at the ceremonies met the ECCAC team, took tours if the newly restored Center and learned about the numerous
Meet Heather Parrish - Newest ECCAC Board Member
Heather Parrish recently joined the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center’s (ECCAC) Board of Directors. A Miramar Beach resident with her family, Parrish is a real estate agent and investor specializing in income and luxury properties with Keller Williams Realty. Previously, she was a Registered Nurse working primarily in Critical Care in both Memphis, Tennessee and with Sacred Heart of the Emerald Coast here in Miramar Beach, Florida. “My husband and I, along with our children, feel very connected to
Funds Raised at ECCAC’s Signature Gala and Golf Weekend Surpasses all Previous Records
The community, sponsors and supporters of the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) rallied at this year’s Gala in the Garden and Golf Weekend to raise an impressive $685,000. This substantial amount broke all previous records at ECCAC’s annual signature event that has been ongoing for 24 years. Julie Porterfield, ECCAC CEO commented, “We are so thankful for the incredible generosity of our sponsors and guests. The weekend benefited children in Okaloosa and Walton Counties to help ECCAC provide
Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center is there for the kids …April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month
National abuse statistics are alarming. According to the National Children’s Alliance, the national association and accrediting body for Children’s Advocacy Centers, nearly 700,000 children are abused in the U.S. annually. Neglect is the most common form of maltreatment with 75% suffering from neglect, 17.2% from physical abuse, and 8.4% from sexual abuse. About 4 out of 5 abusers are the child victim’s parents. With National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, it brings to light the fact that many do
Mark your calendars for ECCAC’s signature Gala in the Garden and Golf Weekend
The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) is putting on their annual signature Gala in the Garden and Golf Weekend, this year presented by George and Janice Hendricks. The Gala features a cocktail hour starting at 5:30 p.m., with dinner being served at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, March 10, at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa. Guests will enjoy dinner and live entertainment by popular local musicians, The Will Thompson Band, live auction, as well as a featured guest speaker. The Gala is an
ECCAC Hires New CARES Program Manager
The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) recently announced that Debra “Debi” Riley-Broadnax will be joining their team as the non-profit’s new CARES Program Manager. In this newly established position as Manager, Riley-Broadnax will be responsible for creating, managing and sustaining the CARES Program. CARES stands for Community, Awareness, Resources, and Support. The CARES Program is being established because of the need for elevating ECCAC’s community abuse prevention education in Okaloosa
Holiday Gifts for Emerald Coast Children's Advocacy Center
Over the years, the Flying Needles Quilt Guild in Niceville has donated Christmas stockings and quilts to the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC), and the organization is doing it again this year. In addition to ECCAC, other organizations who received these home-made gifts of stockings, quilts, blankets, pillowcases and drawstring bags are Children in Crisis, Catholic Charities and the Northwest Florida Guardian Ad Litem Foundation. The Guild also supports the Quilt of Valor Foundation by
Lee Curtis Joins ECCAC
The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) officially announced that Lee Curtis has joined their team as the non-profit’s head of Marketing and Donor Advancement. In this role, she will be leading the marketing efforts of ECCAC’s Centers in Okaloosa and Walton Counties and will be closely working with their donors. A native of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Curtis has lived along the Emerald Coast for the past 19 years. With a degree in Business Administration, she worked in the banking world with Regions
