United Way Emerald Coast Celebrates Achievements and Impact at 2024 Annual Meeting
United Way Emerald Coast (UWEC), a local non-profit dedicated to improving lives and building stronger communities, successfully concluded its Annual Meeting on Tuesday, July 30, at The Place on Beal in Fort Walton Beach. The sold-out event brought together more than 120 stakeholders including donors, volunteers, board members, elected officials, community leaders, and partners. The Annual Meeting served as a platform to celebrate UWEC’s accomplishments over the past year and engage with supporters,
Longtime White-Wilson CEO Alan Gieseman Announces Retirement
After more than two decades, Alan Gieseman is retiring as CEO of White-Wilson Medical Center, the region’s largest independent physician group. Gieseman has worked with the organization’s physician owners and leaders to expand access to health care for tens of thousands of locals and visitors in a three-county region since taking the helm 21 years ago. He has helped the group successfully navigate major changes in the health care industry and serve the community throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Gieseman
The Little Black Dress Party Returns
The White-Wilson Community Foundation (WWCF) will host the return of its award-winning fundraising event, The Little Black Dress Party, on Saturday, September 16. Guests will gather at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort to help raise funds to provide critical health services for individuals in Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Walton Counties. The Little Black Dress Party is an evening dedicated to celebrating good health and raising funds for community members in need. This will be the event’s 11th year and will
WWMC to Celebrate Long-Time Pediatrician Dr. Rigby
For over 40 years, Dr. Douglas Rigby has been caring for Fort Walton Beach area children and helping their parents navigate the ups and downs of parenthood. The special bond that he has with families is truly unique and spans three generations. In celebration of that bond and Dr. Rigby’s service to the community, White-Wilson Medical Center is inviting all to join them for a Retirement Celebration on Wednesday, May 31. The family-friendly celebration will take place at White-Wilson’s Fort Walton Beach
WWMC Employee Celebrates 55 Years of Service
The White-Wilson Medical Center Board of Directors recognized Imaging Technician Hank Taylor with the Lifetime Service Award during its quarterly shareholder meeting on May 2. Taylor will retire May 14 after more than 55 years with White-Wilson. “We are beyond grateful for the hard work and dedication Mr. Taylor has put into our organization,” said White-Wilson CEO Alan Gieseman. “His exemplary technical skills, volunteerism and service have made him a role model to many, and his lasting impact will be
WWMC Recognized as Best in Destin
Readers of VIP Destin Magazine have voted White-Wilson Medical Center as Best Medical Group and Best Urgent Care in the magazine’s annual Best in Destin awards. Dr. Richard Reno of White-Wilson Pediatric Clinic in Destin was also named Best Pediatrician. Following a two-week voting period late last year, White-Wilson and Dr. Reno secured the 2023 winning titles and accepted the awards during VIP Destin’s Black Tie Ball on March 25. White-Wilson CEO Alan Gieseman and White-Wilson Board of Directors
Eight Local Children Receive Life-Changing Vision Aid
On Wednesday, March 15, local families gathered at White-Wilson Medical Center for a vision clinic during which eight children with severe visual impairments received Electronic Video Magnifiers (EVMs) funded by The White-Wilson Community Foundation (WWCF) in collaboration with Sight Savers America (SSA). The high-tech equipment opens a new world of opportunity, allowing the children to see more clearly what they have not been able to before. The vision clinic was made possible through a $15,670 grant
Destin Chamber Awards Outstanding Members of 2022
On Dec. 13, Destin Chamber members celebrated the holidays and the Chamber’s most outstanding individuals and businesses, during the Annual Holiday & Awards Party Presented by Trustmark. Amid poinsettias, twinkling lights and Christmas trees at the Destin – Fort Walton Beach Convention Center, 2022 Destin Chamber Chairman Jennifer Gutai Comella of Hand Arendall Harrison Sale and Destin Chamber President & CEO Shane A. Moody, CCE, FCCP led the awards presentation. Alan Gieseman, CEO of White-Wilson Medical
WWCF Provides Special Olympics Athletes with Free Sports Physicals
The White-Wilson Community Foundation partnered with Special Olympics Florida to provide free sports physicals to local athletes throughout Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Walton Counties on Saturday, December 10 at White-Wilson Medical Center’s main campus in Fort Walton Beach, 1005 Mar Walt Drive. Volunteers from White-Wilson Medical Center conducted the routine physicals for nearly 30 athletes in need of renewal to ensure they may continue to benefit from Special Olympics training and
Special Olympics Athletes to Receive Free Sports Physicals
Special Olympics Florida athletes to receive free sports physicals provided by the White-Wilson Community Foundation. These physical exams will provide valuable health services and ensure that athletes from throughout Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Walton counties may continue to benefit from Special Olympics training and competition. Who: The White-Wilson Community Foundation and Special Olympics FloridaWhat: Special Olympics Athlete Physical EventWhen: December 10, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.Where: 1005 Mar Walt Drive,
WWCF Awards Grants to Advance Community Health
The White-Wilson Community Foundation works to build partnerships that improve access to health services and care for underserved individuals in the community. Through its community health grant program, it presented Fresh Start for Children and Families Inc. and Mental Health Association of Okaloosa Walton Inc. with grants on Wednesday, November 9 at their facilities. “We’re excited for this opportunity to partner with such fantastic health organizations throughout our community,” said Teresa Halverson,