Southern Resorts’ Panama City Beach vacation rentals and Billabong of Destin, Florida teamed up to raise money in support of St. Jude’s Hospital in the first annual Give Thanks Walk this past weekend. Employees from both companies joined forces with friends to show support for the families affected and the hospital that takes them in, treats and loves them.With the walks only taking place in 40 communities around the country, it was an honor to have the event in Panama City Beach, Florida. Hundreds of participants arrived at Aaron Bessant Park in Pier Park under the threat of rain. As music played and the rain stayed away, walkers traversed the 5k course in honor of, not only those children currently fighting a courageous battle with cancer, but also those that lost their fight. Our team carried a banner remembering Holly Burke, a beautiful 19 year old friend who passed away just weeks ago and who spent many months at St. Jude’s.
Timed just before Thanksgiving, the Give Thanks Walk was very appropriate. Those of us with healthy children should give thanks and walk harder and further in our efforts to help those families that must endure such difficult times. Supporting St. Jude’s is probably one of the easiest ways to help. Opened in 1962, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital is dedicated to children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. They never turn away a patient because of an inability to pay. If you would like to help, donate now.