7th Annual “Backpack 2 School” Drive

Southern Resorts applauds the Silver Sands Factory Stores in Destin, Florida for partnering with the Destiny Worship Center and The Walton Sun newspaper for this annual “Backpack 2 School” drive. Last year’s drive provided supplies and clothing for more than 600 children and the goal this year is to assist at least 750 local children. With every $25 donation, the Backpack 2 School program can provide a backpack full of the required school supplies to children K-12 whose families have financial needs. Each child also receives a new pair of shoes and a haircut, along with certificates to purchase some new back-to-school clothing. What a wonderful cause.

But, 300 backpacks are still needed to fulfill this year’s requests and donations are due by July 25th. If you'd like to help, stop by Silver Sands Factory Stores!

Silver Sands Factory Stores is the nation’s largest designer outlet center located in Destin, FL. The Center currently features more than 100 designer factory stores with 465,200 square feet of retail space, and ultimately 700,000 planned for the ultimate shopping adventure. Visited by over seven million shoppers each year, Silver Sands was recently voted “Best Outlet” by Florida Travel & Life. Designer merchandise is available at up to 75 percent off retail prices. Visit online at silversandsoutlet.com.

Dancing with Desire in Fort Walton Beach

After such a busy weekend with Billy Bowleggs festivities, Fort Walton Beach has yet another fun week planned.. Join us Thursday, June 12th at 7:30 in Fort Walton Beach at the Emerald Coast Conference Center for this great charity event benefiting the Desire Street Ministries and the YMCA. It promises to be an evening to remember while featuring Dancing with the Stars cast! Tony, Elaina, Max, Val, Valeriya, Fabian, Ilya and Nadia! For more information please visit http://www.desirestreet.org/. "The Desire Street Ministries exists to train and send leaders to revitalize impoverished neighborhoods through spiritual and community development."

It's Executive Director is Danny Wuerffel. Danny graduated as valedictorian of Fort Walton Beach High School here in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, where as quarterback, he led the football team to the state championship. His football career continued at the University of Florida, leading the Gators to four SEC championships and a National title. Besides graduating with High Honors and a BA degree in Public Relations, Danny won the 1996 Heisman trophy, the Draddy award (for the nation’s top student-athlete) and set 17 NCAA and Univ. of FL football records. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in 1997, where he first learned of Desire Street Ministries.

Southern Resorts, a proud supporter of Fort Walton Beach High School, has many properties from which to choose on Okaloosa Island in Fort Walton. Visit our site to see the beachfront vacation rentals available this summer.

Cystic Fibrosis Great Strides Walk

Yesterday was the perfect day for the CFF Great Strides Walk. Early in the morning there was a light fog and overcast skies, but by the time the warm ups for the walk began, the clouds cleared for a perfect sunny Destin sky. The warm ups I mention were about as hard as walking the 6 miles projected. A professional trainer by the name of Cisco had all walkers stretching and working up our heart rates at pretty good speed. He is in incredible shape, making it look so easy at Destin's Village Baptist Church.

I was so proud of our team for coming out, walking and enjoying great music and a few laughs together.

Thanks so much to Southern Resorts' walkers, Nancy, Kari, Marcella, Lisa and Marie as well as our guest walkers, Marie's mom and daughter and my two of my daughters! Our team surpassed its goal in fundraising efforts and were proud to contribute to the incredible cause.

Southern Resorts' also donated several door prizes including stays in our condos.

Thanks so much!

Southern Resorts Walks for CFF

Southern Resorts Vacation Rentals promotes the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and encourages other area businesses to do the same. This Saturday the Great Strides Walk will take place in Destin at the Village Baptist Church. Southern Resorts will have a team walking. It should be a wonderful day! If you are visiting, staying in Destin at a beach home or condo, this location is in the Crystal Beach area of Destin on Matthew Boulevard. Come by and support all of the walkers.

Last Saturday the Great Strides Walk was held in Panama City Beach. For more information on upcoming events and how to help CFF, visit their site http://www.cff.org/

Pensacola Ice Pilots vs. Columbia Inferno

The Pensacola Ice Pilots are hosting an early game against Columbia Inferno today at 12:05pm for the Business Person's Special at the Pensacola Civic Center. Tickets will be $10 and there will be an autograph session following the game. Also, on February 21st from 6-8pm the Ice Pilots will be serving dinner at Beef 'O' Brady's annual Tip-A-Pilot. The players will dress as waiters and serve dinner to raise money for the Favor House, a local non-profit organization for abused women and children. All tips will go to the Favor House.