Issuu

DESTIN IS THANKFUL

F I N A N C E + LE G A L S E RV I C E S

KRU EGER, FOSDYCK & A SSO CIATES: INVESTIN G IN TH E GRE ATER DESTIN CO M MU N IT Y N OV E M B E R 2 02 3

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November 2023 PUBLISHER

Carmen Ionascu | Carmen.Ionascu@citylifestyle.com MANAGING EDITOR

Josh Foster | josh.foster@citylifestyle.com

LIFESTYLE LETTER

Give Thanks In this season of giving thanks, we often find ourselves reflecting on the many blessings in our lives. The true spirit of Thanksgiving encourages the conscious expression of gratitude. Its focus is spending time with those you love and giving back in a meaningful way. While ambition, competition and slaying goals can be very healthy, focusing too much on these things can leave us missing out on what truly matters. If we forget to place importance on being present and appreciating those around us who have helped us along our journey, we will never be content. We need to look outside ourselves and our possessions or titles to determine if we are fulfilled. True contentment comes from within and from fulfilling who we were made to be. Our November issue is dedicated to stories of gathering, gratefulness and giving back to our community. We are so thankful for the residents and businesses in our Destin community who support so many wonderful organizations and help make our city the vibrant community that it is. We are especially thankful for our advertising partners who help bring this magazine to your doorsteps each month. They are part of our vision and purpose of bringing inspiring stories and the good news of the community directly to you. This Holiday season as we prepare to gather with our loved ones, in the true spirit of Thanksgiving, let’s set time aside to consider what truly makes life meaningful and stop to reflect on those blessings.

EDITOR IAL COOR DINATOR

Savannah Vasquez | savannah.vasquez@citylifestyle.com CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S

Robert Young with Forever Young Images, Shanna Magnuson with Davista Photography

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe

CARMEN IONASCU, PUBLISHER @DESTINCITYLIFESTYLE

LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

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Destin City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Media Partners LLC. It is distributed via advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Media Partners’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Media Partners’ does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Destin City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

Passion for the Greater Good I’m grateful for my journey from humble beginnings to where I am today. Raised on welfare and facing challenges as a young adult, I emerged stronger. Now, I’m fully engaged in life, dedicated to positive change. My passion lies in working with child-focused non-profits. I believe every child deserves a promising future. With careers in Real Estate and Art, I’ve found success, but true success is measured by impacting lives. Giving back to the community and beyond brings immense fulfillment. I invite you to join me in supporting these charities. Your contribution, no matter how modest, gets us closer to a brighter future for children in need. Together, we can create a lasting impact.

Please Support

Aletha’s Legacy

Sinfonia Gulf Coast

Aletha’s Legacy is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization committed to not only nurturing the children of Liberia today but also to securing their future. With a mission centered on creating a safe learning environment, the organization serves as a beacon of hope for these vulnerable youths. Through quality education, regular meals, and essential medical care, Aletha’s Legacy aims to provide these children not just immediate relief but also the foundation for a brighter, more promising future.

Sinfonia Gulf Coast is committed to entertaining, educating and inspiring the community through imaginative and innovative musical programming. Our goal is to enrich and expand the traditional orchestral experience through unique artistic disciplines and collaborations, enhancing Northwest Florida’s cultural vitality. Sinfonia Gulf Coast, your symphony experience … redefined. Thank you for playing a part. Your support is instrumental to our success!

Some children grow up knowing they are loved. They are the lucky ones. Sadly, many others do not. They have been mistreated and damaged by abuse or neglect. At ECCAC, we believe every child deserves the privilege of a childhood filled with love. We embrace the children who come to us and offer a hand to hold along their journey of healing through empowerment and restoration.

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N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 3

inside the issue The Thankful Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

16 Giving Back with Krueger, Fosdyck & Associates

Lifestyle Letter

Inspired By FI NA NC E + LEGA L SE RV IC E S

Must See LI FE + C U LT U R E

Artist’s Palette LI FE + C U LT UR E

Pet Care LI FE + C U LT U R E

Local Merrill Lynch Firm Serves Destin’s Community Well

28 The Surfing Realtor

Amanda Abbott shares the wonders of Gulf Therapy

36 Destin City Lifestyle Gives Back Inaugural Event Benefits Ellison McCraney Ingram Foundation

48 Where Cats are King

SOCKS works to rescue and protect local cats

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Robert Young-Forever Young Images Members of Krueger, Fosdyck and Associates (KFA) of Merrill Lynch in Destin. This financial group cultivates a culture of giving back to the community.

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GIVING BACK WITH KRUEGER, FOSDYCK & ASSOCIATES

Krueger, Fosdyck and Associates (KFA) is a team of nine financial professionals at Merrill Lynch in Destin. The KFA team culture promotes a servant heart and investing in the community, so tomorrow’s residents are better off. The team is motivated by two mottos: “You can have everything you need in life, if you simply help enough people get what they want,” Zig Zigler. And the second motto that has no author designation; “You have not lived until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.” With over 100 years of combined experience in the wealth management industry, KFA is one of the premier teams in the southeast region for high-net-worth individuals. Although client focus is the number one priority, the KFA culture also emphasizes community involvement. Each member is active on boards and non-profits to help support and grow this beautiful part of the country.

ARTICLE BY SAVANNAH VASQUEZ PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBERT YOUNG, FOREVER YOUNG IMAGES

I NSP IR E D BY | FIN AN CE + LE GAL S E RVI CE S

TIM KRUEGER WHAT ARE SOME UNIQUE FACTS OR NUGGETS ABOUT YOU? I am on a life-long quest for self-improvement. I love to read. I once performed in the Nutcracker!

WHAT CHARITIES OR BOARDS DO YOU SUPPORT? Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation, Sinfonia Gulf Coast, Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation, and the Special Operators Transition Foundation.

IN WHAT WAY IS YOUR CHOSEN CHARITY IMPORTANT TO YOU? The first three charities help underprivileged children and the Special Operators Transition Foundation helps elite veterans such as Green Berets, Army Rangers and Navy SEALS re-acclimate into society.

WHAT ARE YOUR PROFESSIONAL ACCOLADES OR CERTIFICATIONS? • Forbes Best in State Wealth Manager CONTINUED >

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CORY FOSDYCK WHAT ARE SOME UNIQUE NUGGETS ABOUT YOU? • I played Division 1 Basketball at Western Illinois University and held the School Record for “Games Played in a Career” and finished 3rd All-Time in “3pt. Field Goals Made.” • I am an avid Wine Collector. I am a Level 1 Sommelier and French Wine Scholar and have a 2,000-bottle collection. • I founded the Destin Bourbon Society in 2017. • I have five children, three of whom are adopted.

WHAT CHARITIES OR BOARDS DO YOU SUPPORT? I have been on the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation Board since 2009. I have also served on the board of Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital since 2021. I have been a committee member for the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center’s Golf & Gala since 2017 and am an Ellison McCraney Ingram Foundation Founding Board Member.

IN WHAT WAY IS YOUR CHOSEN CHARITY IMPORTANT TO YOU? DCWAF has been a passion of mine for 15 years. I started as a volunteer on the Marketing Committee and then joined the board. My passion for helping Children in Need festered into a wine obsession after a few years serving on the Board. DCWAF raises over $3.4 million each year and the funds remain locally with 16 different non-profits whose mission is helping kids. The Foundation has helped build new facilities such as the EC Autism Center, the Level II Nicu at Sacred Heart, and a renovated school for Youth Village. Each of these charities serve a critical need in our community and help those children that are less fortunate. DCWAF provides the platform for generous people (who appreciate a good party) to truly impact the next generation and the overall health of this community.

WHAT ARE YOUR PROFESSIONAL ACCOLADES AND CERTIFICATIONS? • Multi-Year ranked as Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors • CFP, CIMA, CPWA, CRPC, CPFA, • 2020 David Brady Award Winner given to Merrill’s FA that focuses on Client Experience and Community Service

I NSP IR E D BY | FIN AN CE + LE GAL S E RVI CE S

COLLIN MCCALL WHAT ARE SOME UNIQUE FACTS OR NUGGETS ABOUT YOU? I had my first business at age 13. I am a product of our local school system and community since 1999. I traveled to over 15 countries before I could drive a car.

WHAT CHARITIES OR BOARDS DO YOU SUPPORT? I support Impulse Church, Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation and the South Walton Rotary.

IN WHAT WAY IS YOUR CHOSEN CHARITY IMPORTANT TO YOU? All the charities I support offer opportunities to local parents and families with a mission to create positive change in families dealing with substance abuse.

WHAT ARE YOUR PROFESSIONAL ACCOLADES OR CERTIFICATIONS? • CFP • Vice President title at Merrill Lynch

CONTINUED >

NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / D E ST I N

NINA MCCLANAHAN WHAT ARE SOME UNIQUE FACTS OR NUGGETS ABOUT YOU? I graduated from FSU and will be graduating from Merrill’s FADP program in October 2023. I am taking courses towards my CFP.

WHAT CHARITIES OR BOARDS DO YOU SUPPORT? I support the Junior League of the Emerald Coast. The Boys & Girls Club of America and Food for Thought.

IN WHAT WAY IS YOUR CHOSEN CHARITY IMPORTANT TO YOU? It’s important to me to give back to my community and support those who are less fortunate.

WHAT ARE YOUR PROFESSIONAL ACCOLADES OR CERTIFICATIONS? CRPC

I NSP IR E D BY | FIN AN CE + LE GAL S E RVI CE S

GABE CAMPBELL WHAT ARE SOME UNIQUE NUGGETS ABOUT YOU? I married my best friend and High School sweetheart. We now have three beautiful kids ages 20,18 and 14. Our family has an angus beef farm in Indiana. I attended Indiana University and worked in the athletic department for legendary basketball Coach Bobby Knight.

WHAT CHARITIES OR BOARDS DO YOU SUPPORT? Run for Joy, Inc. and TrevorBeaman.org

IN WHAT WAY IS YOUR CHOSEN CHARITY IMPORTANT TO YOU? Bethany and I lost a child at 22 weeks. Run for Joy holds a special place in our hearts as we support the Ronald McDonald House and honor our son Jackson’s memory. Trevor is an active duty US Army Special Forces soldier. Trevor is using his voice to tell his story about overcoming trauma and changing the stigma of PTSD and mental health. Recognizing Post Traumatic Stress as an Injury versus a Disorder gives hope to those looking for healing much like someone suffering from a broken arm.

WHAT ARE YOUR PROFESSIONAL ACCOLADES AND CERTIFICATIONS? • 2023 Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams • Sr. Financial Advisor. Series 66 and 7 CONTINUED > NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / D E ST I N

LINDSEY PETERS WHAT ARE SOME UNIQUE FACTS OR NUGGETS ABOUT YOU? I am a graduate of South Alabama University. I am an accomplished equestrian and have been riding horses for over 15 years and have competed nationally. I met my husband on a blind date and we have been together 20 years. We now have two sons ages 11 and 8.

WHAT CHARITIES OR BOARDS DO YOU SUPPORT? I support the Alayna Bowman Scholarship Foundation, Sinfonia Gulf Coast and St. Mary Catholic Church.

IN WHAT WAY IS YOUR CHOSEN CHARITY IMPORTANT TO YOU? The Alayna Bowman Scholarship was created in her memory after she was killed by a drunk driver in 2010 at the age of 16. The foundation has since awarded over $85,000 in scholarships. The scholarships are awarded to students from Choctawhatchee High School who best demonstrate a balance between academics, school spirit, leadership, community service, and Christian faith.

WHAT ARE YOUR PROFESSIONAL ACCOLADES OR CERTIFICATIONS? • Top 100 Award Recipient • Earned Wealth Management Associate and Assist VP Title

I NSP IR E D BY | FIN AN CE + LE GAL S E RVI CE S

HARVEY NELSON WHAT ARE SOME UNIQUE FACTS OR NUGGETS ABOUT YOU? I have a love for the arts. I played in a marching band, classical orchestra and jazz band. I love a good game of tennis. I was born and raised in Georgetown, Guyana.

WHAT CHARITIES OR BOARDS DO YOU SUPPORT? • Niceville flag football coach volunteer • Crosspoint Church coach volunteer

IN WHAT WAY IS YOUR CHOSEN CHARITY IMPORTANT TO YOU? Being the father of an eight-year-old, it’s important to be a part of his activities to mentor and guide him. I enjoy being able to give back as well as support my son in the process.

WHAT ARE YOUR PROFESSIONAL ACCOLADES OR CERTIFICATIONS? • AAMS • CRPC- In Progress

CONTINUED >

NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / D E ST I N

DON DAVID WHAT ARE SOME UNIQUE NUGGETS ABOUT YOU? I married my high school sweetheart, and I love movies and traveling.

WHAT CHARITIES OR BOARDS DO YOU SUPPORT? Children’s Volunteer Health Network, Economic Development Council, Destin Chamber of Commerce, and United Way.

IN WHAT WAY IS YOUR CHOSEN CHARITY IMPORTANT TO YOU? Charities that support children in need have always been my highest interest.

WHAT ARE YOUR PROFESSIONAL ACCOLADES AND CERTIFICATIONS? • Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) • Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA) • Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC)

I NSP IR E D BY | FIN AN CE + LE GAL S E RVI CE S

K AT E L I N D U D E N S I N G WHAT ARE SOME UNIQUE FACTS OR NUGGETS ABOUT YOU? I am an avid fisherwoman. Whether saltwater or freshwater, I will be out on the water any time. My mom is a wildlife rehabilitator, so I grew up raising deer, raccoons, squirrels, bobcats, and other wildlife. I also like to travel.

WHAT CHARITIES OR BOARDS DO YOU SUPPORT? I support Alaqua Animal Refuge and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

IN WHAT WAY IS YOUR CHOSEN CHARITY IMPORTANT TO YOU? Animals and wildlife have been a passion of mine since I was a little girl. Alaqua believes that every abused, neglected and homeless animal deserves a second chance. The new facility and sanctuary allows Alaqua to continue all of the important work that is done now, as well as be an educational and training center to empower others to help animals and people. St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital has helped thousands of children get a second chance at life, and is still continuing research on a daily basis. Hospital bills become very expensive and by the amount of donations they receive, also helps cover those patient bills.

WHAT ARE YOUR PROFESSIONAL ACCOLADES OR CERTIFICATIONS? • Ranked Top 1,000 as a Wealth Management Client Associate in the firm for 2022. NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / D E ST I N

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T HE SURFING RE ALTOR

ARTICLE BY SAVANNAH VASQUEZ | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBERT YOUNG, FOREVER YOUNG IMAGES

Amanda Abbott shares the wonders of Gulf Therapy 28

M UST SE E | L IFE + CU LTURE

It’s dawn on Western Lake of Grayton Beach and Amanda Abbott has one thing in mind, paddling out into nature to find some peace. As the sun gently paints the water with pinks, oranges and yellows, a blue heron stands at the top of the sand dune. Sea oats wave and rustle in the salty breeze and blue crabs scuttle along the shallow banks of the winding watery path that leads from the dune lake to the Gulf of Mexico. This has been Amanda's solace for quite some time – a place where she comes to clear her mind and now, she shares the space

with others who wish to find the same peace through her nonprofit, Gulf Therapy. “I was born and raised here, I’ve always been drawn to the water,” Amanda said. “In 2011, I had a personal traumatic event and when I was healing from that, I would go out on my paddleboard and just hear the waves, lay out on the board and pray. I got a good, healthy release from that.” In 2012, Amanda started an annual American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) event called Paddle for Prevention,

but to have a more local impact she founded her own event Paddle for Peace. The event, held in April or early May, raises awareness for mental health and benefits those in need by funding therapy and other mental health services. “There are not a lot of resources for mental health services, and they are expensive,” Amanda said. “This funding allows those who want help to find it without worrying about the cost. We work with many wellness specialists in the area, and we pay for up to five free therapy sessions for participants who need it.” CONTINUED > NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / D E ST I N

M UST SE E | L IFE + CU LTURE

Gulf Therapy started in 2017 and became an official non-profit in 2019. With the help of fellow Grayton Beach paddleboarder Tyler (TK) King of Adventure 30A, the group started hosting meet-ups twice a month with the purpose of intentional paddling for peace of mind. Today, Amanda invites anyone dealing with stress or needing a mental health reset, to come out to Western Lake at 7 a.m. on the first and third Fridays of every month to experience the healing qualities of the Gulf and community with the free Gulf Therapy sessions or a small donation if you need to reserve a board. “I wanted to turn my pain into a purpose. I wanted to be able to share the peace I found through paddling with the community on a different level,” Amanda said when asked why she started Gulf Therapy. “There are actual scientific studies about how the sounds of water can calm and

heal your nerves. Then we also have quartz beaches, so I think that natural crystal make-up of the sand makes our beaches more healing than most.” Along 30A, Amanda has been dubbed the Surfing Realtor. She not only runs her non-profit in her spare time but has been known to take her clients with the Abbott Martin Group paddling or e-biking to give a different perspective of our beautiful coastal neighborhoods. “Whether it’s sharing the paddling lifestyle with a real estate customer or bringing people on the water for healing with Gulf Therapy, it’s bringing people to those experiences that I love,” Amanda said. "I like to highlight the lifestyle and the opportunity you can have here. I enjoy the aspect of bringing people to the water to have a better quality of life.” Find out more at GulfTherapy.org

NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / D E ST I N

Ready to live the coastal lifestyle? Call the Surfing Realtor to find your dream home.

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DESTIN CITY LIFESTYLE™ NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / D E ST I N

DESTIN CITY LIFESTYLE GIVES BACK Inaugural Event Benefits Ellison McCraney Ingram Foundation

ARTICLE BY SAVANNAH VASQUEZ PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBERT YOUNG & SHANNA MAGNUSON

After a year of publishing, promoting and building relationships with the most influential community members of Destin, Destin City Lifestyle Magazine celebrated with an event to give back. On September 7, Marina Café was the scene of the inaugural Dress to Impress event benefiting the Ellison McCraney Ingram Foundation. Sponsors for the night included Merrill Lynch Destin, Seaview Glass, Five-Channels, Marina Cafe', Bella Flora 30A, Tout Sweet and A World of Signs. CONTINUED >

A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | L IFE + CULTURE

NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / D E ST I N

A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | L IFE + CULTURE

CONTINUED > NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / D E ST I N

A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | L IFE + CULTURE

CONTINUED >

NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / D E ST I N

Not only did Destin partygoers show up in spectacular attire, but the locals showed out by raising just over $14,000 for the foundation. “We were honored to host this event to benefit the Ellison McCraney Ingram Foundation,” said Carmen Ionascu. “This partnership with the community places the focus on raising money for children in need. Our objective is to annually host a Dress To Impress event, aiming to both celebrate fashion and support children in need within our community." The Ellison McCraney Ingram Foundation honors the memory of Ellison McCraney Ingram, a 9-year-old Destin boy who passed away suddenly from a brain tumor in 2021. The Ingram family had always worked to support children’s organizations in the Destin area and so after his passing, a group of close friends of the family founded the Ellison McCraney Ingram Foundation to raise scholarship funds for less-fortunate high school seniors. “In my eyes, it’s a great honor to be able to represent the foundation and to be able to award the scholarships on Ellison’s behalf,” said Foundation Board Member, Paul Barcus. “We saw the need for scholarships, as there did not seem to be anything at the time to help high school seniors.” Since its formation, the Ellison McCraney Ingram Foundation has awarded three scholarships and can award up to five scholarships per year, each up to $10,000 per student. Awardees are high school seniors who have been a beneficiary of one of the charities that has worked with the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation. “It’s all about helping kids build their own foundation in life,” said Paul, noting that the scholarship can be used for technical school or college tuition. “We are just trying to do our part on Ellison’s behalf.”

A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | L IFE + CULTURE

“Ellison McCraney Ingram passed away at the young age of nine due to a brain tumor. His namesake foundation honors his memory by providing higher education for students in need.” NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / D E ST I N

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56 Spires Ln. Unit 14 A Santa Rosa Beach FL 32459

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FHA, VA, USDA, JUMBO Conventional, Renovation Down Payment Assistance Portfolio, DSCR, Bank Statement Condominiums, non-warrantable & condotels

Dalton Craw

FL-LO36800 | Movement Mortgage, LLC supports Equal Housing Opportunity. NMLS ID# 39179 (For licensing information, go to: www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org) | 877-314-1499. Movement Mortgage, LLC is licensed by FL # MLD1360.Interest rates and products are subject to change without notice and may or may not be available at the time of loan commitment or lock-in. Borrowers must qualify at closing for all benefits. "Movement Mortgage" is a registered trademark of the Movement Mortgage, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company. 8024 Calvin Hall Rd, Indian Land, SC 29707

Auston Craw

Home of the 102 foot bar including 32 beers on draft and 37 TVs. Some of our specialties include little neck clams, freshly shucked raw oysters, New England style clam chowder and jumbo shrimp cocktail! Check back soon to see our specials, and full menu. Auston’s on 98, of Nashville roots, also features its very own “Real Deal Nashville Hot Sauce”!

@austonon98 /austonon98 125 Poinciana Blvd, Miramar Beach, FL (850) 842-3200

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me today l l Cato see how I can help you purchase your next primary, vacation or investment property!

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NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / D E ST I N

WHERE CATS A R E K I NG

SOCKS WORKS TO RESCUE AND PROTECT LOCAL CATS

P E T CA R E | L IFE + CU LTURE

At Save Our Cats and Kittens, also known as SOCKS, cats are a big deal. The facility, located in Fort Walton Beach, houses 75 cats when at capacity and finds foster and adoptive homes for hundreds of kittens and cats per year. Surprisingly, not only does the nonprofit raise most of its funds for the facility via an onsite thrift store, but the organization is also run mostly by volunteers and part-time employees. Nancy Schimmer, the Executive Director of SOCKS, said that even though the nonprofit is in its 30th year of service, very little support and funding is available for the cat-centric charity. “Funding, that is always the biggest need, followed by volunteers,” she said. “We are also working to bring public awareness of the overpopulation of cats in this area. We have an enormous problem in Okaloosa County, that people don’t seem to know about and there are literally hundreds of people taking it upon themselves to take care of and fix feral cats in the community.” In addition to finding homes for cats, SOCKS works to capture feral cats to spay or neuter them and then re-release them into the community if they are healthy. “This county is in dire need of a lower cost spay and neuter clinic,” Nancy said. “We provide a transport service for our cats to either Dothan, Alabama or Panama City to get fixed. We arrange, schedule and pay for it when we have the funds through Blooper Animal Transport.”

ARTICLE BY SAVANNAH VASQUEZ

CONTINUED >

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBERT YOUNG, FOREVER YOUNG IMAGES NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / D E ST I N

As luck would have it, this year, Jason Hall of Five-Channels got wind of the great work SOCKS was doing in the community and decided to lend a hand. Quick to action, Jason grabbed his team from Five Channels and donated time to upgrading the adult cat room and installing luxury cat furniture for the older cats to enjoy. “Five Channels is devoted to supporting organizations that support our local communities,” Jason said. "Because SOCKS champions compassionate care, and actively promotes population control and health awareness in our feline communities, we will continue to support them." To learn more about SOCKS or donate to their cause, visit saveourcatsandkittens.com.

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