KALAH AND HUGH HATHCOCK EMPOWER THE COMMUNITY THEY LOVE
Fueling Destin’s Heart in November !
Dear Readers,
November sets our community ablaze with gratitude, shining a spotlight on Destin’s nonprofits and the heroes who make our town sparkle. Their stories inspire us all.
Kalah and Hugh Hathcock champion wellness at Destin Health & Fitness. They travel the world, cheer at local games and connect at church, all while uplifting global causes. They’re passionate about Aletha’s Legacy, a nonprofit providing education, meals and medical care to vulnerable children in Liberia. Locally, they shine as members of the Emerald Coast Gator Club
Cory Fosdyck is a Forbes-ranked wealth advisor, though his heart beats for basketball. He coaches youth, passing on the lessons of teamwork and grit that shaped him.
We highlight two other local nonprofits that are helping people of all ages. Advanced Sacred Hope Academy is a haven for neurodiverse kids, providing cutting-edge education and compassionate care. Habitat for Humanity of Walton County builds homes and hope while empowering women as leaders.
Welcome to our annual Gratitude Issue. Happy Thanksgiving, and thank you for sparking Destin’s spirit this November!
CARMEN FOSTER, PUBLISHER @DESTINCITYLIFESTYLE
November 2025
PUBLISHER
Carmen Foster | carmen.foster@citylifestyle.com
CO-PUBLISHER
Josh Foster | josh.foster@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Laura L. Watts | laura.watts@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Emerald Blue, Galina Wells, Harlan Simpson, Angela Jones
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
Proverbs 3:5-6
Kalah and Hugh Hathcock are
Former basketball star Cory Fosdyck pivots to
Galina Wells
Generosity in Action
TRANSFORMING LIVES AND THE COMMUNITY THROUGH PHILANTHROPY AND COMPASSION.
ARTICLE BY LAURA L. WATTS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY VARIOUS KALAH AND HUGH HATHCOCK ARE
Kalah and Hugh Hathcock are a force to be reckoned with. They have a passion for health and wellness. They travel the world. They spend time with loved ones at church and athletic events. And they have a passion and conviction for supporting a wide range of organizations and people in need from all around the globe.
Hugh, originally from Florida, and Kalah, a native Californian, met in Valdosta, Georgia. Life took them in different directions for years, but occasionally they would bump into each other at trade shows or other professional events. Eventually they reconnected through work and decided to exchange vows—becoming a powerhouse couple that spreads love throughout Destin and beyond.
While Hugh had owned businesses in Destin and surrounding areas for decades, the two moved here full-time in 2018 to start Velocity Automotive, a technology software company. When they sold the company five years later, they wanted to continue having a connection to the community’s business sector.
They have long been avid gym-goers—no matter what city they are in, they find a facility to work out. As members of Destin Health & Fitness, Kalah and Hugh decided to reach out to the gym’s owners to express their interest in ownership. The deal was made in 2023, and today the couple is proud to welcome locals to their newly renovated state-of-the-art facility.
Destin Health & Fitness is open seven days a week offering group fitness classes, a dry sauna, fully-stocked locker rooms including no-cost towel service, and a fun atmosphere for all ages. The gym’s experienced personal trainers create custom workout and nutrition plans that inspire change in their clients.
“Working out is a nonnegotiable for us. It positively impacts every part of our lives,” says Kalah. “We want more people to have that, and to have it here in Destin.”
Hugh agrees. “Our clients keep coming back to Destin Health & Fitness because they see results!”
Kalah Hathcock, Coach Todd Golden and Hugh Hathcock. Event photos by Emerald Blue Photography.
Hugh grew up near Gainesville and attended University of Florida games with his father. He and his kids often traveled to see the Gators play home games, Bowl games and Final Four tournaments. Two of his five kids attended UF, intensifying Hugh’s commitment to the school, which he continued to support financially over the years. In 2022 he made history with the largest single donation to the UF Athletic Department. Gator Boosters and the UF board of trustees named two venues at the school campus in his honor.
Locally, Hugh and Kalah are members of the Emerald Coast Gator Club, a nonprofit that promotes the relationship between the university and its alumni, students and fans. The organization hosts golf tournaments and game-day watch parties, as well as exclusive opportunities to hear from coaches, players, sports writers and famous alumni. In August the Gator Club held a football season kickoff event featuring Coach Todd Golden at Legendary Marina,
where the coach spoke about his recent national championship win with the Florida Gators men's basketball team.
Most importantly, the Emerald Coast Gator Club raises funds to award scholarships to high school seniors from Okaloosa County and Walton County who plan to attend UF. Over the past five years, 37 students have received a total of $82,000.
“All of our events are in support of donating as much as we can to local students headed to Gainesville,” says Emerald Coast Gator Club board president Jen Owczarski. “There’s nothing better than making those calls to let kids know some financial relief is coming their way for freshman year at UF.”
Supporting that mission, the Hathcocks sponsor a full scholarship every year and help with fundraising. “Some of these kids would not be able to attend if it weren’t for scholarships like these,” says Hugh. “Every dollar adds up, and we hope that our local graduates will be the ones to change the world for the better.”
The Destin Health & Fitness team. Gym photos by Galina Wells.
Aletha’s Legacy photos by Harlan Simpson. Board members photo first page of story by Angela Jones.
Changing the world for the better is the overarching mission of the Hathcocks. “We believe that we are all called to use our God-given time, talent and treasure to help others,” Kalah shares.
They are passionate about the work of Aletha’s Legacy, which supports vulnerable children of Liberia— providing quality education, regular meals and basic medical care through their public school and orphanage in Africa. The Hathcocks plan to make a humanitarian trip to Liberia this winter with the organization’s founder, Zhalman Harris, and other Destin locals.
“Aletha’s Legacy does so much meaningful work with very limited funding, mostly donated by our local Destin community,” says Kalah, who joined the board of directors in 2022 and is director of fundraising and events. “Every dollar goes directly to the children, who are often sick and alone.”
For more info, visit alethaslegacy.org.
Get Involved!
The Hathcocks support many worthy organizations, believing that giving back should be a part of every family’s mission. They are enjoying semi-retirement, focusing on sharing their faith through philanthropy, spending time with family and maintaining strong, healthy bodies. Kalah and Hugh invite the Destin community to join them in pursuing wellness and helping others who are less fortunate. “Financial assistance is needed, but just donating money is not enough. We also need to get out of our comfort zones and put in the work to see real change happen—just like with our bodies in the gym.”
DESTIN, NICEVILLE, FORT WALTON, SHALIMAR, CRESTVIEW
Life Lessons
ARTICLE BY LAURA L. WATTS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMERALD BLUE PHOTOGRAPHY
A former college basketball star pivots to a thriving career in finance while championing the sport locally.
Sometimes life doesn’t turn out the way we planned. Sometimes it turns out better.
Cory Fosdyck grew up in Illinois, a lifelong basketball enthusiast. He earned a basketball scholarship that covered his education at Western Illinois University, where he earned both a bachelor’s degree and an MBA.
Cory served as captain of Western Illinois’ basketball team and racked up honors during his time there. He held the school record for the most games played in a career and received Academic All-Conference honors for four consecutive years.
Playing professional basketball was the logical next step for Cory … but it wasn’t in the cards. Instead he pursued a dream job working with the Atlanta Hawks, an NBA team. He prepared to move to Georgia and begin his next chapter … when that dream fell through as well.
Feeling dejected, Cory instead moved to Destin and took a pause to figure out a new career. While basketball was his main passion, he was also very interested in the world of finance. Life opened a door, and Cory was offered a job at UBS PaineWebber as a financial advisor—a career move that would prove fruitful for years to come.
This year Cory helped launch Krueger, Fosdyck, Brown, McCall & Associates, a private wealth management firm headquartered in Destin but with clients nationwide. As managing partner, he works with high-net-worth families as their wealth management advisor. For the past four years, Forbes has ranked Cory as a Best-in-State Wealth Advisor for Florida, and the firm already has $1.1 billion in assets.
While enjoying this success story in his professional life, Cory’s passion for basketball never waned. So a few years ago, he decided to do something about it.
“I hope the local business community and basketball fans in the area will continue to support this great event for many years to come.”
He values the life lessons he learned from competition: How to be a good teammate. How to push through adversity. How to have confidence to achieve long-term success. These insights have translated into a successful career for Cory, and he aims to give back to the sport that has given him so much.
Under his direction, Krueger, Fosdyck, Brown, McCall & Associates is a sponsor of the Emerald Coast Classic—an annual college basketball tournament held Thanksgiving week at Northwest Florida State College. This year’s tournament includes teams from LSU, Drake and Georgia Tech.
In 2021 Cory became the head coach of the Destin Middle School basketball team, and the next year he founded the Destin Basketball Association in an effort to promote the sport with local fans. His love for the game stems from the lasting impact it made on him.
“The Western Illinois University basketball program was pivotal in my education, professional development and maturity as a man. It shaped who I am today,” says Cory, who continues to support his college team financially.
“We are so blessed to have this caliber of college basketball right here in our backyard,” says Cory. “I hope the local business community and basketball fans in the area will continue to support this great event for many years to come.”
An active volunteer in the community, he is also the father of five children with his wife, Hillary Erdmann. Whether he’s uniting a team of seasoned financial professionals in the boardroom or a team of basketball players on the court, Cory knows that carrying forward the lessons of the game is his life’s work.
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LOVE OF LEARNING
Compassionate education for students. Renewed hope for their loved ones.
If you ask parents like Evie Ramos and Franz Menay what makes Advanced Sacred Hope Academy (ASHA) different, their answer is simple: It’s love. When the small school for neurodiverse children opened in 2019, Evie and Franz’s son Dom was one of its first students. He’s still there, and he’s thriving.
Evie, who works at ASHA, inspired founder Julie Webb to open the school. They met while working at another clinic and shared many conversations about the struggles that Dom, who has autism and some self-injuring behaviors, was having in other educational settings.
“Miss Evie was having a really hard time in the system,” says Julie, a licensed mental health therapist and behavioral analyst. “She needed a school for her son that understands his diagnosis and a place where he can learn and not be sent home because of all these behaviors.”
CONTINUED >
Julie Webb and her son, Attila. Beach photos by Galina Wells.
Evie Ramos, Franz Menay and Dom
Both women agree that ASHA would never have happened without their paths intertwining. While Julie is the founder—the one who has taken it from two classrooms in a downtown church to what it is today—Evie has been the driving force. She never gave up.
“I wanted to get Dom out of public school,” Evie says. “That motivated Julie. ‘We have so many kids,’ I told her. ‘You should open a school. When there’s one kid, more will come.’”
In addition to being a visionary and a businesswoman, Julie is a leader and a kind employer, Evie says. She’s always there for her staff, supporting them personally and professionally. It’s a staff that will nearly double with their upcoming expansion into a new facility.
“We want the staff to work with the children with love and patience,” Julie says. “It’s the mission. We help our students transition from where they are to the next level. But we’re not pushing at a pace that they can’t keep up with if they’re not developmentally there yet. We’re holding their hands and guiding them through those steps.”
Dom is one of just 67 students at ASHA, located in a former church in a strip mall in the city of Mary Esther. The academy is poised to expand into a new building at 106 Racetrack Road early in 2026. Renovations are underway for the new school, which will hold up to 120 students. Decisions are still being made about whether to keep the current location to further expand ASHA.
They already have a long waiting list—one that keeps growing as word of the school reaches those in the neurodiverse community. While many of ASHA’s students have autism, it also includes children who are there because they need the time and support to develop socially, emotionally and physically at their own pace.
Julie’s son, Attila, had a speech delay as a very young child that caused him to become frustrated trying to read. He spent two years at ASHA learning to read and to love it before she transitioned him to a public school, where he is thriving.
“What he needed was accepting where he’s at, which allowed him to learn,” says Julie, who understands personally the journey that ASHA families are on.
Advanced Sacred Hope Academy classroom.
Photo by Emerald Blue Photography.
“We help our students transition from where they are to the next level. But we’re not pushing at a pace that they can’t keep up with if they’re not developmentally there yet. We’re holding their hands and guiding them through those steps.”
Dom, now 15, is part of an ASHA classroom with other students his age. He is writing, doing multiplication, communicating with a device and using a calculator to solve complex math problems.
He is where he belongs, thanks to the passionate advocacy of the staff, led by Julie.
“Before ASHA, I had to fight for everything,” Evie says. “You shouldn’t have to fight for your kids.”
Along with many community supporters, ASHA provides families with a village to support their learners. Their time at ASHA means everything to them.
ARTICLE BY DESTIN CITY LIFESTYLE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF WALTON COUNTY
PARTNERING WITH THE COMMUNITY TO ENSURE RESIDENTS HAVE A PLACE THEY CAN CALL HOME.
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Teresa Jones, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Walton County
“AFFORDABLE HOUSING IS THE FOUNDATION OF A STRONGER FUTURE.”
As the affordable housing crisis continues to affect families across the country, Habitat for Humanity of Walton County is proving that women are not only part of the solution, but they’re also leading it.
At the center of this movement is Teresa Jones, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Walton County, who has led the organization for the past 14 years with purpose and heart. Under her leadership, Habitat has built dozens of homes for local families earning less than 80% of the area’s median income. And with each home, they’ve built hope.
“Affordable housing is the foundation of a stronger future,” Teresa says. “And when women lead, communities rise.”
Teresa has been instrumental in transforming Habitat into a space where women are not just beneficiaries of affordable housing. They are also its builders, funders and advocates.
Volunteers and board members give their time and talent at build days for Habitat homes.
“Some of our most trusted core volunteers are women who have worked alongside me for over a decade,” she shares. “When women come together, they’re not just constructing walls and roofs. They’re building confidence, strength and a community of support.”
On February 13, 2026, Habitat will host its eighth annual Hard Hats and High Heels luncheon at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This highly anticipated event celebrates the powerful intersection of female leadership, community support, and the mission to provide affordable housing through Habitat’s Women Build program.
The Hard Hats and High Heels luncheon is more than just a fundraiser. It’s a celebration of what happens when women support each other. This year’s event is sponsored in loving memory of longtime Habitat volunteer Barbara Carver, who passed away in 2024. Barb's passion for helping others left an indelible mark on our community.
Highlights of the event include a plated lunch, signature welcome drink, games, raffles and a wine pull. Keynote speaker Catherine Brannon will deliver a powerful message on how communities thrive when women uplift one another. Tickets are available on Habitat’s website for $75, with an early bird discount of $65 available through January 16, 2026.
Pictured at left, local business owner Jessica Proffitt Bracken and Teresa Jones are enjoying another event that benefits Habitat for Humanity: the decadelong annual Bloody Mary Festival hosted The Market Shops.
“We are deeply honored to be the beneficiary of the Bloody Mary Festival,” Teresa says. “The Market Shops and the incredible community that gathers for this event help make the dream of homeownership a reality for hardworking families in Walton County.”
“THEY’RE BUILDING CONFIDENCE, STRENGTH AND A COMMUNITY OF SUPPORT.”
The new year will see the launch of the Spring 2026 Women Build Season, which gives women the opportunity to learn hands-on construction skills on a job site and participate in a power tool training workshop.
Since its founding in 1996, Habitat for Humanity of Walton County has remained steadfast in its mission to build and improve homes for individuals and families in need of a place to live. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage, ultimately achieving the strength, stability and independence they need to create a better life for themselves and for their families.
Through initiatives like Women Build and events like the Bloody Mary Festival, Hard Hats and High Heels, and the South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival, Habitat continues to bring people together to build homes and futures. Whether you pick up a hammer or put on your heels, your support matters. Every ticket purchased, every sponsorship, every hour volunteered brings us closer to a Walton County where everyone has a decent place to live.
To get involved, email info@waltoncoutyhabitat or call 850-608-2015.
Habitat homeowner Connie Baker with Casey King of Watersound Title Agency (left) and Teresa Jones.
Habitat for Humanity’s board of directors (above) prepares for the South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival fundraiser.
H O P E
with YOU
The holidays have a way of calling us back to what matters most—faith, family, compassion, and the quiet but powerful act of giving. As lights go up and calendars fill, there are still many who sit in silence, carrying burdens too heavy to bear alone. But what if this season, you could be the spark that changes everything for someone else?
The founders of City Lifestyle, through their private foundation, are once again launching its annual Christmas Giving Campaign—a heartfelt effort to seek out and support individuals and families who have quietly fallen through the cracks. The mission is simple: to bring light, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.
Since its beginning just four years ago, this initiative has grown from a humble idea into a life-changing movement. Last Christmas alone, more than 200 families across the country received unexpected support—financial relief, but also something even more powerful.
“We don’t just send checks,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
Together with City Lifestyle President Matthew Perry, Steven has helped shape this into a tradition that goes far beyond charity. “This is about community,” Matthew adds. “We believe we’ve been blessed, so now we get to be a blessing.”
Every story begins with a nomination. Often, it’s a neighbor, coworker, friend, or teacher—someone who’s been quietly carrying too much for too long. One past recipient, after receiving unexpected support during a time of deep personal struggle, wrote:
SCAN TO NOMINATE
“We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
“Beyond the very practical solution of receiving funds to fix my car, this thing you guys worked together to do is bigger than that. I carry the Christmas card you sent in my purse. When things get really hard, I pull it out and remember what it felt like to be seen. That card represents hope— that change for the better is possible. I’m not sure how many people get to carry hope around in their purse. But I do.”
Another wrote in after her husband was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer and unable to work:
“This support has blessed our family not only financially, but emotionally and spiritually as we trust God to meet our needs throughout this difficult time. Thank you to our anonymous friend and to your foundation. What a joy and gift to be part of God’s family!”
Each year brings countless stories like these—real lives touched by simple acts of kindness. Some use the funds to pay overdue bills, others to afford groceries, medication, or repairs. But no matter the circumstance, the impact is the same: hope is restored.
This season, you have the opportunity to be part of that. The campaign is now open to nominations—completely confidential and prayerfully considered. Whether it’s someone battling illness, facing unemployment, or just in need of a helping hand, you can bring them a moment of grace that will ripple far beyond Christmas morning.
“Knowing my mom was chosen filled my heart with indescribable joy,” said another past recipient. “Your generosity doesn’t just brighten her life; it inspires hope and faith in all of us. It enables her to stay in her home and get back on her feet.”
Nominations are open from November 1st to December 5th, 2025. To submit someone you know, simply scan the QR code or visit @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the nomination form in the bio.
This holiday season, let’s give more than gifts. Let’s give each other the gift of being seen. Because sometimes, the smallest gesture becomes someone’s greatest miracle.
To nominate someone in need, visit: KingdomBuildingFoundation.org or scan the QR code.
