Holiday Hometown Heroes
It was a very Merry Christmas for 162 kids from nine Boys & Girls Clubs across the Emerald Coast. Thanks to a generous donation made by Rusty and Brooke Skalla, 162 children each received a once in a lifetime shopping trip to the Walmart in Destin. The kids purchased necessities like socks and winter clothing, and the donation left room for a few fun purchases as well. “Because of a huge and generous gift from the Skalla Family, we are collectively able to bring some holiday happiness to 162 of our club members. I cannot in words describe how monumental this is for our youth and families in an ever so adverse year. Brooke and Rusty Skalla have made a huge impact on our communities and we thank them,” said Shervin Rassa, CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast.
Shopping works up an appetite and the Boys & Girls Clubs kids and staff celebrated the magical event with breakfast provided by Costa McDonalds and Krispy Kreme, fueling up the group for a fun experience donated by Urban Air Indoor Trampoline Park.
“We are here today to help make a difference in these children’s lives. We want them to know we love them and we want to make sure they feel that when they leave here today,” said Rusty and Brooke Skalla.
Jacobe Turner Memorial Fund Established
by Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast
In November, five people were killed in crash on State Road 85 in Crestview. One of the victims was 19-year-old Jacobe Turner.
In honor of the memory of Jacobe, the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast, in conjunction with Jacobe’s family, has established the Jacobe Turner Memorial Fund. Turner was awarded the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast Organizational Youth of the Year Award in 2019 and was an active and beloved member for over a decade.
According to BGCEC, Jacobe was attending Northwest Florida State College where he pursued his passion in the Culinary Arts. He was able to put this passion to work for Little Caesars, the NWFSC kitchen and the Emerald Grande.
“Jacobe was a huge part of our Boys & Girls Club family and many people are reaching out for ways they can help his family during this time of need. This memorial fund is a great way to help Jacobe’s family and celebrate his life. We will make sure Jacobe’s legacy lives on within our organization and our community,” said Shervin Rassa, Chief Executive Officer, The Boys & Girls Club of the Emerald Coast. Donated funds will be dispersed directly and immediately to the family of Jacobe Turner to be utilized at their discretion.
To donate to the Jacobe Turner Memorial Fund, visit a local BBVA Compass Bank location. Donations will be accepted in the form of cash or check and deposited using Customer ID #16079647. Outside donations can be mailed to BBVA Compass Bank c/o Teller, 728 N. Ferdon Blvd., Crestview, FL 32536.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast is a registered IRS 501(c)3 charity whose mission is to promote and enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging, and influence through its programs focused on academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. The Boys & Girls Club of the Emerald Coast receives funding from contributions, special events, grants, and major donors such as Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation and United Way agencies in Escambia and Okaloosa/Walton Counties.
To learn more about the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast, visit emeraldcoastbcg.org or follow the organization on Facebook and Instagram.
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