CRESTVIEW — Two weekend fundraisers' event organizers have expressed appreciation for the community's support.
Dance for Life
The local Covenant Hospice is still tallying proceeds following Fred Astaire Dance Studio's weekend "Dance for Life" benefit. But what is certain is that money raised Saturday will help fund multiple services for terminally ill patients, according to Jenni Perkins, Covenant's senior development and communications manager.
"All of the funds go back into Okaloosa and Walton counties," Perkins said. Covenant will use the money to care for patients and their family members, including those under-insured, and to fund chaplain services.
Between 200 and 250 people attended the show at Crestview High School that featured celebrity dancers Justin Guilmette and Kimalee Piedad, among others, Perkins said. Fred Astaire raffled off five dance lessons during the event.
"The people of (Covenant) Hospice caught our attention with the amount of work they do," said David Colón, who owns the dance studio with his wife, Erika Moreno. "It felt natural for us to support them."
Crestview Pregnancy Center 5K/10K Run
Proceeds from the Crestview Pregnancy Center's annual 5K/ 10K Run are unknown at this time, but a number of residents turned out for the event on a cloudy Saturday.
PHOTOS: See 7 photos from the Pregnancy Center 5K / 10K event>>
Crestview resident Philip Herzog took first place, as he did last year, while pushing his 23-month-old daughter, Olivia, in a baby stroller. "We came back to defend our title," he said.
Christine Atkisson, one of five Mothers of Preschoolers members, said the club, an event sponsor, often refers new moms to the center.
"Our main mission is just connecting moms and help to encourage and support each other," she said.
Crestview resident Ron Mahn, retired from the U.S. Air Force, represented Fort Walton Beach's Team RWB ─ red, white and blue ─ chapter. The group encourages veterans to be active in the community by participating in physical and social activities.
"All of us want to be part of our community; this is our opportunity to support Team RWB and Crestview, along with supporting the Crestview Pregnancy Center," he said.
Event proceeds, which are still being tallied, will help pay for free pregnancy tests and other items for expecting women, Sue Carrigan, the center's director, said.
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This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Fundraisers fill hospice, pregnancy center's coffers (PHOTOS)