FORT WALTON BEACH — Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast hosted their inaugural Steak & Stake fundraising dinner Sept. 25 at the Emerald Coast Convention Center. More than 225 guests attended the event, which raised more than $32,000.
The evening began with a VIP reception, hosted by Cox Communications, with special guest speaker Jim “The Rookie” Morris.
Morris' life story was the inspiration behind the 2002 Walt Disney film "The Rookie," starring Dennis Quaid. To motivate his rag-tag high school baseball team, the then-35-year-old schoolteacher made a bet that he would try out for the big leagues if his team won a district championship. When his team won, Morris followed through on his promise, going to a try out where he threw 12 consecutive pitches at 98 mph. Three months later, he achieved his dream of pitching in the Major Leagues.
"Mr. Morris has a unique and exciting story. We were excited for our club members and community to hear his inspirational story and how great futures are started," said Shervin Rassa, chief executive officer for BGC Emerald Coast. "Although his story takes place on a baseball diamond, we can all relate to reaching and fulfilling our dreams.”
Guests were entertained by emcees Shane Moody and Ted Corcoran, along with the clubs' Youth of the Year candidate, Daishawn Kyser. The Youth of the Year is the premiere recognition program for members age 14-18 who promote service to their club, community and family, academic success, strong moral character, life goals, poise and public speaking ability. Clubs recognize Youth of the Month winners and select a Youth of the Year, who then participates in state competitions. Winners have the potential to receive scholarships and compete at the national level.
“Daishawn is a young man that embodies the character, personal growth and leadership qualities we look for in a Youth of the Year,” Rassa said. “His story is similar to so many young people we hear about today. What makes Daishawn’s story different is that despite his tribulations, he has emerged as a leader with perspective and aspirations to better his life despite the odds stacked against him.”
Youths from all seven clubs sat at every table with dinner attendees. They handed out their own business cards and shared the story of of what Boys & Girls Clubs means to them and how their club has a positive impact on their lives. Adults enjoyed juicy, mouth-watering hamburgers, while club members were treated to a special steak dinner.
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast is proud to recognize their sponsors for their generosity and continued support. They are Cox Communications, Acentria, Coastal Bank & Trust, Destin Commons, Florida Blue, Pen Air Federal Credit Union, McMahon & Hadder Insurance, AT&T, Copy Products, Matthews & Jones, Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village, Newman-Dailey Resort Properties; and annual partners All Sports Association, United Way, Centennial Bank and Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation.
For more information on this and other great events by BGC Emerald Coast, visit www.bgcec.com; or contact Jessica Davis, Development & Marketing vice president, at jdavis@bgcec.com or call 850-862-1616.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Steak & Stake fundraiser nets more than $32,000 for Boys & Girls Clubs