Randy Wise Homes Gives CALM a Transformative Fall Makeover
Compassionate hearts and skilled hands came together this fall as Randy Wise Homes delivered an extraordinary gift to CALM, the nonprofit providing transitional housing and support for local moms and their littles. What began as a simple act of service turned into a complete exterior makeover of the CALM House—all donated at no cost, including labor, materials, and project coordination.
The renovation was led by Debbie, whose vision and dedication carried the project from idea to completion. She selected the perfect new exterior color, recruited contractors willing to donate their time and expertise, and oversaw the work to ensure the home looked fresh, welcoming, and dignified for the families who live there.
But the generosity didn’t stop at the front door. After the makeover, Randy Wise Homes emptied one of their model-home storage units and donated furnishings, décor, and accessories to CALM’s Furniture Resale Store. The items sold so quickly and successfully that they brought in more than $11,000 to directly support the moms and children in CALM’s care.
“These funds help our moms and littles thrive,” the organization shared. “We couldn’t have done this without Debbie’s fun, positive, go-getter attitude and the incredible generosity of Randy Wise Homes.”
CALM continues to serve families in crisis by providing safe housing, parenting support, essential resources, and a pathway to stability. Thanks to community partners like Randy Wise Homes, their mission shines brighter than ever.
A Double Dose of Fundraising for the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida
By Barbara Palmgren
On Saturday, November 1, 2025, trustees divided themselves between two fundraising events to support operations at the museum. This local treasure houses artifacts and displays exhibits that celebrate our heritage. Receiving no federal or state dollars, the local governments provide approximately $15,000 that needs to be boosted through membership, business and individual donations, admissions and fund-raising.
The first event on Saturday was the first Decades on Display Car Show. The museum welcomed unique cars to the museum and Perrine Park in Valparaiso to show workmanship and artistry of car design to the public. The event, organized by museum staff assistant, Cloey Coates, was scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Rolling in and parking for a day of bragging rights and showmanship, car owners waited patiently for trophies awarded in various categories at the end of the day. The public had opportunities to not only view but to vote for their favorites. Early registrants received swag bags and a tee shirt. The museum was open free to the public during the event as well as having a sidewalk and bake sale on site.
The second event on Saturday was Eggs on the Beach at Seascape Towne Center in Miramar Beach. Competing with 26 other teams, the museum’s barbeque partner, The Pallet Bar and Grill, brought their “A” game in a cooking competition that featured using the famous Big Green Egg grills. As in the car show, the public voted for their favorites after tasting samples during a three-hour period. Awards at the end of the event included a first-place win in the Taster’s Choice Category for the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida courtesy of the delicious rib samples prepared by Tom O’Donnell and staff at the Pallet Bar and Grill.
At the booth for the event, trustees Barbara Palmgren, Ken Walsh and Mike Weaver, dressed as Uncle Sams and the Statue of Liberty, distributed new rack cards to advertise the celebration of the new exhibit for the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence that begins in early January, 2026. This year long exhibit will be held in the Exhibit Hall of the museum.
Worthy Impact 100 Grant Recipients Receive Awards
By Barbara Palmgren
The Impact 100 Annual Meeting was called to order after a lovely hour of “meet and greet” at the Holiday Inn on Okaloosa Island in Fort Walton Beach. After approval of the meeting agenda and necessary reports, two finalists from non-profit organizations gave five-minute speeches asking for the membership to vote for their non-profit to receive a check of $100,000 to fund a specific project for that organization.
Impact 100 is an independent non-profit global organization with chapters in the United States. Impact 100 Northwest Florida is one of those chapters. This group of women who each donate financially also may serve on committees to prepare non-profits to write and submit grant proposals. After a year of this work, ten finalists in five categories were presented at the annual meeting for the final vote. Each organization received a check for $100,000 for their project.
Congratulations to these finalists!
Arts & Culture: Arts and Design Society
Education: Westwood Ranch
Environment, Recreation & Preservation: Healing Footsteps
Family: The Pearl Project
Health & Wellness: Elder Services
More than $150,000 Raised at the 9th Annual Harvest Wine & Food Festival
Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF) announced that its 9th Annual Harvest Wine & Food Festival, held Oct. 16–19 in WaterColor, raised more than $150,000 to support children in need across Northwest Florida. DCWAF currently partners with 16 charities addressing homelessness, abuse, medical care, and other critical needs.
Ranked among Southern Living’s “15 Southern Festivals Worth Planning Your Trip Around,” this year’s event featured celebrity winemaker dinners, Harvest After Dark, Saturday’s Grand Tasting, and a Sunday cocktail brunch.
More at DCWAF.org or facebook.com/DCWAF.
Westonwood Ranch Awarded $400,000 for New Life Skills and Job Training Center
Westonwood Ranch has received $400,000 in State of Florida Appropriations through the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, supported by Rep. Shane Abbott and Sen. Jay Trumbull. The funding will help build a new life skills and job training facility on campus—an important step in expanding educational and employment opportunities for individuals with developmental differences.
The planned building will serve as a centralized space for vocational training, independent living instruction, and hands-on workforce readiness programs. It also supports a larger initiative to increase affordable, supportive housing options for young adults with developmental disabilities in the region.
This investment strengthens Florida’s focus on inclusive workforce development and innovative housing solutions. Once complete, the expansion will help deliver a full continuum of care, equipping young adults with the practical skills, confidence, and stability needed to succeed.
10th Annual Bloody Mary Festival Raises $28,000
The Market Shops’ 10th Annual Bloody Mary Festival, held Oct. 11 and powered by Step One Automotive Group, raised $28,000 for Habitat for Humanity – Walton County. More than 800 attendees sampled creative Bloody Marys from 18 local competitors, all using Distillery 98’s Half Shell Vodka.
Award Winners
- People’s Choice 1st: Café Nola
- 2nd: Down Island
- 3rd: The Gulf Club
- Judge’s Choice: The Perfect Pig
- Best Accoutrement: Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa
“Our 10th anniversary festival was the best one yet,” said Bob Duncan, managing partner of The Market Shops.
Since inception, the festival has raised over $278,600 for local nonprofits. This year’s proceeds support Habitat’s next development of nine affordable homes. “The funds raised will go directly to support our next Habitat development,” said Teresa Jones, CEO.
