Walton County resident Bill Fletcher was recently recognized as the 2nd Zeke Bratkowski Advocate Award winner by the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Centers (ECCAC) at its signature Gala.
Zeke Bratkowski was an NFL professional football player and an assistant coach in the NFL for more than two decades. He passed away in 2019, and was a passionate supporter of ECCAC, founding the non-profit’s first Gala and Golf Tournament in 1999.
“Bill Fletcher is the perfect recipient of our Zeke Bratkowski Advocate Award,” commented ECCAC CEO Julie Porterfield. “Serving on our Board for years, including being our President twice, Bill has truly made a difference for ECCAC by demonstrating his dedication to our mission by always being there to make a difference in the lives of abused children. He is responsible for taking me to meet with all of the Walton County Commissioners to acquire the property of the home of the Pierce Family Center. Bill truly represents what Zeke’s award is all about, unwavering commitment and support for the Center and the children we serve each and every day.”
In addition to being active on the ECCAC board for years, he is also active in the Kiwanis Club in Freeport, South Walton, the Walton Area Chamber of Commerce, a citizen volunteer for the Walton County Sheriff’s Department, member of the Institute for Senior Professionals at Northwest Florida State College and a volunteer for Alaqua Animal Refuge. He is currently Chairman of the Walton County Republican Executive Committee (WCREC) after serving several years as State Committeeman.
With centers in Okaloosa and Walton counties, in ECCAC’s 21-year history, right at 15,000 children have received more than 150,000 services at no cost to include mental health therapy, crisis intervention, referrals to other community providers, interviews and medicals.
For more information, visit www.eccac.org or call (850) 833-9237, Ext. 283.
