By Heather Bennett Eye
We’ve all been affected by cancer. Cancer has touched us whether it’s a dear friend, a loved one, or a personal diagnosis. Michele Bailey, founder of Bailey Brigade, and her family were affected in a big way when her husband Scott, a father of three, passed away in December 2021 from a rare salivary gland cancer. He was only 54 years old.
Bailey Brigade was started to honor Scott and support locals battling all types of cancer. All money donated goes to help patients from The Emerald Coast. “Every dollar raised here is helping your neighbor,” stated Michele. They work closely with the oncology team at Ascension Sacred Heart Cancer Care at Santa Rosa Beach. “They have the most incredible spirits and are so loving to the patients,” said Michele.
In the two years since they started, Bailey Brigade has provided four scholarships for those wanting to go into the medical field, hundreds of chemo care backpacks for cancer patients that contain self-care and hydration items along with letters of encouragement from local school kids and community members, held multiple fundraisers, and raised thousands of dollars in co-pay assistance, and now transportation assistance.
For their latest fundraiser in November 2024, Toasting Hope, Bailey Brigade teamed up with the 30A Distilling Co. to produce a charitable spirit. The bourbon, originally a single barrel from Indiana, had been resting at Sugarfield Spirits in Gonzales, Louisiana before making its way to 30A. The seven-year-old bourbon was transferred to an Orange Flavored Rum barrel to finish for two weeks. The final product is a unique 118 proof, limited-edition bourbon. The Bailey Brigade Board members hand-labeled and numbered the 195 bottles produced. Each bottle comes in a handcrafted wooden box to protect and display the bourbon. One hundred dollars of the $175 retail price goes directly to Bailey Brigade to support their mission.
You can purchase a bottle at the 30A Distillery Co. (605 N County Hwy 393, Bldg 15-B, Santa Rosa Beach) during their tasting room hours, or contact Michele directly. “This is an exceptional bourbon. One of a kind, there’s only one like it, and when it’s gone, it’s gone,” stated Michele. “It makes a perfect old fashioned.” You can learn more about the bourbon on the Bailey Brigade website or by visiting the 30A Distillery Co. website at www.30adistillingco.com under About Our Spirits.
Bailey Brigade also partnered with South Walton High School for several fundraiser nights at local sporting events, where they sold Bailey Brigade merchandise, and all ticket sales went to the non-profit as well. This fall Bailey Brigade was invited to the Flutterby Festival by the Cultural Arts Alliance where kids painted rocks with messages of encouragement to add to their chemo care backpacks.
The goal for Bailey Brigade is to be able to continue funding the assistance they have in place, and eventually expand. To reach this goal, Michele would love to have consistent donations and fundraising, ongoing signature events in the community and to partner with local businesses who support the mission behind Bailey Brigade. “If you are a local business that believes no one should go through cancer alone, and want to partner with us, please call. We’re determined to find a way to continue to be able to help local cancer patients,” said Michele. “Everybody is just one diagnosis away from being the person in the chair.”
Another way to help is to volunteer your time and skills. If you are interested in social media, website content or grant writing, Bailey Brigade is also looking for volunteers to assist with social posts, maintaining their website and writing blogs, and grant writing to help secure additional funding. These volunteer positions could be great for either someone with years of experience looking to get involved in the community, or students looking to gain community service hours for Bright Futures.
For more information about Bailey Brigade and their army of hope and love, please visit their website at www.baileybrigade.com and follow them on Instagram @baileybrigadefl. To reach Michele, please call (850) 586-1382.
Remember to get your bottle of bourbon before they are all gone!
