The Arc of the Emerald Coast invited area residents and their families to their Milton facility Saturday for their sixth annual ‘Blueberry Bash.’ The organization, formerly known as Horizons, is dedicated to assisting individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities from education to workforce entry programs.
Click here: For additional photos from the Blueberry Bash
“We have a new name now, which is the Arc of the Emerald Coast in Santa Rosa,” said Crystal Whitley, the service director of the Santa Rosa facility. “The gist of it is not about fundraising, it’s about getting our name out there and letting people know who we are and what we do out here…we just want people to have fun.”
In addition to picking blueberries, families have plenty of activities for their children including sidewalk art, an inflatable bounce house to play in, along with games and other activities. Local vendors were also set up at the event.
In addition to the numerous organizations and businesses on hand to sow support for the local ‘Arc’ facility, the event also featured many of the volunteers and clientele on hand, which regularly lend a hand for the nonprofit organization.
Olmedo Gonzalez, who is enlisted with the U.S. Navy at the Naval Air Station Whiting Field, said he just started volunteering with the organization earlier this year. Gonzalez said it has been a “great experience” in volunteering with the Arc thus far.
“Anything that helps out, I’m ready to take charge and help out,” Gonzalez said. “It’s always good to help our the community and volunteer your time.”
Jay residents Oakland Ard and his wife, Jackie showed their support in purchasing some of the blueberry shrubs on sale at the event. Oakland previously served on the organization’s board of directors. Oakland said supporting this organization is not only important to him, but it should also be supported by the community.
“These people have some sort of disability, whether mental or physical, they have their problems and this (organization) is publicly supported.”
Since starting in March, Whitley said the local office has already seen an increase in clientele.
“We are growing every day,” Whitley said “Since March we have already grown, we got five new clients in Adult Day Training (ADT).”
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: 'Arc' in Santa Rosa spreads awareness through Blueberry Bash (PHOTOS, VIDEO)