PENSACOLA — Giving back to the community and supporting veterans throughout Northwest Florida were themes when Gulf Power employees presented donations to three organizations dedicated to providing assistance to military members and their families.
Stan Connally, chairman, president and CEO of Gulf Power, along with members of the energy company’s service organization, Transformers, presented checks totaling more than $91,000 to representatives from Santa Rosa County’s Veterans Memorial Vets to VA Program, the Air Force Enlisted Bob Hope Village of Fort Walton and Gulf Coast State College’s Military and Veteran Emergency Fund in Panama City.
The donations were from proceeds of the 4th Annual Clay Shoot for Veterans held Nov. 3, with each organization receiving a check for $30,633.
The Santa Rosa County’s Vets to VA program provides transportation for veterans to receive medical treatment and appointments. During 2015, the nonprofit organization was responsible for providing more than 400 trips for veterans who would not otherwise have transportation.
Gulf Coast State College’s Military and Veteran Emergency Fund in Panama City provides assistance for veterans and their dependents pursuing higher education. The donation, said Jeff Dibenedictis, president of the GCSC Foundation, would go a long way in providing scholarships and other financial assistance.
The Bob Hope Enlisted Village of Fort Walton provides long-term and assisted living for surviving spouses of retired enlisted U.S. Air Force airmen. The facility serves more than 500 residents who are primarily the widows of retired military airmen. According to Brooke McLean, CEO of the Air Force Enlisted Village, the donation helps provide services and programs for current and future residents.
This is the fourth year Gulf Power employees have sponsored the annual Clay Shoot for veterans. Over the past four years, the annual event has provided more than $300,000 to 10 veterans organizations.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Santa Rosa veterans organization benefits from Gulf Power donation