Last year, charities that support the military received more than $90,000 from the Gulf Power Clay Shoot for America’s Heroes. On Nov. 2, the event returns to the Santa Rosa Shooting Center in Pace to support three local charities that provide assistance to wounded and at-risk military members and their families in Northwest Florida.
2017 Beneficiary Organizations
-Pathways for Change in Pensacola provides a new 12-bed transitional facility for female veterans along with services such as substance abuse and PTSD/mental health counseling and job training for up to two years
3rd Chance Inc. in Fort Walton Beach is building a transitional home for homeless veterans and partnering with other homeless agencies to provide these veterans new clothes, counseling, a job and other transitional services.
Friends of Clifford Chester Sims State Veterans Nursing Home in Panama City provides quality of life services and items veterans or their families cannot afford to purchase such as personal items to improve their quality of life. Florida Department of Veterans Affairs supports the basics for these veterans but does not pay for other items such as activities, games and personal items including dentures.
There are still a few slots left for teams to sign up to support these organizations. Each year up to 40 teams participate in the Clay Shoot for America’s Heroes, an event organized by Gulf Power Transformers, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit employees service organization that provides support to our local communities through volunteer service and financial assistance. Over the last four years, this event has raised more than $300,000 in support of veteran-related services.
“There has been a terrific response from the community in previous years and once again we have selected three great organizations that provide priceless support to our military veterans,” said Stan Connally, Gulf Power Chairman, President & CEO. “Our employees are proud to bring awareness and funds to these local groups as we prepare to honor those who served on Veterans Day.”
Keith Hoskins, Gulf Power’s Western District general manager and former Pensacola Naval Air Station base commander, views the event as an important means to help meet essential needs of veterans.
“The Gulf Power Clay Shoot for America’s Heroes is an opportunity for our community to give back to our honored veterans while supporting organizations that provide the necessary care for our nation’s finest,” he said.
This year’s event will feature two start times at Santa Rosa Shooting Center in Pace. Flights begin in the morning at 8 a.m. and in the afternoon at 1:30 p.m. — with lunch from the award-winning Big Juicy Butts barbecue team being served for both flights at noon. Those who register as a team will have the opportunity to participate in three games with the chance to win prizes. There will also be a silent auction.
To reserve a spot for a team or obtain sponsorship opportunities, contact Tina Stojak at 850-444-6884 or tmstojak@southernco.com.
