By David Triana
This past July 20th, the Santa Rosa Mall held its annual “Christmas in July” event at their center court. It was a wonderful activity with vendors and Christmas music and everyone that attended enjoyed themselves.
As part of the event, United for a Good Cause Inc. (U4aGC), a 501c3 charitable organization, conducted their first Toy Drive of the year and collected several toys from generous donors.
I know you are asking yourselves…Christmas already?
Each year since 2005, U4aGC has hosted the Annual Emerald Coast Christmas Miracle Fiesta. It is an EVERYTHING IS FREE needy children’s 5-hour fiesta filled with entertainment, free coats, food, fun activities, contests for new bikes and prizes, and yes, lots and lots of toys so that each and every child that attends can receive at least one toy for Christmas! It is an incredible event that always starts with the first hour being only for special needs families and then the general public is allowed in. The Fiesta is aimed at needy families throughout our region who, for whatever circumstances, their kids may not be able to have a Christmas.
This year, U4aGC is looking to collect 2,000 toys to give away during the Christmas Miracle and that is why the organization participated at the Santa Rosa Mall’s Christmas in July event.
Last year, the Emerald Coast Christmas Miracle moved to the Santa Rosa Mall for the first time and it was a great success, just like it has been since its inception in 2005. The Fiesta is unique to our region. Like the event’s slogan says “UNITING the CommUNITY…for the Children”, that is indeed what the leaders and members of U4aGC do via the party because it brings together a large number of sponsoring businesses, individual donors, organizations that serve families, and volunteers of all backgrounds and creeds.
Families come from all throughout the region to enjoy the Christmas Miracle!
“We thank the Mall for being not just the host of the Fiesta, but for also becoming our first Toy Drive partner for this year”, stated Mr. Donald Whitney, the organization’s Vice President.
This year is a special one, for it will be the 15th Anniversary of the Emerald Coast Christmas Miracle. The event will be held at the Santa Rosa Mall on Sunday, December 15th, from 2pm – 7pm and more than 1,800 kids and families are expected.
U4aGC is now actively conducting a Toy Drive leading up to the Fiesta and is looking for sponsors, donors, and/or Toy Drive partners.
Current Fiesta sponsors include Gulf Power and Gulf Coast Immediate Care Center. Toy Drive partners include the Santa Rosa Mall, Navarre’s Thai Noodle House and M & J Personal/Private Chefs, and the FWB Mercedes-Benz car dealership.
Do you want to be part of this great cause as a business owner or individual? Together, U4aGC and YOU can “help put a smile on a needy child’s face this Christmas!”
For more information on the ways that companies or individuals can help with this effort, go to: www.unitedforagoodcause.org or contact them via: [email protected]
