Sunshine Matters

For many years, the VISIT FLORIDA Charity Committee has been organizing our staff effort to fulfill the wishes and some of the basic needs for needy families in Northwest Florida during the holiday season.  Through our partnership with the Christmas Connection, VISIT FLORIDA was able to adopt three families this year – households with single moms raising from one to four kids on their own.

As the head of the VISIT FLORIDA Charity Committee, I am proud to share that through staff donations, contributions to our Jeans Day charity effort and a silent auction, staff raised more than $3,500 for this year’s Christmas Connection activities.  This represents our biggest effort ever, with the largest number of family members adopted and the most money collected and spent.

During what has become a VISIT FLORIDA tradition, over a two-week period leading up to Christmas a team of “elves” shopped, wrapped and delivered presents to each of our three adopted families.  With the funds raised, we were able to buy bikes and helmets for four of the kids, two beds, a microwave, new clothes and shoes, books, toys and stockings filled with goodies.  We also provided each family with a laundry basket full of toiletries and cleaning supplies, snack baskets and Publix gift cards for their special holiday meal.

We are proud to work with Christmas Connection to bring a little holiday joy to local families.  In 1979, Christmas Connection began as an effort to help 25 needy families have a happier holiday.  The response was so overwhelming that over the years the Christmas Connection has exploded to a massive volunteer effort that now helps 600 to 800 families in an eight-county region each year.

VISIT FLORIDA staff take great pride in doing our part to improve the lives of our neighbors by helping create a stronger community.  During this special time of year, we encourage you all to give back to your communities.  Collectively, the Florida tourism industry can have a huge impact on the people living in our state. By combining our efforts toward a worthy cause, Florida’s future will be brighter than ever.