👥 Who: Eglin Federal Credit Union and Bring Hope Now, Inc.
💰 What: Donation of more than $50,000 to support suicide prevention programs
📅 When: Over the past three years, with the latest event held in September 2025
📍 Where: Fort Walton Beach, Florida
🎯 Why: To raise awareness and funds for suicide prevention efforts in local schools and among active-duty service members
FORT WALTON BEACH — Eglin Federal Credit Union (Eglin FCU) has contributed more than $50,000 over the past three years to support suicide prevention programs through Bring Hope Now’s Dragon Boat Race and Festival.
The credit union, which has served as a presenting sponsor for the event for three consecutive years, raised $9,465 in 2025 through employee-led fundraising efforts such as dessert auctions and luncheons. That figure represents nearly $2,200 more than last year and more than double the amount raised in 2023. Combined with corporate sponsorships, Eglin FCU’s total support since 2023 now stands at $50,865.
Eglin FCU employees also competed in the festival this year, fielding three teams: Ready Oar Knot, Rowing Stones, and Team Rocket. The event brings together local businesses, civic organizations, and volunteers to raise funds and awareness for suicide prevention in Okaloosa County and surrounding areas.
Bring Hope Now was created in response to increasing suicide rates in the region. The organization operates several programs aimed at reducing suicide and improving mental health, including peer-to-peer youth outreach programs and Hope on the Line, a curriculum designed specifically for active-duty service members.
Peggy Brockman, executive director of Bring Hope Now, highlighted the impact of Eglin FCU’s support on the nonprofit’s ability to expand its programs in local schools.
“Our mission five years ago to start peer-to-peer Suicide Prevention programs in every school would not have been possible without the generosity and support of Eglin Federal Credit Union and its employees,” Brockman said. “Because of them, we have been able to donate over $20,000 to the Okaloosa County School District the past two years to support our CARE Crews in each school. That’s huge. We are forever grateful for having such a caring community partner like Eglin FCU.”
Eglin FCU Assistant Vice President of Contact Center Operations Ruth Fennell, who has captained a team each year since the event began, said the race has become a meaningful annual effort for employees.
“This event brings our employees together around a powerful mission — suicide prevention,” Fennell said. “Every team member shows up with purpose. We row for someone who needs to know they’re not alone. At Eglin FCU, we row as one team. Every dollar raised is a message of hope, and every stroke is a step toward saving lives.”
The Dragon Boat Race and Festival includes competitive dragon boat racing, food, entertainment, and activities for participants and spectators. Local businesses and organizations often form teams, creating an environment that encourages community involvement and awareness for mental health and suicide prevention.
Over the past three years, Eglin FCU has been among the first organizations to support Bring Hope Now’s initiatives, providing both financial resources and volunteer participation. The partnership demonstrates a model of corporate-community collaboration, where employee engagement and fundraising complement broader sponsorship efforts to address public health concerns.
By continuing to support events like the Dragon Boat Race and Festival, Eglin FCU and Bring Hope Now aim to raise awareness, increase community involvement, and ensure ongoing funding for suicide prevention programs in Okaloosa County.
Pro Communi Bono
St. Francis De Sales, Ora Pro Nobis!
Register or login with Mid Bay News and never get another pop up on our site!
