👩🏫 Who: Emerald Coast Autism Center, founders Heidi Blalock and Staci Berryman
🎉 What: 2026 fundraising events supporting autism services
📅 When: February through October 2026
📍 Where: Niceville, Destin Harbor, and Grand Boulevard
❤️ Why: To fund therapy, education, and vocational training for individuals with autism
Niceville, Fla. — With autism diagnoses continuing to rise nationwide, Emerald Coast Autism Center (ECAC) is rolling out a full slate of fundraising events in 2026 aimed at expanding services and support for children and young adults with autism across Northwest Florida.
According to national data, the incidence rate of children diagnosed with autism increased in 2025 from 1 in 36 to 1 in 31 children, highlighting the growing need for specialized care and education. Since its founding in 2009, ECAC has served as a vital community resource, providing Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy, education, and vocational training for individuals with autism and related unique abilities.
Founded by Heidi Blalock and Staci Berryman, the nonprofit began by serving just five clients while sharing space with another business. Today, ECAC operates two buildings on the Northwest Florida State College campus, serving more than 100 children and young adults through its clinic and the Emerald Coast Learning Center, a dedicated school designed to meet specialized educational needs.
That growth, ECAC leaders say, is made possible through community support and annual fundraising efforts.
Each year, the center hosts the ONE Campaign, which raises scholarship funds and awareness by encouraging participants to run or golf for the “one” person in their lives affected by autism. The 2026 ONE Campaign includes the ONE Run 5K on Saturday, May 2, and the Hole in ONE Golf Tournament on Friday, September 18.
In addition, ECAC will host two other fundraising events in 2026. Girls Just Wanna Have Lunch, a women-focused gathering, will take place on Saturday, February 21, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at The Wine Bar – Grand Boulevard. Tickets are $50 and include food, two glasses of wine, and a raffle ticket. Seating is limited, and tickets are available through Eventbrite and ECAC’s website.
Later in the year, ECAC will bring back Fleets & Eats, a boat-based bar hop on the Destin Harbor, scheduled for Saturday, October 24. The event will feature multiple waterfront stops offering heavy appetizers and signature cocktails, with The Edge Seafood Restaurant & Skybar serving as the boat provider and afterparty location. Additional locations will be announced closer to the event.
Those interested in sponsoring, donating raffle prizes, or volunteering can contact Jordan Eberle, Community Outreach Coordinator for ECAC. More information about events and services is available on the organization’s website and Facebook page.
Pro Communi Bono
St. Francis De Sales, Ora Pro Nobis!
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