👥 Who: Northwest Florida Guardian ad Litem Foundation, Virginia Davis, local sponsors, volunteers, community members
📌 What: Two fall fundraising events that raised over $119,000 for foster children
🗓️ When: October 26, 2025 (Garden Gala) and November 7, 2025 (Groove & Give)
📍 Where: Niceville (The Shop at Baldwin Turf) and Pensacola (The Sanctuary Event Venue)
❓ Why: To fund essential needs not covered by state support for more than 1,500 local foster children
PENSACOLA, FL – November 18, 2025 — The Northwest Florida Guardian ad Litem Foundation announced today that its two marquee fall fundraising events—the annual Garden Gala in Niceville and the inaugural Groove & Give with The Mulligans in Pensacola—have collectively raised more than $119,000 in support of abused, abandoned, and neglected children in foster care across Walton, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, and Escambia counties.
The Foundation, which supports more than 1,500 children annually, relies heavily on community fundraising to meet critical needs that state funding cannot cover. These include emergency clothing, hygiene items, mental health services, tutoring, enrichment programs, medical and dental necessities, and extracurricular activities that allow children to maintain a sense of normalcy and hope.
Held on Sunday, October 26, 2025, the Garden Gala transformed The Shop at Baldwin Turf in Niceville into a warm, elegant event space filled with soft lighting, curated décor, and intimate seating arrangements that encouraged conversation and shared purpose. Despite its boutique atmosphere, the event drew strong attendance from community leaders, longtime supporters, new donors, and volunteers.
Guests enjoyed a carefully crafted culinary experience by Townsend Catering, along with elevated wine selections from Thompson 31 Fifty Wines and local craft beer from Third Planet Brewery, whose brewers attended in person to discuss their seasonal pours. A live musician performed throughout the evening, creating a relaxed ambiance that underscored the Foundation’s mission of providing stability and comfort for children in crisis.
The event’s silent art auction showcased donated pieces from artists throughout Northwest Florida—several of whom are former foster youth now thriving as adults. The wine pull sold out within the first hour.
By evening’s end, the Garden Gala had raised $38,232, surpassing last year’s total and reinforcing its place as one of the Foundation’s most cherished annual traditions.
Just two weeks later, on Friday, November 7, 2025, the Foundation hosted its newest signature event—Groove & Give with The Mulligans, presented by Sandy Sansing Dealerships—at The Sanctuary Event Venue in Pensacola. The vibe of this event stood in sharp contrast to the Garden Gala’s elegant charm, delivering a high-energy, nostalgia-filled Rock ’n’ Roll experience that kept guests on their feet from the first song to the last.
The Mulligans performed classic hits by artists such as The Beatles, Eric Clapton, Tom Petty, Billy Joel, and The Eagles, drawing repeated applause, sing-alongs, and a full dance floor throughout the evening.
Attendees enjoyed heavy hors d’oeuvres prepared by Culinary Productions, a curated bar hosted by Tap the Coast, and a paddle pull that sparked friendly competition among donors. The event’s live auction received enthusiastic participation, featuring exclusive items such as private dinners with notable chefs, weekend getaways donated by local businesses, and VIP concert passes.
Groove & Give raised an impressive $80,910, setting a strong precedent for the new annual tradition.
In total, the Foundation’s fall fundraisers brought in more than $119,000, marking one of the most successful combined fundraising periods in its history. The money will directly and immediately impact children navigating the foster care system, many of whom enter care with little more than the clothes they are wearing.
“This community continues to show up for our children in the most extraordinary ways,” said Virginia Davis, President of the Northwest Florida Guardian ad Litem Foundation. “Raising over $119,000 across these two events speaks volumes about the heart of our region. Every dollar helps us provide stability, dignity, and opportunity to children navigating the foster care system. We are deeply grateful to everyone who attended, donated, volunteered, or partnered with us.”
The Foundation emphasized that its ability to serve children depends heavily on the generosity of local donors, businesses, volunteers, and event partners. Many supporters of this year’s events have been involved for years, while others were participating for the first time after learning of the Foundation’s mission.
Each year, Guardian ad Litem volunteers—trained community advocates—stand beside children in courtrooms, schools, foster homes, and emergency shelters to ensure their voices are heard and their best interests are protected. The Foundation’s fundraising efforts directly support these child advocates by ensuring they have the tools and resources necessary to respond to each child’s unique situation.
“These events fund the essential needs—big and small—that make childhood feel like childhood,” Davis added. “From supplying a teenager with new clothes to funding therapy for a child who has experienced trauma, the generosity of our donors is felt every day.”
The Northwest Florida Guardian ad Litem Foundation invites community members to continue supporting its mission year-round through volunteer opportunities, donations, sponsorships, and participation in future events.
For more information or to get involved, please visit www.nwfgal.org.
Pro Communi Bono
St. Francis De Sales, Ora Pro Nobis!
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