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PanhandleRelief.org to donate $50,000 to Panama City Florida Hurricane Relief Fund

Panhandlerelief.org is donating $50,000 to the hurricane relief fund set up by the city of Panama City. The check presentation will take place Tuesday morning at the Panama City Council Meeting in Panama City, FL. The Panama City Florida Hurricane Relief Fund, Inc. is 501 C-3 was set up by the city to assist its employees affected by the storm.

PanhandleRelief.org is a fund and effort that was set up immediately following Hurricane Michael by local marine dealers Sunrise Marine and Legendary Marine, whose parent company is Atlanta based OneWater Marine Holdings. OneWater Marine Holdings has 63 dealerships across the country, with 7 being along the Gulf Coast. “Fortunately, in large part to our team’s diligent preparation efforts, and some good luck, our dealerships only suffered moderate damage. Unfortunately, many of our team members, customers, and surrounding communities were severely affected” OneWater Marine CEO Austin Singleton said in a news release.
“We are working with the National Christian Federation and Destiny Worship Center to administer and distribute the relief funds. 100% of donations are staying local and going directly to those affected.
PanhandleRelief.org has raised and given out over $175K in cash donations since the storm to local churches and individuals. “Generous donations have come from several boat manufacturers, businesses both local and out of state, and of course individuals. We have seen donations from $25 to $100,000” Peggy King OneWater Marine Regional Marketing Manager said. PanhandleRelief.org partnered with Lulu’s Restaurant, Tents of Northwest Florida, Southern Self Storage, and more to provide Thanksgiving Dinner to over 300 people at Callaway Community Church, and surrounding tent cities.

“Emerald Grand and HarborWalk in Destin partnered with PanhandleRelief.org, to bring “lunch with Santa to the families and residents of Callaway. They had a cook-out, cookie decorating, games, and a special visit from Santa Claus. It was a magical day!” King said.

Boat builder Pursuit Boats partnered with PanhandleRelief.org in December to purchase 3 travel campers. Two of the campers were given away as part of the lunch with Santa, December 22. They were given to 2 Callaway residents living in condemned trailers, one of which had no bathroom. One of the recipients was a single Mom and her 4-year-old daughter, who also take care of their Mother and elderly Grandmother. The 3rd trailer will be donated Tuesday to an elderly man also living in deplorable conditions.

Multiple truckloads of relief supplies have been donated and transported from all 7 of our dealerships across the coast. Boats packed with fuel and relief supplies went to Port St. Joe, Mexico Beach and Cape San Blas right after the storm. $50K was donated to 8 Days of Hope to help with construction and securing of homes.

We want to get the word out that panhandlerelief.org is here for the long run. Jim Cantori is gone, but the devastation is not. These people need our help, and with our resources, it was never a question of if we would help, it was how best to do it.” If you know someone who is in need, please tell them to go to PanhandleRelief.org and apply for assistance” King said.