Gulf Breeze Will Do Awards $52K+ in Grants to 10 Community Projects

Gulf Breeze Will Do distributed more than $52,000 in grants to 10 community projects on Sunday, Nov. 8, after an anonymous member stepped forward with an extra contribution to fully fund every finalist.

The organization had $46,500 available from membership contributions, but the 10 finalists requested more than $52,000 combined. When a member donated nearly $6,000 to close the gap, Gulf Breeze Will Do was able to award 100 percent of requested funding to all finalists. "This is exactly why Gulf Breeze Will Do exists," Leslie Perino, the organization's president, said in a statement. "To see our members come together to make a difference in our community is incredibly rewarding."

The grants span four categories: art, recreation and sports; education; hardship support services; and public safety. Recipients include Gulf Breeze Middle School Band (for a transport trailer), Gulf Breeze High School biology program (for reusable frog dissection models), Soundside High School's ESE Department (for a student business program), and Gulf Breeze Elementary School (for AED machines and a water fountain replacement). The Santa Rosa Education Foundation also received funding for its Take Stock In Children laptop program.

Gulf Breeze Will Do received 18 grant applications this year requesting over $112,000. Volunteer committees reviewed submissions and selected the 10 finalists, who presented projects at the annual meeting where members voted on funding awards.