Community Involvement - 2023 Fourth Quarter
At White Sands Hospitality, we take immense pride in commemorating the unwavering commitment of our teams during the fourth quarter of 2023, as they dedicated themselves to enhancing the well-being of the diverse communities that form the fabric of the Forgotten Coast.
11th Annual Pink Out 2023 - Patty’s Raw Bar, Saint George Island, FL
The 11th Annual Pink Out, hosted at Paddy’s Raw Bar on Saint George Island, achieved resounding success. White Sands contributed a luxury Apalachicola getaway for two at The Gibson Inn to the silent auction, while Cape & Coast Premier Properties made a substantial monetary contribution, significantly boosting the event's fundraising for Franklin Needs. These contributions directly support the noble cause of providing mammograms for those in need, displaying White Sands' immense pride in positively impacting the well-being of Franklin County locals.
The Owl Café generously supported Bay Fest at St. James Bay Golf & Pickleball Resort by contributing a substantial gift card to the event's silent auction. Our engagement further extended to backing Aaron Meals, a non-profit committed to providing food to elderly individuals and families in need in Franklin County.
The 5th Annual Forgotten Music Fest unfolded as a vibrant celebration, featuring a diverse fusion of Blues, Country, Rock, and Folk music. Thanks to sponsorship from Forgotten Coast Brewing, we were able to highlight our exceptional draft beers, bringing delight to patrons at The Tap Room, Parlor Bar, and LongBill’s on Cape San Blas.
Porch Fest 2023 - Lafayette Park Gazebo, Apalachicola, FL
Apalach Porch Fest captivated attendees with a day of enchanting music, magically transforming porches and yards into dynamic stages. White Sands Hospitality proudly took the spotlight as the main stage sponsor at Lafayette Park. All funds from this sponsorship actively fueled the ECCC (Elder Care Community Council), specifically advancing elder care initiatives for Franklin County, reinforcing our unwavering commitment to community development.
St. James Bay Pickle Ball Resort - Carrabelle, FL
In its 13th-anniversary celebration, Blast on the Bay unfolded vibrantly highlighting over 30 prolific songwriters across various venues. Gibson Inn and Cape & Coast were both Gold Level Sponsors, actively championing an event that channels proceeds to the Coastal Songwriters Education Coalition Inc., empowering youth enrichment in the musical arts. This dynamic support extends to various civic and non-profit groups in the Port Saint Joe community, highlighting our commitment to fostering the cultural and educational vibrancy of the Gulf County community.
The Realtor Association of Franklin & Gulf Counties organized its 3rd charity golf tournament at St. James Bay Golf Resort. Cape & Coast Premier Properties played a pivotal role by sponsoring the "Closest to the Pin" hole and contributing dedicated volunteers to support the tournament. The event's proceeds went towards supporting the Gulf County Senior Center and the Franklin County Food Pantry, both organizations actively fighting to end hunger in need in Gulf & Franklin County.
Florida Seafood Fest 2023 - Apalachicola, FL
The 60th Annual Florida Seafood Festival in Apalachicola, held in November, attracted hundreds with its delectable seafood, captivating arts and crafts exhibits, and lively musical entertainment. Proudly contributing, White Sands Hospitality sponsored the main concert stage, displaying top musical talents. Simultaneously, The Gibson Inn celebrated by hosting its third annual block party, starting with a Grab & Go Breakfast for the Seafood Festival Redfish Run at 8 a.m. Gibson employees earned medals in the run, and live entertainment in the Gibson Courtyard, treating attendees to a selection from a low-country boil or raw bar station, including oyster shooters, pickled shrimp, ceviche, and more ending the day with community celebration.
White Sands Hospitality & ECCC Volunteers Participating in Home Bound Elder Meal Delivery 2023 - Apalachicola, FL
This past Thanksgiving, White Sands Hospitality was honored to continue the tradition of donating turkeys to the ECCC, ensuring that our elders could enjoy a homemade Thanksgiving meal. The talented chefs at ECCC played a crucial role in crafting these meals, adding an extra touch of warmth and care to the holiday season.
White Sands Hospitality's collaboration with the ECCC goes beyond this Thanksgiving gesture. Earlier in the year, we established a meaningful partnership with the ECCC for monthly meal deliveries to homebound elders. This initiative reflects White Sands Hospitality's commitment to supporting the well-being of our community's senior members in 2023 and beyond.
Cape & Coast was delighted to significantly contribute to the Gulf County Tourist Development Council (TDC) Annual Meeting through donating a silent auction item to benefit the Florida Coastal Conservancy. A 7-night stay luxury stay at one of our beachfront vacation homes was provided by Cape & Coast. This collaboration extends beyond the event, symbolizing White Sands Hospitality’s ongoing commitment to align with and support Gulf County TDC's vision for promoting the region as a desirable and thriving tourist destination.
St. George Island Lighthouse, Museum & Gift Shop 2023 - George Island, FL. Gibson Inn 2023 - Apalachicola, FL
White Sands Hospitality joined forces with the Bay Area Choral Society (BACS) during the 2023 holiday season. Through our proud sponsorship of a full-page ad, our commitment amplifies the profound musical excellence that BACS has generously provided the Forgotten Coast area since 1989. Embracing the arts in all their transformative glory, we acknowledged the monumental impact of initiatives like BACS, as they evolved from a mere choir into a cultural beacon.
As a dedicated partner of the St. George Island Business Association, Cape & Coast Premier Properties have proudly supported the St. George Island Lighting of the Palms event by sponsoring a mesmerizing Christmas light scene. This collaboration serves as a shining example of the joyous festivities that define the St. George Island holiday season and highlights the positive impact that Cape & Coast Premier Properties had on the Saint George Island community.
Cape & Coast marked the 15th Anniversary of the St. George Island Lighthouse and Museum by obtaining a limited-edition paver featuring the Cape & Coast Premier Properties logo. This tangible symbol signifies Cape & Coast's lasting dedication to the legacy of the St. George Island Lighthouse. The paver embodies the spirit of collaboration, recognizing the collective effort invested in preserving this historical landmark and securing its continued significance for future generations.
Gibson Inn NYE Pearl Drop 2023 - Apalachicola, FL
The Gibson Inn kicked off the New Year with a bang, hosting the inaugural New Year’s Eve Pearl Party Drop. The evening highlight was a grand oyster shell crafted collaboratively by our White Sands Marketing leadership, housing the New Year's Eve Pearl. As the clock struck midnight, the Gibson courtyard underwent a magical transformation. The New Year’s Eve Pearl descended gracefully, creating a visually stunning moment beneath the starlit sky. Lights adorned the lively atmosphere and with complimentary champagne toasts and sparklers, the night became a dazzling showcase of memories and anticipation for the year 2024.
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