For the fourth year running, Eglin Federal Credit Union showed up as the Presenting Sponsor for Bring Hope Now’s Dragon Boat Race and Festival.
The May 2nd event took over the freshly renovated Landing Park in downtown Fort Walton Beach, bringing together teams, volunteers, and community members for a cause that matters: suicide prevention.
Here’s where it gets impressive. Two Eglin FCU teams—Anchor Management and Royal Eagles—didn’t just show up to paddle. They got creative with fundraising, hosting dessert auctions and luncheons that pulled in more than $7,000. Add the credit union’s $10,000 corporate donation to the mix, and you’re looking at over $17,000 raised for mental health support in the community.
“At Eglin FCU, giving back is a core responsibility, and we are proud to support organizations making a meaningful difference in the communities we call home,” said Neko Stubblefield, SVP of Membership Community and Development. “Supporting Bring Hope Now allows us to champion mental health awareness and suicide prevention, and our employees embody that commitment. From rowing and fundraising to volunteering their time, they continue to show exceptional dedication to this important cause.”
Why Dragon Boats?
Bring Hope Now kicked off the Dragon Boat Race and Festival back in 2023 as a way to rally local organizations around suicide prevention. Their mission zeroes in on saving lives among youth and military members through education, advocacy, and sustained mental health support. It’s specific, it’s urgent, and it’s working.
The 2026 funds are earmarked for something big: building a youth residential mental health care center right in Fort Walton Beach. The facility will serve kids ages 8 to 17. On top of that, the money supports 42 school C.A.R.E. Crews—programs that put mental health resources directly where young people need them.
“We are incredibly excited that this year’s Dragon Boat Race and Festival brings us closer to making a much-needed youth residential mental health care center for youth ages 8 to 17 a reality in our community,” said Peggy Brockman, Executive Director of Bring Hope Now. “Events like this demonstrate the power of community coming together to save lives and offer hope. We are deeply grateful to Eglin Federal Credit Union for serving as our Presenting Sponsor for the fourth year—this impact would not be possible without their continued support and partnership.”
Community Action That Actually Moves the Needle
What stands out here isn’t just the dollar amount or the dragon boats (though those are cool). It’s the consistency. Four years of showing up, fundraising in creative ways, and putting both employee energy and corporate dollars behind mental health awareness sends a clear message: this isn’t a one-off PR stunt. It’s a sustained commitment to making Northwest Florida a safer place for its most vulnerable residents.
When a local credit union and a grassroots nonprofit join forces year after year, good things happen. Lives get saved. Resources get built. Hope gets delivered.
Related:
Eglin Federal Credit Union Donates Over $50,000 to Support Suicide Prevention by Sponsoring Bring Hope Now’s Dragon Boat Race and Festival for the Third Consecutive Year
Eglin Federal Credit Union Celebrates Habitat for Humanity Okaloosa Home Dedications