Costa Enterprises McDonald’s will host a benefit night on Wednesday, December 16 from 5-7 p.m. at their Niceville and Bluewater Bay locations with 20 percent of the proceeds benefiting Kohltan Ward’s family.

Ward, 11, from Destin, Fla. was tragically killed in October when his bike was struck by a vehicle at the intersection of Main Street and Kelly Street. Since the accident, the entire community has rallied around the family of Ward to support them during the aftermath of the tragedy. The Costa family knew immediately that they wanted to do something for this family, which includes his two parents and three other children all under the age of seven.

“This family needs all of us now more than ever,” said David Costa. “With it being the holiday season, we know how difficult this time can be financially and not to mention emotionally for a family that has lost a child.”

Guests are invited to stop by the Niceville restaurant, located at 1090 John Sims Parkway, or the Bluewater Bay location, at 4570 HWY 20 East, from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, December 16. Twenty percent of sales made during that time will go directly toward the Ward family in honor of Kohltan. This initiative is part of Costa Cares, the Costa Enterprises McDonald’s mission to give back to the local communities surrounding their 24 locations.

“We hope this brings a little bit of joy to the family and, most importantly, honors Kohltan’s legacy in our community,” Costa said.