The Emerald Coast Fitness Foundation (ECFF) is pleased to announce their third annual fundraising event, Sip and Splash: An Aquatic Affair presented by Tim Smith Acura, will take place on Saturday, June 1 at the Taj Renee Community Aquatic Center.
Located at 4345 Commons Drive West in Destin, The Taj, as it’s fondly called, was officially renamed and dedicated during the Inaugural Sip and Splash event in 2022, and since then, the annual event has raised over $158,000 for the local organization. The third annual event promises guests an elegant sunset cocktail hour followed by a seated multicourse dinner under the stars.
“We look forward to hosting this event all year long,” said Kathi Heapy, ECFF treasurer. “It has become such an enjoyable evening and a wonderful way for us to connect with more members of the community. We are tremendously grateful for the continued support of Tim Smith Acura and the Smith family for this event and other previous contributions they have made.”
The community pool will be transformed into an elegant event space courtesy of Title Wave Sponsors, Bitterroot and Boshamps Seafood and Oyster House. Guests will be greeted upon entry with complimentary valet and a glass of champagne, sponsored by Justin Myers Realtor, before making their way into the nautical-themed pool deck for a sunset cocktail hour. Attendees will sip on craft cocktails poured by Better Together Beverage and made with local spirits, including Distillery 98 and Campesino Rum, along with craft beer from Odd Pelican Beer Company and wine from Good Clean Wine. Destin’s own Yoshie Eddings from Camille’s at Crystal Beach will be serving a variety of hand rolled sushi before guests take their seats for dinner. There will be a special mermaid performance in the pool along with an extensive silent auction and a live painting from local renowned artist, Bradley Copeland, sponsored by Eglin Federal Credit Union.
Following cocktail hour, guests will make their way to the main dining area to indulge in a multi-course seated dinner served by the Emerald Coast’s most notable chefs and restaurants, including Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Mozey’s Mobile Catering and Cuisine, The Rican Vegan, SunQuest Catering, and Sura Korean Steakhouse. Dishes will be both gulf- and farm-to-table, showcasing the various cuisines of each restaurant and chef. Emerald Coast’s own Al Alvarado will be entertaining guests throughout dinner on the main stage, sponsored by Silver Sands Premium Outlets, along with a special ceremony to induct the 2024 honorees into the Okaloosa Swimming and Diving Hall of Fame.
“The swimming community has been our bedrock for these many years,” said Wendy Rudman, ECFF community outreach coordinator. “Their support is essential. We treasure the opportunity to recognize specific members of the swimming community. It is wonderful to bring together so many members of our swimming family along with other community members and leaders for this fun, relaxed evening.”
Proceeds raised from the silent auction, ticket sales, sponsorship, and general donations will go to the Emerald Coast Fitness Foundation. ECFF is a public charity formed to develop physical fitness and water safety among the youth and adults of Okaloosa County. Thier facilities and programs in Destin, Crestview, and Fort Walton Beach deliver opportunities for instruction, training, and competitive excellence in aquatic sports. Since 2015, ECFF has been managing the public pools at the Bernie R. Lefebvre Aquatic Center in Fort Walton Beach, Taj Renee Community Aquatic Center in Destin, and the ROC Pool in Crestview.
ECFF would also like to thank the local community businesses and individuals who are sponsoring the third annual event, including Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty, Emerald Coast Magazine, First Choice Appraisals, Flooring Authority, Gilmore Insurance, HomeFi, Jamie Siefert, Life Media, Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation, MidSouth Bank, Panhandle Pirates Water Polo Club, United Fidelity Bank, Valparaiso Coca Cola Bottling Company, VIP 30A Magazine, VIP Destin Magazine, and Warren Averett Accounting.
Tickets and tables are available for $125 per individual or $1,000 for a table of ten. Only a few sponsorship opportunities remain, however ECFF is collecting silent auction items from area businesses and individuals wanting to support the event. To learn more about the evening, please visit https://ecfitnessfoundation.org. Those interested in sponsoring or donating an auction item, please email jessica@proffittpr.com.