A UNITED Emerald Coast! By David Triana SANTA CLAUS DOES EXIST… and his name is Ramon! By David Triana If not for 100 miles or so, our area now would be going through what our neighbors to the east and northeast are struggling with since October 10th! If not for 100 miles, WE would be the ones attempting to recover from the devastation of our homes, businesses, churches, schools and possibly, even more than a month later, some of us would still be without power or water, others suddenly unemployed or living in Tent/Tarp cities. It is overwhelming to see or hear of such conditions in our paradisiacal area, but, very close to us, that is precisely what is occurring! From tragedy, there is always something good that can happen. Depending on how we react to that tragedy, it will make the difference, either positive or negative, in our lives and the lives of others around us. We are blessed with a HUGE NUMBER of charitable and generous people, individuals willing to help their friends, neighbors, and total strangers. We are blessed with business owners who are not just about the “mighty dollar,” but also care deeply about their community and understand it is that community that makes it possible for their businesses to succeed. The response to the needs of those affected by Hurricane Michael has once again shown why the Emerald Coast community, when it comes to caring for others, has few equals throughout the world. There are so many individuals, businesses, civic groups, and organizations that are giving of their time and money to help. I recently spent some time at a church in Panama City that was heavily damaged by the hurricane. How incredible that, since a few days after it got struck, and among its damaged buildings, they are using their parking lot and have established an impressive system to provide much needed supplies to the community around them! While there, I got a chance to speak to some volunteers manning the supply stations. One group was from Crestview, another from Niceville, and the third was from Pensacola. Church members and others from the immediate area were also helping out. According to one of the volunteers, “more than 3,000 people were going through on a daily basis,” and this was almost a month after the hurricane! My utmost respect to those of you reading this, who as individuals, business owners or leaders, have taken the time to “do something to help.” Many people in our nation think we are a divided nation and to some extent I agree. But I think our Emerald Coast is an example of many regions that our country can emulate. In the midst of tragedy, we have once again shown that generosity, charity, and UNITY are better choices for a community to make. I extend a personal thanks to Adron Bailey of B’s Smoking BBQ, Primerica’s Neil Tabot and his friend Larry, to Rebecca Koelzer and other businesses and persons, too many to mention. Believe me, your generosity has helped many in the Panama City area and beyond. GRACIAS… for being a part of our UNITED Emerald Coast. Christmas time is here! There are people who “no longer believe” in Santa Claus, but I do believe in him, for I have met him! His name is Ramón González and he lives in South Tucson, Arizona! In 1970, seeing that the parents of the children where he lived did not have money to buy gifts at Christmas, it occurred to Ramon that he could do something for the children to receive something that Christmas. Ramon didn’t have a lot of money either, but with what he had, he bought hot dogs and other things and organized a Christmas party and invited all the families in his neighborhood. In addition to the food, he made sure to buy some toys for each child. It was that way, that Santa Ramon, founded what is now known as “Ramon’s Miracle on 31st Street” (or Christmas in the Barrio). For many years, the “party” that Santa Ramon founded, has served more than 10.000 children every <strong>December</strong> and Santa Ramon and his family, are the ones that motivate that entire area of Arizona to UNITE to ensure that low-income children receive something at Christmas. My wife and I had the honor of volunteering at Ramon’s party for several years while we were at the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson. In 2005, along with several kind-hearted people, we founded in Fort Walton Beach, a party inspired by Ramon’s “miracle” in Tucson. This party is called “The Emerald Coast Christmas Miracle” and this <strong>December</strong> 16th, the 14th edition of it will take place. See the announcement on the main page of this edition for more details and help us get word out to low-income families in our area. The purpose of the party is to give everyone who goes, especially children, the opportunity to just have a good time and so that lowincome families can enjoy a merry Christmas! There are thousands of children in need in our area, countless families who simply do not have the means to give their children gifts during Christmas. Our organization, through the party, gives us, and gives you, the chance to be SANTA CLAUS! We invite you to be part of this great work, join UNITED for a GOOD CAUSE INC., even if it’s just for that day of the party. You can volunteer or donate a toy or funds. Santa Claus DOES EXIST, Santa is “in You” and all those people who from the heart, care about their neighbor, the people who during this Christmas time DECIDE to do something for others and especially for children and low-income families. Families who, without you, SANTA XXX, would not have the opportunities that many of us have. Go to Facebook or the website to see videos, photos and more information about previous years parties and other major projects that the organization leads: www.unitedforagoodcause.org God bless you and have a very happy, happy, very Merry Christmas! “He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree.” - Roy L. Smith 28 | www.conexionflorida.com
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