The Northwest Florida Guardian ad Litem Foundation raised over $119,000 through two fall signature events to support abused, abandoned and neglected children in foster care across four counties in the region. 

• The Garden Gala in Niceville and Groove & Give with The Mulligans in Pensacola collectively generated the funds, which will directly benefit more than 1,500 children the foundation serves annually in Walton, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Escambia counties. 

The funds help meet essential needs that state funding cannot cover, including clothing, therapeutic services, educational enrichment, extracurricular activities, dental and medical necessities and other support that allows children to thrive during uncertain times.

The Garden Gala took place Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025, at The Shop at Baldwin Turf in Niceville. The venue was transformed into a warm, intimate gathering space where guests enjoyed elevated wines from Thompson 31 Fifty Wines, local craft beer provided by Third Planet Brewery, dining from Townsend Catering, live music, a wine pull and a silent art auction. 

• The gala raised $38,232. 

The foundation then hosted Groove & Give with The Mulligans, presented by Sandy Sansing Dealerships, on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025, at The Sanctuary Event Venue in Pensacola. The high-energy evening featured The Mulligans performing hits from The Beatles, Eric Clapton, Tom Petty, The Eagles, Billy Joel and more. Attendees enjoyed heavy hors d’oeuvres by Culinary Productions, libations hosted by Tap the Coast, a paddle pull, a live auction and dancing. 

• The event raised $80,910.

“This community continues to show up for our children in the most extraordinary ways,” said Virginia Davis, president of the Northwest Florida Guardian ad Litem Foundation. “Raising over $119,000 across these two events speaks volumes about the heart of our region. Every dollar helps us provide stability, dignity and opportunity to children navigating the foster care system. We are deeply grateful to everyone who attended, donated, volunteered or partnered with us.”

The foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for the best interests of abused, abandoned and neglected children in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton counties. Working in collaboration with trained volunteers, child welfare professionals and the judicial system, the foundation provides vital support and resources to ensure these children have a voice in court and access to the care they need to thrive. 

For more information about the Northwest Florida Guardian ad Litem Foundation or to get involved, visit here.