GULF BREEZE, FLA. (November 9, 2026) – What began as a day of giving turned into an extraordinary celebration of generosity at the Gulf Breeze Will Do Annual Meeting on Sunday, November 8, when an anonymous member stepped forward to help fund all 10 of the organization’s 2026 grant finalists.

Gulf Breeze Will Do had $46,500 available to award through its annual membership contributions, while the 10 finalists had requested more than $52,000 in funding. In a heartwarming show of generosity, a member who wishes to remain anonymous stepped forward with an additional contribution of nearly $6,000, making it possible for all 10 finalists to receive 100 percent of their requested funding.

“This is exactly why Gulf Breeze Will Do exists,” said Leslie Perino, president of Gulf Breeze Will Do. “To see our members come together to make a difference in our community is incredibly rewarding. And then to have someone step forward to make sure every one of these deserving projects could be fully funded was truly special. It was a beautiful reminder of what we can accomplish together.”

The organization received 18 grant applications this year, representing more than $112,000 in requests. Volunteer grant committees reviewed the applications and selected 10 finalists across four funding categories. Finalists presented their projects to members at the Annual Meeting, where the funding decisions were made and grants were awarded.

The 2026 grant recipients are:

ART, RECREATION & SPORTS

Gulf Breeze Middle School Band – Taking The Show On The Road – Supporting Student Musicians
Funds will be used to purchase an enclosed trailer and accessories to transport equipment to performances.
Award: $6,534.98

Gulf Breeze Senior Center – Enhancing Senior Engagement Through Technology
Funds will be used to purchase audiovisual equipment for presentations and programs at the Senior Center.
Award: $3,103.39

Scouting America Troop 494 – Building Outdoor Skills, Safety & Service
Funds will be used to purchase camping and outdoor equipment to support the troop.
Award: $2,326.99

EDUCATION

Gulf Breeze Elementary School – Building Victory Tile By Tile
Funds will be used to purchase Versa-Tiles learning tools for reading and math for 5^th grade students.
Award: $3,935.29

Gulf Breeze High School – Kind Frog Dissection Models
Funds will be used to purchase reusable silicone frog dissection models for 10^th grade biology students.
Award: $1,000.00

Soundside High School ESE Department – Empowering Students Through A School-Based Poster and Banner Production Program
Funds will be used to purchase equipment for a student-run poster and banner business that teaches valuable employment skills to ESE students.
Award: $9,904.65

HARDSHIP SUPPORT SERVICES

Santa Rosa Education Foundation – Take Stock In Children Laptop & Backpack Program
Funds will be used to purchase laptops and backpacks for the three graduating seniors in this program.
Award: $2,902.47

PUBLIC SAFETY

Gulf Breeze Elementary School PTA – H2 Oh No! It’s Time To Replace The Outdoor Water Fountain
Funds will be used to replace the outdoor water fountain at the school.
Award: $2,843.99

Gulf Breeze Middle School – Protecting Every Heart
Funds will be used to purchase five AED (automated external defibrillator) machines, ensuring an AED machine is available in each of the school’s buildings.
Award: $10,000.00

Midway Fire District – Firefighter Personal Thermal Imaging Safety Program
Funds will be used to equip firefighters with personal thermal imaging cameras to help locate victims during emergencies.
Award: $9,708.59

TOTAL GRANTS AWARDED: $52,260.35

Membership for 2027 is now open to women who would like to make a difference in their community. Annual dues are $250, with 100 percent going directly toward local grants. Every member has a vote in deciding which projects receive funding. To join or learn more, visit gulfbreezewilldo.org.

ABOUT GULF BREEZE WILL DO

Gulf Breeze Will Do is a women’s philanthropic organization dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the Gulf Breeze and Pensacola Beach communities. Through collective giving, the organization awards grants to nonprofits and initiatives serving the 32561 and 32563 ZIP codes. Annual membership is $250, with 100 percent of membership dues awarded as grants. Every member has a vote in determining which projects receive funding. The organization is led by a volunteer Board of Directors.