In a powerful show of community support for local veterans, members of the Pirates on the Panhandle nonprofit Social Club presented a $12,000 donation Thursday, May 14th, to the Friends of the Santa Rosa Veterans Treatment Court at the Navarre American Legion Post 382.
The funds were raised during the group’s highly successful “Spring Fling Thing”, a benefit dinner held April 24th at the St. Sylvester Catholic Church Community Center in Navarre. The event wasorganized in honor of the veterans participating in Santa Rosa County’s Veterans Treatment Court program and the volunteers who help support their recovery and success.
The Friends of the Santa Rosa Veterans Treatment Court is a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting justice-involved veterans as they work through intensive treatment, accountability, mentoring, and rehabilitation programs designed specifically for those who have served our nation.
Santa Rosa County’s Veterans Treatment Court, established in 2024, has quickly become a lifeline for veterans struggling with substance abuse, mental health challenges, and issues stemming from military service. Participants are required to complete rigorous treatment plans which include counseling, employment and community service requirements, frequent court appearances, substance testing, and peer mentorship from fellow veterans.
“This generous donation reflects the incredible heart of our community and the deep respect our citizens have for the men and women who served our country,” said retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Carmen Reynolds, chair of the Friends of the Santa Rosa Veterans Treatment Court.
“The Pirates on the Panhandle continue to demonstrate that local organizations can make a real and lasting difference in the lives of veterans who are working hard to rebuild their futures.”
The $12,000 contribution will help provide emergency assistance, transportation, housing support, treatment-related needs, and other direct services for Veterans Treatment Court participants. Partnerships between civic organizations, nonprofits, volunteers, and the judicial system is essential to the continued success of the Veterans Treatment Court program.
For more information about how to support the Friends of the Santa Rosa Veterans Treatment Court, contact santarosavtc.com
The philanthropic Pirates on the Panhandle have now raised more than $260,000 for other nonprofits in the community since they were formed in May of 2009. They are always looking to add more pirates to share in the widespread good deeds they perform. For more information on the Pirates, please visit their website at www.PiratesOnThePanhandle.com.
