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Local cat shelter to host “Kittucky Derby” fundraiser in Fort Walton Beach

Save Our Cats and Kittens (SOCKS) will host a feline-inspired twist on the famous Kentucky Derby with its "Kittucky Derby" fundraiser on April 26 in Fort Walton Beach.
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Save Our Cats and Kittens (SOCKS) will host a feline-inspired twist on the famous Kentucky Derby with its “Kittucky Derby” fundraiser on April 26 in Fort Walton Beach.

  • The event runs from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the nonprofit’s event building, dubbed “Catnip Downs” for the occasion.

“We’re putting a cat-tastic twist on the legendary Run for the Roses,” said SOCKS in a press release.

The family-friendly fundraiser will feature games including horseshoes and cornhole, a contest for the most flamboyant derby hat, and a silent auction with prizes including a VIP local distillery tour.

  • Attendees can enjoy bourbon punch and mint julep drinks in the Feline Lucky Lounge, along with hors d’oeuvres including traditional pimento cheese.

The main attraction will be kittens “racing” to what organizers call a “feline photo finish.” Tickets cost $25 and can be purchased on the SOCKS website at saveourcatsandkittens.com.

SOCKS is a no-kill, free-roaming, feline-only shelter funded entirely by donations. Proceeds from the event will provide food, shelter and medical care for cats and kittens awaiting adoption.

Those interested in becoming sponsors or donating silent auction items can call 850-865-6866 or email socks@saveourcatsandkittens.com.

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Community Comments

“Good Job! We live in Fort Walton and have been spending time in Fredericksburg, Virginia...the data center capital of the world. You have made a very good decision.”
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“At minimum, reduce property tax for senior citizens. Property taxes normally increase yearly but senior's income doesn't. Every time we get a social security raise, our Medicare premiums go up....”
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Scott Schaeffler commented on WordroW: August 12, 2026
“1:17, 4 attempts”
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“Crab Island is being ruined by the massive traffic. We should not be proud of, or promote this.”
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“Wonderful gesture toward honoring a part of the towns history especially an enslaved man that many would not know about,,,,,,wlsh was possible for me to attend, but hope for a...”
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“Story states that total general fund revenue is $118.7 million. Earlier story in Get the Coast (Jul 8th) put the proposed 2027 Budget general fund at $191.1 million. So, it's...”
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Scott Schaeffler commented on WordroW: August 11, 2026
“1:04, 4 attempts”
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“I would like to see the 2019 budget, and what amount of that budget came from property taxes, the Okaloosa County population in 2019, and the number of properties taxed...”
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