Newman-Dailey Resort Properties raised $40,000 and 1,141 food items for Harvest House of Destin through its annual fundraiser, delivering the donations ahead of the increased needs families face in November and December.
- The Miramar Beach-based company, founded in 1985, holds the fundraiser each summer so its donations can be presented in time for the holidays, according to a news release. This year is the fourth in a row Newman-Dailey has partnered with Harvest House.
“There are many hard-working fishing families that struggle during the slower tourism months as well as families who are hit with unexpected circumstances and need help,” said Newman-Dailey Founder and CEO Jeanne Dailey. “We are proud to partner with the Harvest House for the fourth year in a row and make a much-needed impact on the families they serve. They are one of the longest operating food pantries in our area and have been around almost as long as I’ve lived here. I am humbled by the outpouring of support and am proud to champion such a worthy cause.”
The donations come during a difficult year for the pantry. Rising grocery prices and fewer donations than usual left Harvest House with only a quarter of its usual contributions, according to the release. As a result, the pantry has been purchasing food monthly to keep its shelves stocked.
Newman-Dailey team members from all divisions, including Vacation Rental Property Management, Real Estate Sales, Association Management and Long-Term Rentals, reached out to friends, family, homeowners, vendors and clients to raise money and gather food. The 1,141 food items collected included canned goods, pancake mix and syrup, peanut butter and jelly, and snacks.
- With an increased need for toiletries, the team also expanded its collection to include toiletries and dental care items. The team contributed 100 toothbrush and toothpaste packs, 200 mini toothpaste tubes, 50 full-size toothpaste tubes and 51 bottles of shampoo.
In addition to the donated items, the team presented Harvest House Executive Director Lori Joyner with a check for $40,000. Newman-Dailey donated $35,569 to Harvest House in 2024 and $47,000 last year. Over the last four years, Newman-Dailey has raised a total of $161,927 for Harvest House.
“We’re so grateful for Newman-Dailey’s support in helping us meet the growing needs of our community,” Joyner said. “Newman-Dailey was a great support when we moved into our new location, and our new food pantry is five times larger than the previous one, allowing us to maintain a well-stocked inventory to better serve the community. This incredible donation of cash and items provides critical assistance for our organization to be able to serve Destin families through the holidays.”
Harvest House was established in 1987 by Jerry Ogle and his wife, Claire, to share food with the hungry, which helped the local fishing community get through the long, cold winter, according to the release. The pantry continues to serve the working poor, especially the elderly and families who have been affected by unexpected life changes. Over the last 39 years, Harvest House has distributed more than 372,230 bags of groceries to more than 124,250 working families and individuals in the Destin area.
Newman-Dailey Fundraising Captain Lisa Morgan said this year’s effort focused on specific food items and added toiletries.
“We always question how much we can raise, and we know any amount is better than nothing,” Morgan said. “We’re proud to be able to fill in where the Harvest House has the greatest need. This year, we focused on specific food items and added toiletries, which was a big need. As usual, our competitive spirit and love of helping people shined through and it is so rewarding to know we’re helping hard working families in our community!”
Harvest House is located at 114 Palmetto St., Suite 1, in downtown Destin. The pantry is open Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. or by appointment by calling 850-837-2277. More information is available at harvesthousedestin.org.
