The Okaloosa County Tax Collector’s Office presented the Greater Ft. Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce a check for money raised to support the Col. Bud and Dorie Day Patriots’ Trail. Those attending the check presentation included Tax Collector Ben Anderson, Fort Walton Beach Tax Collector’s Office Manager Cristina Davenport, Tax Collector employee Nikki Davidson, Mrs. Dorie Day, Tax Collector employee Cheron Sincarenco, Greater Fort Walton Beach Women’s Club President Mrs. Cissy Wyninegar, and Chamber CEO Ted Corcoran.
Employees of the Tax Collector’s Office took on this effort to show their appreciation and respect for the Day family. In doing so, they held internal fundraisers throughout the month of May and served as a collection point for those wishing to donate to the cause. To date, Tax Collector employees raised $1,259.18, exceeding their goal of $800.00.
Tax Collector Ben Anderson says, “Before his passing, Col. Day visited our Office and allowed our staff to take a picture with him. They hadn’t just heard of his bravery and his accomplishments, they actually got to meet and visit with this wonderful man. This project was very personal to our staff and I am proud that we are a small part of helping the Patriots’ Trail come to life.”
The trail is a tribute to not only the Days, but to honor ALL military heroes. The Patriots’ Trail is a walking trail and nature preserve in the heart of Ft. Walton Beach between Eglin Parkway and Ferry Avenue. Although a ground breaking ceremony was held earlier in the year, the project has not been completely funded. Through contributions and donations the Chamber hopes to have enough funding to finish the project by February 24, 2015 which would have been Col. Day’s 90th birthday. Donations to the Bud and Dorie Day Patriots’ Trail are tax deductible. Contact the Greater Ft. Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce for more information: 850-244-8191