Hutchison Beach Elementary raises money for ‘Cuddles for Clefts'
PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WMBB) – A local school is raising money and awareness for children born with cleft palates and lips.
'We're raising money for kids to get stuffies,' student Nicole said.
Cuddles for Clefts is a nonprofit organization that provides care packages for kids undergoing cleft-related surgeries.
South Walton Fire District reports zero drownings in 2024
Each care package has a t-shirt or onesie that says, 'Every smile has a story.' There's also a teddy bear with a scar stitched matching the scar like the child, and the book, 'Shining Stars.'
This is the third year Hutchison Beach Elementary is collecting 'coins for the cause'.
'I was born with cleft lip and palate. I've never had anything with scars: dolls, toys, nothing that looked like me. It means a lot to me because so many times people just kind of look at me and I can tell they want to ask a question, but they don't. So, I love teaching about differences in people. I'm going to match the winner of the whole school, whichever class has the most, I'm going to match that. Already we've raised $124. Last year the whole school raised $260,' Hutchison Beach Elementary teacher Chastity Adkins said.
'In our class, the orange house is winning,' student Jordan said.
The initiative is a part of the school's 'Leader In Me' program.
If you'd like to donate to Cuddles for Clefts, click here.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Deltona leaders considering halting development to tackle flooding issues
Deltona city leaders will discuss a plan to temporarily halt development to get a handle on infrastructure and flooding issues. Commissioners were supposed to discuss the issue on Monday, but Deltona's regular city commission meeting was postponed because the city didn't have quorum to proceed. Hundreds of new homes have already been approved in the city so far this year, according to Commissioner Dori Howington. Meanwhile, hundreds of existing homes are still dealing with the effects of flooding from the past few storm seasons. 'We can't sustain that with the infrastructure we have, and if we aren't charging enough in impact fees, then the developers aren't doing it which means our residents have to pick up the pieces,' said Howington. Howington said the cost to develop in Deltona hasn't gone up in a decade. It's an issue the city has been working to address since December. Because there hasn't been much movement, she's suggesting a temporary pause on building altogether. Homeowners like Jody Lee Storozuk are supporting her. 'We need to take care of things that matter to residents. What color the walls are in City Hall doesn't matter to people who have water in their living rooms,' said Storozuk. In 2023, WFTV reported residents would see a roughly 30% increase on their property tax bills to improve stormwater and drainage systems after hurricanes Ian and Nicole in 2022. The city is considering another increase this year. Howington said she believes rate hikes like that could be avoided if developers are held accountable. 'Right now, we are making existing residents pay for what development is doing to our community,' said Howington. This item will now be heard on June 16. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Yahoo
Aptean Unveils Keynote Speakers for 'UNITE 2025': Futurist Erica Orange and Trailblazing Veteran Col. Nicole Malachowski, USAF (Ret.)
ALPHARETTA, Ga., May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aptean, a global provider of mission-critical enterprise software solutions, is excited to announce two distinguished keynote speakers for 'UNITE 2025', its flagship North American customer conference: renowned futurist and thought leader, Erica Orange, along with decorated veteran and trailblazer, Col. Nicole Malachowski, USAF (Ret.). Taking place in Orlando, Florida from October 6-9, 2025, this premier event will offer engaging sessions, cutting-edge insights and unparalleled networking opportunities. The theme of this year's conference, 'Elevate Your Game,' is designed to inspire businesses to push boundaries, embrace innovation and lead with confidence in an ever-evolving market. With two dynamic keynote speakers—each bringing distinct perspectives on transformation, leadership and forward-thinking strategy—Aptean reinforces its commitment to delivering a dynamic and empowering experience for attendees. Erica Orange, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of The Future Hunters, is one of today's foremost futurists and is renowned for her bold insights into emerging trends and disruptive technologies. At UNITE 2025, she will explore how AI is reshaping the business landscape and what it means for decision-makers looking to stay ahead. With a deep understanding of the intersection between AI, innovation and strategic foresight, she will inspire attendees to reimagine possibilities and explore how future-focused thinking can unlock next-level growth. Ms. Malachowski, the first woman pilot to join the elite U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, embodies perseverance, leadership and the ability to excel under pressure. A decorated combat veteran, White House Fellow, and passionate advocate for resilience and reinvention, Nicole will share inspiring personal stories and lessons in courageous leadership – offering a roadmap for navigating change with strength and clarity. Inspired by the metaphor of ', Nicole will challenge attendees to move beyond perceived limitations, foster deeper collaboration, drive accountability and unlock their full potential. 'Our customers come to UNITE not just for product insights, but to be inspired and empowered,' said TVN Reddy, CEO at Aptean. 'Erica and Nicole truly exemplify the spirit of 'Elevate Your Game.' Through their powerful stories, deep expertise and visionary leadership, they will challenge our customers to think bigger, lead boldly and take decisive action that drives meaningful results.' Aptean UNITE 2025 will offer attendees a robust agenda of product deep dives, customer panels, industry networking and thought leadership sessions—all designed to help users maximize the value of their Aptean solutions and unlock new opportunities. To learn more about UNITE 2025, or to register for the event, visit our event website. About Aptean Aptean is a global provider of industry-specific software that helps manufacturers and distributors effectively run and grow their businesses. Aptean's solutions and services help businesses of all sizes to be Ready for What's Next, Now®. Aptean is headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia and has offices in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific. To learn more about Aptean and the markets we serve, visit Aptean and Ready for What's Next, Now are Registered Trademarks of Aptean, Inc. All other company and product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated. MEDIA INQUIRIES MediaRelations@ while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Yahoo
DIYer Creates Wedding Centerpieces from Dollar Tree Supplies and It's a Budget Lifesaver
Whether you're looking to save on wedding costs or are in need of a stunning centerpiece, one DIYer can help out thanks to the perfect inspiration. Not only is her centerpiece idea gorgeous, but it's also affordable because it's made entirely from Dollar Tree supplies. SIGN UP for the Dengarden / Parade Home & Garden newsletter for a weekly dose of our favorite house hacks, decor trends and shopping deals TikToker, Nicole's, idea came while searching for centerpieces of her own. She spotted 10 gold centerpieces from Amazon, but Nicole says she 'could just not justify [spending] $120.' As a result, she decided to make DIY gold centerpieces of her own. All of which cost under $20. Those on the hunt for wedding inspo are about to be immediately impressed. To make these, Nicole started off by gathering her Dollar Tree supplies. She used $1.25 glass bowls (which you can get 12 on Dollar Tree's website for just $15) and $1.25 glass candleholders from Dollar Tree along with E600 glue and $5.86 gold spray paint from Walmart. Then, comes the assembly. Nicole simply glues the supplies together by applying E6000 glue to the top of the candleholder. Then, she holds it against the bottom of the glass the bowls and candleholders are all solidly glued together (Nicole let them sit for 24 hours), they already look so classy. To give these an extra regal touch, she spray paints each. 'So, super easy simple project,' Nicole says. And inspired TikTok users in the comments immediately agreed. 'I think you just saved my wedding budget,' one thankful user commented. 'This is why I love this app!!' another user gushed, 'September bride here and I'm struggling with my centerpieces, thank you for sharing.' 'Are u a rocket scientist?!!!!!!' another blown away user commented. An inspired bride said she 'will be using this for my [her] wedding.' It really is a spectacular (and budget-friendly) centerpiece idea! For more wedding inspiration, check out Pinterest's top wedding trends of Creates Wedding Centerpieces from Dollar Tree Supplies and It's a Budget Lifesaver first appeared on Parade Home & Garden on May 28, 2025
