Page 22 - South Mississippi Living - August, 2024

COAST NOTE
RICKY PEDEN MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT
story by
Lynn Lofton
The late Ricky Peden's connection to Make-A-Wish
goes back to 2001. “Ricky was the first person to join the South Mississippi board when the office was opened in 2001 because Make-A-Wish was an organization that his father, Dr.Rick Peden, had always supported,” says the organization's Director Shellie Moses. “He was an advocate for the community who always helped others and was a true believer in the Make-A-Wish mission.”
When he unexpectedly passed away, Moses said Make- A-Wish felt compelled to change the name of the golf tournament and name it in his honor.
Funds raised at the event help sponsor wishes for critically ill children. “We try not to list or give dollar amounts for events. That way if they bring in a lot, people won't stop giving and making more wishes possible,” Moses said.
Make-A-Wish Mississippi is celebrating 40 years since its formation.
11597 Seaway Rd., #B238, Gulfport
P.O. Box 7488 | 228.575.8691 | www.wish.org
22 | August 2024
www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living
story by Cherie Ward
Sometimes it just takes a group of strong-willed strategic women philanthropists to get things done.
That’s exactly what the non-profit organization 50 Women Gulf Coast has accomplished through a $50,000 inaugural grant awarded to Community Care Network’s Sue’s Home in Ocean Springs. The grant will support and expand the center’s Breakthrough Youth Program for ages 18-24, most of whom are aging out of foster care.
“Among our three programs, Breakthrough Youth
has become our largest and most comprehensive,” said Allyson Brewer, associate director of Community Care Network. “As the need for safe housing, life skills training, transportation, and other services has increased, so have our expenses. Through matching funds, their $50,000 award will be doubled to $100,000, enabling us to further support this vulnerable population.”
The donor-advised organization 50 Women Gulf Coast falls under the Bacot Foundation of South Mississippi’s umbrella and is comprised of women serving the community.
“This is the inaugural year of 50 Women Gulf Coast, and we are thrilled to be able to do so much for one organization,” said founder Joey Conwill. “We hope to continue to support charitable organizations on the Coast through our continued philanthropic efforts.”
50 Women Gulf Coast
www.bacotfoundation.org/50womengulfcoast