Eastern donates $30,000 to Florida children’s center

(PANAMA CITY, Fla.) — Eastern Shipbuilding Group held its 21st annual ESG Freshwater Classic on the Apalachicola River on May 20 and raised $30,000 to benefit the Gulf Coast Children’s Advocacy Center in Panama City, Fla.

In total, ESG has donated $150,000 to the children’s organization. To facilitate Eastern’s philanthropic efforts in the community the company has launched a nonprofit, Eastern Shipbuilding Charities Inc., through which it will hold several charitable events each year.

Eastern Shipbuilding Group photo

“We’ve launched Eastern Shipbuilding Charities Inc. to formalize our philanthropic efforts in service to the community. The fishing tournament is one of several charitable initiatives we conduct each year to give back, and we are looking forward to increasing our impact in the years to come,” said Joey D’Isernia, CEO of Eastern Shipbuilding Group.

“The team at the Gulf Coast Children’s Advocacy Center is grateful for the continued support and generosity of Eastern Shipbuilding Group. The funds raised annually at this amazing event stays local, helps local children and strengthens local families. Together, we are all making a difference for good,” said Lori Allen, executive director, Gulf Coast Children’s Advocacy Center.

“We would like to thank the sponsors and countless volunteers for their contributions to this event each year. We would also like to thank everyone in Gulf County for their gracious hospitality. These efforts have given us the opportunity to support the community that Eastern Shipbuilding Group calls home,” said England Reeves, ESG Freshwater Classic tournament director.

About the Freshwater Classic: Hosted by Justin Leake of “Chasin the Sun,” the friendly competition includes a 2,000-gallon live fish display tank, local food vendors, and a chance to win prizes in the charity raffle. Each year, the event draws hundreds of employees, vendors and local residents to raise funds for local initiatives in the area. This year’s event had a record 630 participants and dozens of sponsors.

– Eastern Shipbuilding Group

By Rich Miller