October was full of making an impact! See how we supported youth, women, and families in the community. 

Women Build - Habitat for Humanity | October 1

With hammers in hand and hearts full of purpose, Gulf Winds team members joined forces with Pensacola Habitat for Humanity on October 1, volunteering on-site in the construction of a home for a family in need. In addition to hands-on participation, Gulf Winds also donated $20,000 in support of the annual Women Build event.  

Gulf Winds and Manna Food Pantry – Unite! | October 13

We hosted our annual Unite! Conference for all team members at the University of West Florida. This event, focused on community, teamwork, and impact, served as an opportunity for the Gulf Winds team to come together and enjoy a motivational learning experience.

The team’s breakout session, dubbed MannaCan, was centered around creative teamwork and community impact. Gulf Winds team members were separated into groups and given cans of food to build a creative structure. After the activity was completed, all cans were donated to Manna by Gulf Winds and brought back to the pantry, providing the equivalent of food for a day for 4,221 children, senior citizens, veterans, and others in need in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties.

United Way Day of Caring | October 18

We were honored to stand alongside more than 670 volunteers across Escambia and Santa Rosa counties for United Way of West Florida’s Day of Caring. Partnering with The Arc Gateway, we helped bring their fall festival to life—a joyful, sensory-friendly celebration that created lasting memories for the children they serve.

Monroeville Breast Cancer Walk | October 19

We were proud to participate in Monroeville’s Breast Cancer Walk, joining together with our community to honor survivors, support fighters, and remember loved ones. The day was filled with hope, strength, and unity as we walked side by side for a cause that deeply touches so many lives.

Northwest Florida Chapter League of Credit Unions Golf Tournament | October 23

The Northwest and Gulf Coast Chapters of the League of Credit Unions came together to raise funds in support of Children’s Miracle Network’s mission to meet pediatric healthcare needs in the community. With the help of the League, and generous sponsors and vendors, Children’s Miracle Network was able to make a large donation to Studer Family Children’s Hospital for initiatives that help children get better today and grow healthier tomorrow.

Taste in the Garden | October 23

We’re grateful to share that through the Gulf Winds Foundation, we donated $5,500 to support Second Harvest of the Big Bend’s 3rd annual Taste in the Garden event! Through Taste in the Garden, healthy meals reached children, families, and seniors across 16 counties.

Beyond School Walls – Big Brother Big Sisters of Northwest Florida | October 23

This month, Gulf Winds team members began their participation in Beyond School Walls, a program created by Big Brothers Big Sisters. Select Gulf Winds team members volunteered to mentor local teens and provide guidance for successful transitions into the work force, post-secondary education, vocational training, or the military. Students received personal mentorship focused on life-skills, career exploration and other topics, and Gulf Winds team members were able to give back to the community in a meaningful way.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Big Bend | October 24

We proudly donated $2,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Big Bend, reinforcing our commitment to empowering youth through meaningful mentorship. This partnership reflects our dedication to creating lasting opportunities and making positive change in the communities we serve.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk | October 25

In Pensacola, we were making strides and Banking on a Cure as we showed support at American Cancer Society’s annual breast cancer walk. Along with participating in the walk, Gulf Winds made a $2,500 donation to the American Cancer Society. Participants at the event had the opportunity to share their purpose at our ‘Why I Walk’ board, showcasing the reason for their impact.  

Your membership enables us to continue these initiatives, living out the credit union philosophy of People Helping People. Thank you for being part of our journey to give back and strengthen our community.