Cheer for the Champions

by

Events

The 4th annual Champions for Children campaign is officially underway, bringing together a dynamic group of business and community leaders who are passionate about making a difference for children and families in Coastal Georgia. Over the next eight weeks, these Champions will compete to raise critical funds and awareness for Safe Harbor Center, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting children, youth, and families who have experienced abuse, neglect, abandonment, homelessness, or family instability.

Safe Harbor Center provides a continuum of care through eight comprehensive programs designed to promote safety, stability, and long-term success. From early childhood services and family preservation programs to street outreach, transitional living, and support for pregnant and parenting youth, Safe Harbor meets families where they are and helps them build a stronger future. The Champions for Children campaign plays a vital role in ensuring these essential services remain available to those who need them most.

Throughout the campaign, the community is invited to join the excitement as each Champion hosts creative and fun fundraising events, rallies their personal and professional networks, and shares Safe Harbor’s mission with a broader audience. Past events have included special chef’s dinners, oyster roasts, wine tastings, bowling, a battle of the bands, and family-friendly games. We can’t wait to see what’s in store this year!

At the end of the campaign, the Champion who raises the most money for Safe Harbor will be crowned the overall Champion for Children. Last year’s top finishers were: Daren Johnson and Elizabeth McLauchlin of Frederica Golf Club and Engle & Volkers (1st), Lexie Love Whatley of the Davis Love Foundation (2nd), and Don Maxey of Uncle Don’s Local Market (3rd). A record-breaking $510,000 was earned through the collective efforts of the entire group of 2025 Champions—more than double the amount raised in 2024—so the 2026 Champions have big shoes to fill!

The campaign will culminate in a community-wide celebration on the evening of Wednesday, April 22, at Frederica Golf Club. This festive Culmination Event will celebrate the accomplishments and collective impact of all Champions and supporters while announcing the 2026 Champions for Children. To learn more about Safe Harbor Center, follow the campaign, see this year’s candidates, explore upcoming events, and secure tickets to the Culmination Event, visit SafeHarborCenterInc.org.

UPDATE: Announcing the 2026 Champions for Children Candidates: 

Alisha Wiggins – Rich Products CorporationAmanda Duffey – DeLoach Sotheby’s International Realty

Brian Corry – McQuigg, Smith & Corry, LLC

Dustin Rozier – The Grove Company

Evan Wallace Ross, Caroline Byrd & Maci Moore – Pirates of the Spanish Main

Hernan & Victoria Stutzer – Del Sur Artisan Eats & The Organized Baker

Jenni Jústiz-Quiñones – King & Prince Seafood

Jonathan and Ally Haney – TNB Financial Services and Birdies SSI

Latricia Hogan – The Polished Providers

Rachael Leonard – Island Pilates & Wellness

Scott Risi & Greg Walbridge – Uptown Tap & Cigar

Susan Bates – Tipsy McSway’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill

Now through April 22, they will be hosting micro events, rallying their networks, and competing in a friendly fundraising challenge to support Safe Harbor’s eight life changing programs.

Let’s go!!! 💙