Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast random header image... Refresh for more!

Ecumenical Choir of Walton County presents benefit concert for the Lighthouse Family Retreat

Submitted by Adele Armitage
Admin. Assistant for Fr. Frank M. Cooper, IV
Christ the King Episcopal Church, Santa Rosa Beach, FL  32459
& Director, Ecumenical Choir of Walton County

Download the poster

The Ecumenical Choir of Walton County will present a concert featuring “An Americana Songbook” on Sunday, September 26 at 3:00 pm and Monday, September 27 at 7 pm.  Proceeds from the concert will benefit the Lighthouse Family Retreat, a ministry that serves families in the communities along 30A who have children with cancer. The concert will be held at Christ the King Episcopal Church located at 480 N. County HIghway 393 (1/2 mile N of Hwy 98), Santa Rosa Beach, FL,  32459.

The mission of the Lighthouse is to help these hurting families laugh together, reconnect relationally and to find hope in God.  During a Lighthouse retreat, these families who have children with cancer are served in every way you can think of. From the time they arrive and their luggage is taken from the trunk, their meals are cooked and served, their laundry is done, moms are pampered at the spa and while parents enjoy a date night, children have an ice cream party and enjoy a movie night. Plus they get to have fun on the beaches.

At each Lighthouse retreat, 10-14 families from all over the U.S. are served. At least one family has come from each continental state. Once these families arrive on 30A, they do not pay for thing. Their amazing Lighthouse and 30A experience is totally free.

Since Lighthouse began 10 years ago, more than 800 families have been served, thanks to the continued generosity of many people, businesses and communities along 30A. Over the years, numerous people have donated their homes, hosted dinners, given their time to cut and style the mom’s hair, given food and prepared meals. The 30A friends and partners have been incredible over the past 10 years.

The Atlanta-based Lighthouse Family Retreat is a Christian-based non-profit organization that was founded in 1999 by Melinda Mayton, a pediatric oncology nurse in Atlanta, to bring families to the beach for rest, relaxation, encouragement and support while dealing with their child’s cancer.  Mayton chose South Walton’s beaches to be the site where these families facing life-threatening situations would receive much-needed rejuvenation.

If you need further information, please contact the church office at (850) 267-3332.