In our daily lives there are so many things we take for granted.  One of those things is having a bed to sleep in every night.  Several years ago, as I was scrolling through Facebook, I started to see posts from an organization called “A Bed 4 Me”.  These posts were of children receiving a new bed.  I continued to see these posts over the next several months and I thought to myself, “How is it possible that so many children in our area don’t have a bed?”

 Sadly, there are!

“A Bed 4 Me” started as a coffee shop conversation.  Some women having a discussion and coming to the same realization that I had seeing those posts.  Deciding that they needed to do something about the heartbreaking situation, they contacted a similar organization in another state.  In 2016, they started a chapter of this organization in Okaloosa County.  They credit the generosity of local people and a local business, Skipper’s Furniture Store, with their early success.  They were on a mission to do something so simple, yet so important; provide beds for children who did not have an adequate space to sleep. 

In 2018, they decided to step things up a notch and run the organization like a business.  They incorporated and became their own 501(c)(3).  They also started applying for grants.  In 2019, they applied for and won $100,000 from Impact 100 (another local nonprofit).  This grant allowed them to purchase a delivery van.  Prior to the van purchase, they had to rely on volunteers who had a truck available to make deliveries. 

In 2021, they felt they were ready to take on Walton County as well.  Since they began, they have provided 3,200 beds.  To me that is a staggering number of children without a bed in our local area.  More applications come in on a regular basis as more people become aware of the Foundation. 

So how does it all work?  Sometimes “A Bed 4 Me” receives a referral or someone fills out an application on their website.  They contact the family and make a visit to the home to verify the need.  There is no income verification or qualification.  Only a need qualification. During this visit they also talk to the child and find out what they like.  Once verified, they deliver a new bedframe, mattress, pillow and bedding.  The bedding selection is based on what they learn about the child’s interest.   

A lot of thought has gone into what they do.  Not only do they individually select bedding, but they also chose a bed frame that easily folds up.  This allows a parent or guardian to take the bed without them if they have to move.  This is important because a child can only receive a bed one time from “A Bed 4 Me”.  Children ages 2 –18 living in Okaloosa or Walton County are eligible. 

Diane Freeman is a founding member of this Foundation.  I asked her to share a story with me that sticks out in her mind.  She said that there were many, but she shared this one.  She told me about a single mom with 2 boys.  This mom was working 2 jobs to support them.  They were sleeping on a mattress on the floor.  This mattress was one that the mom found on the side of the road.  I honestly cannot imagine picking up a mattress on the side of the road and taking it home for my children to sleep on.  My only thought is that it must have been better than what they already had.  When the boys’ beds were all set up, one of them started jumping on the bed saying, “I’m so happy!”.  The mom said that he had never said anything like that before. Then the mom proceeded to move a chair between their beds and said that now she could sit between them and read them a bedtime story.  

Again, things a lot of us take for granted.   

These beds not only provide the children with a clean comfortable place to sleep.  They provide them with a space that is theirs.  Bedding picked just for them brings joy and excitement! 

So, how can you help?  Of course, monetary donations are always helpful.  You can make a donation right on their website.  You can also donate new standard size pillows.  New Twin Sheets or Comforters in solid colors are also accepted.  Only new bedding is acceptable.  Every child deserves new.  The reason for the solid colors is so that it can be paired with either sheets or a comforter picked specially based on each child’s interests. 

Please join me in supporting this organization.  Help those that do not even have simple things that we take for granted. 

Who is Impact 100 of Northwest Florida, Inc.?

The concept is simple: 100 women donate $1,000 each, creating a $100,000 high-impact grant. This grant enables a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in Okaloosa or Walton County to achieve extraordinary things. Membership is open to all women over 18, including those who live outside of Okaloosa and Walton Counties. Importantly, 100% of each member’s contribution is awarded to nonprofit organizations, with no administrative costs deducted. The more members we have, the more grants we can give.

Who can receive the $100,000 Grants?

Established 501(c)(3) nonprofits, except those whose primary purpose and use of grant funds are for religious or political activities, in Okaloosa and Walton Counties are eligible for grants. Grant applications are accepted for projects in five focus areas:

• Arts and Culture
• Education
• Environment, Recreation & Preservation
• Family
• Health and Wellness

Impact100 NWF members collaborate to decide which nonprofit projects receive funding through our grant process.

Who received the grants for 2024?

Arts & Culture Category–Destin History and Fishing Museum

Education Category–Emerald Coast Autism Center

Environment, Recreation & Preservation Category–Gulfarium C.A.R.E Foundation

Family Category–The Arc of the Emerald Coast

Health & Wellness Category–Children’s Volunteer Health Network, Inc.

How involved is membership?

Membership involvement can be as little as donating your money and nothing more.  Every member gets to vote to decide which application finalists receive the grant.  If you would like to be more involved, you can participate by being on one of the grant committees.  These committees review the application and have an opportunity to visit the nonprofits in person to learn more.

Where can I find out more?

You can find out more by visiting the website.  Starting in January, Impact 100 will host membership recruitment events at various locations all around Okaloosa and Walton County.  I would invite to come a bite, a drink and to find out more!

So, who is Impact 100? Impact 100 is a group of women pulling their resource to make an impact on the community they live in. Impact100 NWF believes that collaborative and informed financial giving makes a significant difference in the lives of others and enhances the well-being of our region. We support nonprofit organizations, advance responsible giving, and serve as an example of effective philanthropy. Imagine the possibilities when we come together, determined to make a difference.

Join us and make an IMPACT in your community!