Captain Pete Wodroska and his wife Tish sponsored a thrilling field day at the Hidle/Catherine’s Campus. The children enjoyed bouncing and playing on a variety of air-filled playground equipment at this cookout. In addition, Captain Pete brought his own boat and shared with them boating safety tips.

Staff from the Legend’s Edge at the Bay Point Marriott, lead by Deborah Toney, held a cookout and water day for our kids. Laughter and music filled the air, as our kids enjoyed the Legend’s Edge return to Anchorage a second consecutive year.

Anchorage was blessed by the overwhelming generosity of several hundred youth lead by Souled Out’s, Doug Compton. During the two weeks of youth camp at Panama City Beach, the youth gave from their hearts, raising over $9650 in gifts for Hidle House, our youth shelter, and for Hannah’s House, our new maternity group home. These youth truly showed Spirit-led giving.

Kate Lauve and various groups of young people participating in Centrifuge have come each week during the summer on Wednesday afternoon to participate in recreational activities and meaningful discussions with youth in Hidle House and in Catherine’s Home. These activities inspired several of our young ladies to put together an interpretive dance set to a spiritual song, which they proudly practiced and performed for anyone present. The staff have been overwhelmed with their talent and beautiful means self-expression.

A mainstay for Anchorage is its faithful churches that regularly come to help us with projects and needs. One of our most consistent friends is Northstar Church in Panama City, who not only gave us a gift of $500 but also worked tirelessly on our Main Campus and spent time mentoring our youth.

Doris Johnston, Kathy Young and Rosemary Beach Chapel helped us prepare Hannah’s House for young mothers by providing $3000 of cribs and bedding, changing tables, and window dressings, as well as other essentials. In addition, Linda Curci helped to coordinate an additional donation of $300 for children at Catherine’s Home to attend summer field trips.

The Bay County Bar Association held its Race Adjudicata, a benefit run of which Anchorage was the beneficiary. As a result of their generous efforts, participants raised $2787 that was presented to Anchorage by Holly Melzer.

Bay Point Women’s Club, a regular supporter of Catherine’s Home, provided $5000 to update the room that they sponsor and other shelter needs.

Under L. J. Rigby’s leadership, Hoffbrau, a new restaurant at Pier Park specializing in German cuisine and beverages, sponsored a fundraiser for Anchorage resulting in $969.20 to Anchorage’s Anchor fund.

The Tyndall NCO Academy brought pizza, played games and spent valuable time with the youth in Hidle House.

Katie Zimpfer Anchorage’s Development Director retired after four years with us. A former, Deputy District Administrator with the Department of Children and Families and Executive Director of the local Community Based Care lead agency, Katie has been demonstrated a passion for helping hurting children over her lifetime and has certainly earned her rest.

Due to Katie’s gracious advanced notice, we were able to find Tammy Dunaway, our newest addition to the management team. Tammy is a lifelong resident of Bay County, is well respected and esteemed in the business community where she has been successful in her previous career, mortgage banking. She brings incredible energy and optimism in everything she does and has already demonstrated her commitment to the success of the agency and welfare of children in our care in the short-time she has been at Anchorage.

Gulf Coast Community College Coaches lead by Athletic Director, Gregg Wolfe, toured Hidle House and Catherine’s Home and selected Anchorage Children’s Home as its charity of choice. In so doing, the coaches committed to engaging our children in campus athletic activities as well as mentoring opportunities. During that tour, Coach Roonie Scovel met a young lady who had a particular interest and skill in basketball. Coach Scovel invited the young lady to come to practice with the Lady Commodores the next day. The following day after practice, smiling from ear to ear, the young lady proudly showed off the brand new shoes (the same the team wears) and a framed, signed photo of last years national championship Lady Commodore team, given to her by Coach Scovel.

Three young ladies from our Hidle House and Catherine’s Home participated in the Al Hubbard Fishing Experience for local disadvantaged children developed by Chrystal Hubbard, Chris Miller and Steve Arndt. This Tournament was developed in conjunction with the Bay Point Invitational Tournament directed by Scott Burt. After 4 hours of fishing, the girls earned second place by catching just under 12 lbs. of fish. None of the three girls had ever fished before, but with the help of Captain Brian Jacquay, they enjoyed great success and an afternoon of fun.



Panama City Parrot Head Club Rendezvous Committee Patti Fritchie, Cathy Mason, and Steve Camp presented a check for a total gift of $8300 for Anchorage to care for the children in our residential care. The Parrot Head Club members have been a faithful friends to Anchorage’s kids.



Hidle House and Catherine’s Home kids went to Gulf Coast Community College for a fun day hosted by the Athletic Department and coach’s staff. They enjoyed everything from swimming playing a variety of games, skill-building drills, and weight lifting.

During the entire month of August, Borders at Pier Park will be conducting a book drive exclusively for the children at Anchorage Children’s Home. Please go by and patronize this partner who is promoting a love of reading and therefore the future success of our kids.



School begins.

Anchorage will host an open house for the public celebrating the opening of Hannah’s House, our new maternity group home, at 10 a.m. Opening remarks will be given by State Representative Jimmy Patronis. Tours and refreshments will follow. Hannah’s House address is 7402 McElvey Rd., Panama City Beach, FL 32408.