Join us for the grand finale of Safe Harbor Center’s fourth annual Champions for Children campaign as we gather to celebrate an extraordinary season of impact. The 2026 Culmination Event will take place on April 22 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at Frederica Golf Club. This high energy evening will feature live music, entertainment, and delicious food and beverages as we honor this year’s Champions and the community that rallied behind them. Throughout the campaign, our Champions have hosted events, rallied friends and businesses, and raised critical funds to support Safe Harbor’s eight programs serving children and families across Coastal Georgia. On this special night, we will celebrate their efforts, recognize the incredible generosity of our supporters, and crown the 2026 Ultimate Champion for Children. Your ticket purchase not only grants you access to an unforgettable evening, but also supports your chosen Champion’s fundraising total and helps advance Safe Harbor’s mission of protecting children, strengthening families, and building brighter futures. We cannot wait to celebrate with you.

On Thursday, April 24th, Safe Harbor Center welcomed more than 200 supporters from across Coastal Georgia to downtown Brunswick for our third annual Champions for Children Culmination Celebration — and what a night it was.

Set against the backdrop of Queen and Grant, the evening brought together neighbors, advocates, business leaders, and longtime friends of Safe Harbor for an unforgettable celebration of community-driven impact. Under string lights and the glow of purpose, guests gathered to honor 17 local Champions who spent eight weeks rallying support for Safe Harbor’s life-saving programs. Their collective efforts raised a record-breaking $510,000 — more than double last year’s total.

Themed “In the Winner’s Circle,” the evening featured live performances by national headliners The American Bombshells and local favorites Owen Plant and Pace Conner, along with delicious fare from Three Little Birds Café, a curated vendor market, and an open bar flowing with signature cocktails.

But the heart of the evening was the moment each Champion took the stage to be recognized — a lineup of everyday heroes whose creativity, determination, and generosity made this year’s campaign our most successful yet.

From oyster roasts and bake sales to golf tournaments and social media takeovers, every dollar raised helps expand Safe Harbor’s reach—supporting emergency shelter, transitional housing, street outreach, youth advocacy, and The Village, our newly launched maternity group home.

Co-Chairs Bentley Kaufman, Kate Dart, and Elizabeth Piazza closed the night by presenting a $510,000 check and reflecting on what this total means for the hundreds of youth Safe Harbor serves each year.

“Over 1,000 people donated to this campaign — and over half were first-time donors,” said Piazza. “That’s more than a number. That’s momentum. That’s awareness. That’s hope.”

We are deeply grateful to every Champion, donor, sponsor, and guest who made this night possible — and to a community that continues to believe that every child deserves safety, stability, and the chance to thrive.

Press About Culmination 2025!

The top three fundraisers—our 2025 “Winner’s Circle”—included:

  • First Place/Grand Champions: Elizabeth McLauchlin and Daren Johnson (Frederica Golf Club), raising a staggering $145,000

  • Second Place: Lexie Love Whatley (Davis Love Foundation), raising $93,000

  • Third Place: Don Maxey (Uncle Don’s), raising $51,000