Change Makers Junior Board Leaves a Lasting Legacy for Local Families

Some of the most inspiring acts of philanthropy begin with a simple question: How can we make a difference?

For the 17 students who served on the 2025-2026 Sacred Heart Foundation Change Makers Junior Board, that question led to a year of learning, leadership, and service that will leave a lasting impact on families across Northwest Florida.

Throughout the year, these remarkable young leaders immersed themselves in the mission of Ascension Sacred Heart. They met with physicians and caregivers, learned about the needs of women, children, and families in our community, and explored how philanthropy enhances the care patients receive every day.

After thoughtful discussion and firsthand learning, the board selected a project that reflects both compassion and purpose: providing safe sleep swaddles for newborns and their families.

Because of their dedication, creativity, and fundraising efforts, the Change Makers raised more than $26,000, enough to provide approximately 2,400 safe sleep swaddles to babies born at Ascension Sacred Heart Women's Hospital.

Each swaddle represents far more than a blanket.

It is an opportunity for new parents to receive education on safe sleep practices, helping reduce the risk of sleep-related infant deaths while giving families greater confidence as they begin life with their newborn. For many parents, it is one of the first gifts they receive for their baby and a reminder that their community is invested in giving every child the safest possible start.

The impact of this year's board extends well beyond the funds they raised.

They demonstrated that leadership is not defined by age but by a willingness to serve others. They asked meaningful questions, gave generously of their time, advocated for an important cause, and discovered that each person has the ability to create lasting change.

At Ascension Sacred Heart Foundation, we believe extraordinary healthcare happens because of extraordinary communities. This year's Change Makers Junior Board is a powerful reminder that some of our community's greatest leaders are just getting started.

Congratulations to the 2025-2026 Change Makers Junior Board. Your compassion, generosity, and leadership have created a legacy that will help thousands of local families begin their journeys with greater confidence, comfort, and hope.

2025-2026 Change Makers Junior Board

Ruby Seacrest (President), Julianne Adams (Vice President), Mac Sherrill (Campaign Chair), Annabelle Chadbourne (Marketing Chair), Ella Cage, Lanie Reamsma, Lauren Strickland, Gretchen Lamar, Cameron Griffith, Lennon Lusane, Ellie Piedmont, Brody Ryan, Piper Nissley, Lilla Parker, McKenna Gorman, Timothy Kinsella, and Blakely Richardson.