Our story

About Us

33,000+ children reached
4 county community
350+ students in leadership programs
Since 2005 serving families · 501(c)(3) since 2012

Pull up a chair. Let me tell you how this started.

“We promote the spirit of service, giving, and unity among the youth of our region by organizing charity events, seminars, and other activities that provide the youth the opportunity to serve and give to their community.”

United for a Good Cause — Statement of Purpose

2005

It started with a party

A few neighbors looked around and saw children who might wake up on Christmas morning with nothing to open. So they did what families do: they rolled up their sleeves and threw a party.

They called it Luces Navideñas, Christmas Lights. Everything was free: the food, the music and a gift for every child. The only rule was that everyone was welcome. It didn’t matter where you came from, what you looked like or how you prayed. If you walked through the door, you were family.

2012

Then the family grew

The children kept coming, the gifts kept multiplying, and pretty soon we had wrapped enough presents to make Santa double-check his paperwork.

In 2012, the people who led Luces Navideñas made it official. They formed United for a Good Cause Inc., and the IRS recognized us as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Our mission was to serve all the young people of our region.

The fiesta got a new name, the Emerald Coast Christmas Miracle Fiesta, but it kept its heart. It is still free, still open to everyone, and every child still goes home with a gift.

Every Christmas

Nobody gets left out

And what if a family can’t make it to the fiesta? Every good family has an answer for that. It’s called Santa’s Sleigh Ride.

After the fiesta we set a date for families to get another chance to pick up their toys or bikes, and volunteers deliver gifts to the homes of families who cannot come.

All year long

We don’t just wrap presents

Our YOUth LEADership program has held nine conferences and events, and more than 350 students have heard local, regional and international speakers.

We also helped create, and still serve on, the ELL CommUNITY CONNECTions Committee, which supports students in Okaloosa County schools who are learning English.

So, how many children?

33,000+

Every year we give 1,500 to 2,000 gifts. We added it up, counting carefully and a little low on purpose, and the answer is more than 33,000 children. That’s a lot of smiles. And a lot of tape.

Today

Now it’s your turn

Our motto is the spirit of Service, Giving and Unity. It isn’t a slogan; it’s how we do things. Come volunteer, sponsor a table or give a gift.

Pull up a chair. There’s always room at this table.

Meet our board

David Triana
Chair
Michael Gayles
Vice Chair
Michael Gayles
Vice Chair
Michael R. Gayles has been volunteering with United for A Good Cause, Inc, for
over nine years. Mr. Gayles lives by the philosophy, “See a need, fill a need!” and has
devoted his life to making a difference in the lives of everyone he meets. He holds a
B.A. Degree in Biology and has helped to raise 22 therapeutic foster children.
Marcos Otero
Secretary
Marcos Otero
Secretary
I’m Marcos Otero, a retired Air Force veteran and Physician Associate. I enlisted in 1975, trained and worked as a medical laboratory technician, and later became a physician assistant through the Air Force program. After retiring from the service in 2000, I continued caring for patients in civilian clinics until 2023. I spent more than 40 years in medicine.
I began working with Conexión Florida when it was an eight-page monthly newspaper. As a bilingual medical provider, I was asked to write its medical articles. I suggested creating a website so the paper could reach more people, then volunteered to build it. I’ve maintained the site and continued writing medical articles ever since.
I got involved with United for a Good Cause through Conexión Florida, first volunteering at its Christmas event. As time went on, I took on more responsibility, joined the board, and became secretary. I’m also helping rebuild the organization’s website.
Giving back matters to me. I grew up in a poor family, and my parents taught me that even when you don’t have much, you can still help someone else. I try to carry that lesson forward.
Pamela Sparks
Treasurer
Pamela Sparks
Treasurer
Uber Diamond 💎 Driver/
Private 1 RIDE

Treasurer & Past
Board Member -
United For A Good Cause;
Ambassador - Greater FWB Chamber of Commerce;
2 Term Past President -
Emerald Coast Public Relations Organization “ECPRO”;
Former Okaloosa County Director - Special Olympics Florida; Former Community Director - One Hopeful Place; Senior Direct Account Executive - Southern Company
dba SoLINC
Crystal Morgan
Board Member
Crystal Morgan
Board Member
Crystal Morgan is an accomplished professional with over 20 years of experience in healthcare, leadership, business, and education. As the CEO of Crystal Morgan & Associates, she brings a wealth of expertise and diverse credentials, including being a Certified John Maxwell Coach, Behavior Analyst, Teacher, Trainer, Speaker, Financial Counselor, and Licensed Practical Nurse. Additionally, Crystal is a Certified Extreme Execution Coach and Innermetrix Consultant, specializing in applied axiological theory, DISC behavior theory, and values.
Crystal’s expertise lies in analyzing individual and group behavior, creating customized strategies to overcome obstacles, and helping clients achieve their goals. Whether in the classroom or corporate settings, she communicates complex concepts with clarity, providing actionable advice tailored to the unique needs of individuals and teams. Her approach fosters a collaborative and supportive learning environment.
Her strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills have made her a successful leader in healthcare, education, and business management. Crystal’s ability to manage stress, adapt to challenges, and connect with others has allowed her to make a lasting impact on both individuals and organizations.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Crystal is a passionate educator and mentor dedicated to teaching business and entrepreneurship, youth leadership development, and personal growth. With a focus on real-world application and mindset mastery, she helps individuals, especially emerging leaders, build the skills, confidence, and vision needed to thrive in today’s world. Through dynamic training, practical tools, and human-centered coaching,
Crystal is deeply committed to personal development and family. As a mother, she exemplifies the importance of balancing career and family life, serving as a role model for others striving for well-being and success.
With a passion for empowering others, Crystal Morgan continues to inspire transformation, leaving a positive, lasting impact on everyone she encounters.
Monica Davey
Board Member
Monica Davey
Board Member
Monica Davey began volunteering with the organization in 2021 and joined its board in 2023. Originally from Peru and now a real estate broker on the Emerald Coast, she wants people in its growing, diverse communities to feel at home and confident making their voices heard. Volunteering keeps her moving, and her favorite moment comes at the end of Christmas Fiesta preparations: the toys are finally packed, the logistics are sorted, and she can pause, exhausted but excited, before families arrive the next day.
Vilma Bawkins
Board Member