Nuestra historia

Sobre nosotros

33,000+ niños alcanzados
4 condados, una comunidad
350+ estudiantes en programas de liderazgo
Desde 2005 sirviendo a familias · 501(c)(3) desde 2012

Tome asiento. Déjeme contarle cómo empezó todo.

“Promovemos el espíritu de servicio, generosidad y unidad entre los jóvenes de nuestra región, organizando eventos benéficos, seminarios y otras actividades que les brindan la oportunidad de servir y dar a su comunidad.”

United for a Good Cause — Declaración de Propósito

2005

Todo empezó con una fiesta

Unos vecinos miraron a su alrededor y vieron niños que quizás despertarían la mañana de Navidad sin nada que abrir. Así que hicieron lo que hacen las familias: se arremangaron y organizaron una fiesta.

La llamaron Luces Navideñas. Todo era gratis: la comida, la música y un regalo para cada niño. La única regla era que todos eran bienvenidos. No importaba de dónde vinieras, cómo te vieras ni cómo rezaras. Si entrabas por la puerta, eras familia.

2012

Y la familia creció

Los niños seguían llegando, los regalos se seguían multiplicando, y pronto habíamos envuelto tantos regalos que Santa tuvo que revisar su lista dos veces.

En 2012, los líderes de Luces Navideñas lo hicieron oficial. Formaron United for a Good Cause Inc., y el IRS nos reconoció como organización sin fines de lucro 501(c)(3). Nuestra misión: servir a todos los jóvenes de nuestra región.

La fiesta recibió un nombre nuevo, la Fiesta Milagro de Navidad del Emerald Coast, pero conservó su corazón. Sigue siendo gratis, sigue abierta a todos, y cada niño todavía se va a casa con un regalo.

Cada Navidad

Nadie se queda afuera

¿Y si una familia no puede llegar a la fiesta? Toda buena familia tiene una respuesta para eso. Se llama el Trineo de Santa.

Después de la fiesta fijamos una fecha para que las familias tengan otra oportunidad de recoger sus juguetes o bicicletas, y los voluntarios llevan los regalos a las casas de las familias que no pueden asistir.

Todo el año

No solo envolvemos regalos

Nuestro programa YOUth LEADership ha realizado nueve conferencias y eventos, y más de 350 estudiantes han escuchado a conferencistas locales, regionales e internacionales.

También ayudamos a crear, y seguimos formando parte del Comité ELL CommUNITY CONNECTions, que apoya a los estudiantes de las escuelas del condado de Okaloosa que están aprendiendo inglés.

Entonces, ¿cuántos niños?

33,000+

Cada año entregamos entre 1,500 y 2,000 regalos. Hicimos la cuenta, con cuidado y a propósito un poquito por lo bajo, y la respuesta es más de 33,000 niños. Eso es muchísimas sonrisas. Y muchísima cinta adhesiva.

Hoy

Ahora le toca a usted

Nuestro lema es el espíritu de Servicio, Generosidad y Unidad. No es un eslogan; es nuestra manera de hacer las cosas. Venga como voluntario, patrocine una mesa o regale un obsequio.

Tome asiento. En esta mesa siempre hay lugar.

Conozca a nuestra junta directiva

David Triana
Presidente
Michael Gayles
Vicepresidente
Michael Gayles
Vicepresidente
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
Secretario
Marcos Otero
Secretario
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
Tesorera
Pamela Sparks
Tesorera
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
Miembro de la Junta
Crystal Morgan
Miembro de la Junta
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
Miembro de la Junta
Monica Davey
Miembro de la Junta
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
Miembro de la Junta