Posted on October 12, 2026
Eastern Shipbuilding Charities, Inc. has officially crossed a major historic milestone, reaching a lifetime total of $242,000 in donations to the Gulf Coast Children’s Advocacy Center. Leadership from both organizations celebrated the achievement last week during a formal check presentation ceremony, highlighting the charity’s latest $35,000 contribution to the local nonprofit organization.
The milestone represents over a decade of continuous financial support to empower the center’s mission of protecting children and strengthening vulnerable families in Northwest Florida. This contribution is a prominent part of a broader, multi-faceted philanthropic mission for Eastern Shipbuilding Charities, Inc., which regularly distributes critical funding and event proceeds to numerous local nonprofits and civic organizations throughout the year to foster community sustainability and long-term regional development.
“Giving back to our community is central to who we are as an organization. Reaching the $242,000 giving milestone is a testament to our enduring partnership with the Advocacy Center and our commitment to the safety and well-being of local children,” said Joey D’Isernia, CEO of Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. “When we launched Eastern Shipbuilding Charities, Inc., our goal was to formalize and grow philanthropic efforts across a wide spectrum of community needs. We are incredibly proud to see that vision translating into significant, tangible impact for our community.”
“The team at the Gulf Coast Children’s Advocacy Center is deeply grateful for the decades-long partnership and profound generosity of Eastern Shipbuilding Group. These vital funds stay entirely local, directly supporting critical safety, healing, and therapy programs for local children. ESG’s continuous support provides us with the steady foundation needed to make a permanent difference for good in our region,” said Brent Patrick, CEO, Gulf Coast Children’s Advocacy Center.
A primary driver of this funding milestone is the annual Eastern Shipbuilding Charities Fishing Tournament. This long-running, family-friendly event brings together ESG employees, vendors, corporate sponsors, and local residents for a weekend of friendly competition, drawing more than 690 participants. Proceeds support Eastern Shipbuilding Charities’ community giving, including donations to the Gulf Coast Children’s Advocacy Center.
About Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc.
Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. (ESG) is an American owned and operated shipbuilder with three shipyards on the Florida Gulf Coast. They build world class vessels for national defense and commercial clients. ESG is the largest private sector employer in Northwest Florida and is a 2017 recipient of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Small Business of the Year award. With a portfolio of over 350 vessels and Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) and Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) certified systems, ESG is known as one of the most diverse vessel construction companies in the country. www.easternshipbuilding.com
