The Krewe of Bowlegs Pirates Successfully Sailed for a Good Cause

The Blackhawk set sail early in the evening on April 19 loaded with pirates from the Krewe of Bowlegs (KOB) and docked at Preservation Hall at the William Augustus Bowles Museum & Historical Foundation in Fort Walton Beach. And what were these grinning marauders’ mischievous plan?

The answer is simply to party with the pirate-clad adult clients of Arc of the Emerald Coast (ARC) prepared and eagerly awaiting the invasion. KOB Captain Billy 67, his Queen, and his krewe of pirates joined ARC’s mission to ensure their clients as well as their families, care-givers, and support staff had a joyful night where everyone could simply relax and escape into fantasy for one evening.

The event was created to celebrate the joys of life with the Arc clients and was organized by Bear Teusch, Arc of the Emerald Coast’s Director of Program Management, who arranged the special evening in conjunction with Pyramid and Eagle Medical Management. A similar piratical experience was held last year and proved a success as Teusch shared that ARC clients still talk about it today.

Everyone enjoyed a delicious dining experience, non-alcoholic beverages, and desserts along provided by event coordinator team. Clients and guests alike gathered on the dance floor as DJs Jim and Rebeccas Kistler (KOB 67) spun a variety of tunes. More fun was found dueling with balloon swords created by Bobby Dewrell (KOB 63) and grabbing photo ops of themselves with KOB 68 and other krewe members thanks to photographer Ronnie Kokis (KOB 58).

Most of the clients shared the music with the pirates and their wenches—even inviting them to dance with them which was an easy request as no pirate turns down a dancing opportunity. No matter the physical challenge an ARC client might face, even those in wheelchairs joined in the fun.

The Arc of the Emerald Coast advocates for citizens of all ages with cognitive, intellectual, and developmental disabilities, and their families. The organization services Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, and Walton Counties intent on their mission to empower those with developmental disabilities to live meaningful lives.

The Krewe of Bowlegs are ambassadors for the Emerald Coast and the Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival committed to serving our community in numerous and wide-ranging activities—from reading to children at our local schools, participating in charitable fund-raising functions, and helping empower those with disabilities.