Rish Park Donation for APD Families

By JR Harding

On March 18, the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) had the pleasure of hosting Florida State University (FSU) Police Chief Perry and three members of the Order of the Odd Fellows, Lodge 5—Officer Mike Rodes, Steve Ross, and Peggy Moffitt—at William J. (Billy Joe) Rish Park in the Florida Panhandle. The guests enjoyed an appreciation BBQ donated by APD employees. The group toured the main facility, and the recently completed boardwalk to St. Joseph Bay which includes a fishing pier and new bathrooms.  The guests were impressed with the accessibility of the park and its many features, plus its panoramic view. 

The local Order of the Odd Fellows, Lodge 5, presented APD with a check for $2,500 to continue the APD Rish Park family scholarship program. Officer Rodes said, “I have known about this place for years, but the access to Mother Nature is second to none and the Odd Fellows are honored to be a partner in making a difference for families that include an individual with a developmental disability.”

Over the past few years, this partnership has been instrumental in supporting 16 families to enjoy a barrier-free beach vacation at Rish Park.  The donation will cover five families from APD’s waiver waiting list for three nights at the park and includes a gift card to offset gasoline, groceries, and related expenses.  The generosity of the Odd Fellows, Lodge 5, will ensure memorable experiences for families this summer at Rish Park.

Pictured left to right: Steve Ross, Peggy Moffitt, Jim Willenbrink, JR Harding, FSU Police Chief Perry, Officer Mike Rodes.

The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) had the pleasure of hosting Florida State University (FSU) Police Chief Perry and members of the Order of the Odd Fellows, Lodge 5 at William J. (Billy Joe) Rish Park in the Florida Panhandle.