NICEVILLE, Fla. — Niceville-based PhotoBioModulation Research Institute has awarded $2,250 to three local nonprofit organizations through a drawing held during a children’s fishing derby in North Okaloosa County as part of the county’s America 250 celebration.
According to the PhotoBioModulation Research Institute (PBMRI), nonprofit organizations were invited to participate in the fishing derby and share information about their missions with attendees. Organizations that participated were entered into a drawing for cash awards designed to help support their work in the community.
The first-place award of $1,000 went to the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center. The donation was accepted by Julie Porterfield and Debi Riley-Broadnax.
The second-place award of $750 went to Dinner at Dad’s Compassionate Ministries. Ed Mitchell accepted the donation on behalf of the organization.The
Blackman Volunteer Firefighter Association was the recipient of the third-place award of $500. Captain Miranda, Sergeant, and Chief Duane Melanson accepted the donation.
According to the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center, the organization seeks to heal and prevent the trauma of childhood abuse and neglect by providing advocacy, child-friendly therapies, and a safe environment where children can feel seen, heard, and understood.
Dinner at Dad’s Compassionate Ministries provides nutritious meals to homeless individuals and low-income families in the Crestview area each Sunday and works to strengthen the local community through outreach and support services.
According to the association, the Blackman Volunteer Firefighter Association was created to support volunteer firefighters serving the Blackman Fire District.
PBMRI said the donation program was created to address the challenges many nonprofit organizations face in raising awareness and securing community support.
The fishing derby was sponsored by PBMRI in conjunction with Okaloosa County’s America 250 celebration and brought together community members and nonprofit organizations from across the region.
PBMRI is a Niceville-based nonprofit organization focused on advancing research and education involving PhotoBioModulation Therapy, also known as light therapy.
According to PBMRI, PhotoBioModulation Therapy uses light to promote healing and pain relief without drugs. The organization supports research and public awareness efforts involving potential applications for chronic pain, arthritis, migraines, neurological disorders, traumatic brain injuries, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other conditions.
PBMRI describes its mission as advancing research in PhotoBioModulation Therapy while providing effective drug-free pain relief and healing options. The organization also promotes education and awareness about the emerging field of light-based therapies.







