The Lasting Light of a CHELCO Member’s Gift

When Muriel “Midge” Drebing passed away in October 2021, she left behind more than memories. She left a legacy—a $1.9 million gift to the CHELCO Foundation that is still sparking change across Walton, Okaloosa, and surrounding counties.

Now in its second year of distribution, The Drebing Fund continues to transform the lives of neighbors through charitable grants and utility assistance. What began as one member’s extraordinary act of generosity has grown into a ripple effect that strengthens entire communities.

In 2024, the fund awarded its first $90,000 in community support. That same amount will be distributed again this year, divided between local nonprofits and families in need of help keeping their lights on.

• $67,500 is being granted to nonprofit organizations that deliver educational opportunities, family services, and programs designed to improve quality of life.
• $22,500 is dedicated to utility assistance programs for CHELCO members, helping families bridge difficult times without losing access to essential power.

The fund is administered in partnership with United Way Emerald Coast, ensuring transparency while maximizing impact.

“Mrs. Drebing’s legacy lives on through every family helped, every child supported, and every light that stays on,” said CHELCO CEO Steve Rhodes. “Her generosity continues to ripple through our communities in powerful ways.”

CHELCO, the member-owned cooperative serving more than 70,000 accounts across Walton, Okaloosa, Holmes, and Santa Rosa counties, has long emphasized its mission of service beyond electricity. With The Drebing Fund, that mission carries forward in a way that blends practicality with compassion—ensuring one member’s gift continues to illuminate lives for years to come.

To learn more about The Drebing Fund and CHELCO’s charitable work, visit CHELCO.com/charitable-chelco.