If you know Lou Longo, you know he is one of those special people who makes a community feel like home. Lou was born and raised in Destin, and he and his wife, Erin, have built a life deeply rooted in this community. He is a proud Fort Walton Beach High School graduate and a longtime supporter of the school and the people of the area. Erin is also a dedicated part of the FWBHS community as the coach of the STARS dance team.

Lou spent more than 30 years in the restaurant business, building friendships with countless people along the way. He is outgoing, thoughtful, generous, and always willing to lend a hand. His big smile and contagious laugh can light up any room, and he is happiest when he is doing something for someone else. Lou is also a gifted carpenter whose talent, creativity, and willingness to help have made a difference in the lives of so many people. Through his work, friendships, and countless acts of kindness, Lou has touched more lives than he probably realizes.

Now, Lou needs that same support in return. Lou recently suffered a stroke and has a long road toward recovery ahead. As a self-employed business owner without health insurance, he and Erin are facing the tremendous financial burden of medical treatment, rehabilitation, continued care, and other expenses caused by this unexpected crisis. The immediate goal is to help Lou receive the rehabilitation and care he needs while easing some of the financial pressure on him and Erin.

For decades, Lou has been someone others could count on. He has spent his life creating, fixing, encouraging, laughing, helping, and showing up whenever someone needed him. Now it is the community’s turn to show up for Lou. If Lou has ever made you smile, helped you with a project, shared a meal with you, made you laugh, or simply made your life a little better, please consider giving back to him now. Every donation, large or small, will help Lou move closer to the care and rehabilitation he needs. If you are unable to donate, sharing this fundraiser and keeping Lou and Erin in your prayers would mean just as much. Let’s surround this hometown family with the same love and support they have given to so many others.