Fourteenth Edition: September 30, 2020
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A local society resource for good news across the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
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Uniquely packaged photo albums and stories dedicated to connecting people to the good causes of our Mississippi Gulf Coast communities and the individuals, businesses and organizations behind them.
Intimate stories spotlighting those people and places who help make the Mississippi Gulf Coast a special place to live and work.
Community Clicks
Gulf Coast HUB serves up smiles to first responders
Story and photography by Amanda Compton-Ortiz
When Gulfport fireman Wayne Kuehling reported for duty on September 11, 2020, he had no idea he would be treated to a free lunch, gifts and a host of warm, smiling faces.
“I’m grateful that people take the time out of their day to do something like this for us,” said Kuehling, an engineer stationed at the Central Fire Station 1 located at 1515 23rd Ave. in Gulfport.
From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the station, along with main fire stations in D’iberville and Biloxi as well as the Gulfport Police Department at 2220 15th St., was filled with community volunteers participating in an annual appreciation event for local first responders in remembrance of 9/11.
The event was organized by the Gulf Coast HUB for Volunteers & Nonprofits, a program of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, and gave thanks to nearly 200 police and fire personnel who worked this year on 9/11.
It was the second event of its kind coordinated by the HUB which raked in tremendous support for the effort with donations of more than $27,000 this year from local businesses and individuals.
“I’m amazed at the support from this community, especially during COVID-19,” said the HUB’s volunteer director Bridget Turan. “That really didn’t stop these businesses from still wanting to give back and donate to these first responders.”
Ashley Robertson is Mrs. Gulf Coast Mississippi
Story by Andy Kanengiser
Promoting mental health and mind wellness is Ashley Robertson’s platform as Mrs. Gulf Coast Mississippi. “I have a passion to help others realize their self-worth and to know they are not alone. I’m a survivor myself.’’
Ashley is speaking up on a topic that’s come to the forefront during the COVID-19 pandemic. The coronavirus has resulted in more than 204,000 American deaths since March and the numbers keep growing. The deadly virus has fueled fears, depression, anxiety and for millions of people the inability to deal with life’s daily challenges around the world.
“Everyone’s life has value,’’ she says. “I strive to help others recognize that they are important and that we all have wonderful reasons to live.’’
As the reigning 2020 titleholder on the Coast, Ashley takes her platform and her upbeat personality as a busy mom to the Mrs. Mississippi pageant October 2-4 in Spring Hill, Tennessee.
Robertson is all in for her cause year-round. She co-hosts a mental health and homelessness awareness event annually called Cudd Fest. It is named after her dear friend Logan Cudd who committed suicide. Along with the nonprofit Shepherd of the Gulf, she puts on a x=crawfish boil and cook-off to raise money for their cause. Supporters help people coping with the loss of a loved one to suicide or others struggling with mental health issues. They raise money to help the homeless.
“I know what it’s like to suffer. But I also know what it’s like to endure and survive,’’ Robertson says.
Competing in the Mrs. Mississippi pageant is really something in Ashley’s DNA. She’s been a pageant girl forever, it seems. While struggling with low self-esteem, Ashley scored triumphs as the winner of the title of Miss Carnival 2000 and was first runner-up at the Oyster Festival pageant.
At age 18, her esteem began climbing and she met her first husband, and had their first daughter together. Her daughter is now 16.
But as a mom, and wife, her dreams of competing in the Miss American pageant system were put aside. A few years later, Ashley attended a bridal expo at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum and got introduced to the Mrs. Mississippi pageant that recognizes married women for their accomplishments. After a divorce, she became a single mom before meeting her ex fiancé. They are separated with a four-year-old daughter. But that relationship didn’t work out and she became a single mom once again.
