Mayor Medina Names Essential Pregnancy Center as 2026 Mayor’s Ball Beneficiary

Mayor Rob Medina has selected the Essential Pregnancy Center as the 2026 Mayor’s Ball beneficiary, inviting the community to support a local faith-based organization focused on family resources.

Celebrating Community and Service

Palm Bay, FL – Mayor Rob Medina has officially announced the Essential Pregnancy Center (EPC) as the beneficiary for the 2026 Mayor’s Ball. This premier charity event brings the Palm Bay community together to celebrate service and raise funds for local non-profit organizations.

“Each year, the Mayor’s Ball shines a light on organizations that are helping people right here in our community,” Mayor Medina stated. He noted that the EPC embodies the spirit of compassion and service that defines the city, making them a “perfect choice” for this year’s fundraising focus.

Understanding the Mission: Ministry and Support

The Essential Pregnancy Center describes itself as a “faith-based ministry” founded on compassion, privacy, and respect. While the organization employs licensed medical professionals for specific intake tasks, it is distinct from a comprehensive medical clinic.

Residents should understand the specific scope of the center’s work:

• Faith-Based Support: The center provides options education, virtual parenting lessons, and support for healing from past experiences, all rooted in a pro-life philosophy.

• Service Scope: The center offers free pregnancy testing and limited ultrasounds. However, it does not provide comprehensive medical services, birth control, or medical referrals.

The organization’s mission is to “walk alongside women and families” facing unplanned pregnancies, offering them support and dignity through a spiritual and educational framework.

Privately Funded for Public Good

A key feature of the Mayor’s Ball is its financial independence from city tax revenue. The event is organized and managed by the Palm Bay Municipal Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation established to handle charitable contributions for the city.

Proceeds for the beneficiary are generated entirely through:

• Private ticket sales

• Corporate sponsorships

• Charitable auctions

This structure allows the Mayor to champion diverse causes within the community—including faith-based ministries—using private funds rather than taxpayer dollars.

A History of Giving Back

The Mayor’s Ball has a strong tradition of supporting organizations that serve the specific needs of Palm Bay residents. Past beneficiaries reflect a mix of civic projects and social services:

• 2025: Space Coast Discovery – An educational non-profit serving children with developmental challenges.

• 2024: Serene Harbor – A local shelter providing refuge and services for victims of domestic violence.

• 2022–2023: Sacrifice Park – Proceeds funded the design and construction of a memorial honoring fallen first responders.

Joanne Kennedy, Executive Director of the Essential Pregnancy Center, expressed that the organization is “deeply honored” by the selection. She stated that the support will allow them to expand their outreach to more families in need across Palm Bay and Brevard County.

Event details, including the date, location, and ticket information, will be released in the coming months.