Sunny 105.7 Radio hosted its first “Heroes of the Gulf Coast” event April 24, honoring seven local residents whose courage and compassion turned ordinary moments into life-saving acts of heroism.

Presented by Baldwin EMC and benefiting The Sea Glass Initiative, the celebration spotlighted unsung individuals who stepped up in times of crisis. Each honoree received recognition for their unique contributions to the Gulf Coast community, with the night culminating in more than $10,000 raised for local unhoused residents.

“These heroes don’t wear capes, but they made a difference when it mattered most,” said Michelle Hillman, executive director of The Sea Glass Initiative. “This support moves our mission forward to end and prevent homelessness across Baldwin County.”

The honorees included:

Military Hero – Presented by New Horizon Insurance: Retired U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Michael Munyon was honored for his distinguished service and ongoing dedication to community safety through personal defense and tactical training.

Youth Advocate Hero – Presented by Brett Robinson: Tim Harry, founder of Silent Knight Rescue and a member of Children’s Rescue Initiative, was celebrated for his work rescuing thousands of children from sex and labor trafficking.

Public Safety (Police) Hero – Presented by Columbia Southern University: Gulf Shores Police Officer Gabe Trujillo was recognized for a swift, life-saving response at the scene of an emergency, where he arrived and acted before EMTs.

Medical Hero – Presented by Baldwin Health: Dr. Ryan Forbess of Orange Beach Family Medicine administered critical care to a teenage shark attack victim while on vacation, underscoring his commitment to helping others, even off duty.

Beach Rescue Hero – Presented by Anchor Pawn: Baldwin County Sheriff’s Deputy Sydney Wentworth was honored for rescuing swimmers in distress off Fort Morgan. The rescue came at great personal cost — Deputy Bill Smith, her partner, lost his life during the operation.

Public Safety (Fire) Hero – Presented by Beachball Properties: Orange Beach Fire Rescue’s TJ Winston, a firefighter and paramedic, was commended for his composed and compassionate response during a chaotic multi-vehicle crash.

Good Samaritan Heroes – Presented by Seacrest Furniture & Coastal Boat & RV Sales: Brothers Jim and Jack Muhle drove to North Carolina in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene with a trailer full of supplies and construction equipment, offering help where it was needed most.

Guests enjoyed a surf-and-turf dinner catered by The Port at Zeke’s and browsed a silent auction featuring more than 25 donated items. Additional sponsors included Alabama Credit Union, Community Bank, Amy Word – Allstate Insurance, Young’s Suncoast Realty and Piece of Cake Video.

Penny Hughey, director of development for The Sea Glass Initiative, reminded the crowd that while the evening celebrated heroes, many in the community still need one. She shared personal stories of those living without shelter — not due to poor choices, but to life-altering setbacks such as illness, violence or grief.

“It doesn’t take much to fall — but the climb back up is harder than you can possibly imagine,” she said.

The Sea Glass Initiative supports unhoused individuals across Baldwin County, working to restore stability and dignity.

“The Sea Glass Initiative is deeply grateful for Sunny 105.7's partnership and the generosity of all those who attended and supported the Heroes of the Gulf Coast event" Hillman said. “These crucial funds will enable The Sea Glass Initiative to provide services and support for unhoused residents of Baldwin County moving our mission forward to end and prevent homelessness in our local area. Sea Glass is the magic of transforming something broken into something new, and that’s what we strive to do every day with people's lives.”

Mary Williams, co-owner of Sunny 105.7, expressed pride in the local community’s response.

“Tracey (Williams) and I are so happy to be a part of this incredible community, and we strongly believe in local. There are many incredible local people who live, work and play here in the Gulf Coast,” she said. “We wanted to bring an event that would lift the human spirit by celebrating some of these extraordinary people, while also supporting a local non-profit organization doing so much for our community.”

For more about The Sea Glass Initiative, visit www.theseaglassinitiative.com.