Florida's Emerald Coast Announces Carol Daley of Arlington, Texas, 'America's Most Deserving Mom'

DESTIN, FORT WALTON BEACH and OKALOOSA ISLAND, Fla., May 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The search for 'America's Most Deserving Mom' is over, as Northwest Florida's Emerald Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau, host sponsor of the video contest, selects Carol Daley of Arlington, Texas. Daley beat out more than 82.8 million eligible mothers in the United States* to win the title and official grand prize -- one-week stay in a luxurious Destin beach house for up to six people courtesy of Southern Resorts, a 2011 Buick Enclave, $1,000 spending money and round-trip airfare (http://www.emeraldcoastfl.com/mom).

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110520/CL06059 )

Bill and Will Daley submitted a heartfelt video explaining why wife and mom Carol warrants the honor. In the video, Bill reads the nomination on behalf of Will, as the seven-year old cannot yet speak. Born at just over two pounds, the Daley's spent the first six months of Will's life in the intensive care unit; today, Carol stays home to care for Will. With therapy costs exceeding $3,000/month, the Daley's have been unable to replace their family vehicle. As stated in the video, this trip is perfect for Will because he loves the beach, whereas, places like Disney are too loud for him.

"We are extremely pleased to announce the success of this national campaign," commented Emerald Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau President and CEO Mark Bellinger. "The response was overwhelming and generated much enthusiasm both locally and nationally. Northwest Florida's Emerald Coast is a destination that brings joy to visiting families year after year; now the Daley's will enjoy a piece of that, too."

Utilizing a BP grant to fund the nine-week spring marketing campaign, Northwest Florida's Emerald Coast – including the upper Gulf Coast sea towns of Destin, Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa Island – ended the promotion on Mother's Day before surprising 'America's Most Deserving Mom' at her home one week later in Arlington, Texas. Daley's video was selected through a combination of online consumer votes, quality of content, overall creativity and originality. As a result of the campaign, Northwest Florida's Emerald Coast increased their Facebook fan base from 25,367 to 97,623 (+285%).

For more information on the Search for America's Most Deserving Mom, visit www.emeraldcoastfl.com/mom or call Northwest Florida's Emerald Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800.322.3319 or 850.651.7131.

* Assorted statistics on motherhood from Wikipedia, via U.S. Census Bureau.

SOURCE Emerald Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau