We all know the casual industry loves to have fun. But perhaps even more than a good time, the people of this category love giving back and helping others. Whether it’s events such as Pink Out Atlanta at Casual Market (July 15) to raise funds for City of Hope or initiatives in the local community, our industry always steps up to help those in need.
For Casual News Now’s Best in Casual Awards, presented in partnership with the International Casual Furnishings Association and Andmore, we received nominations for members of our industry who are dedicated to helping others. Here, we share the finalists. Join us on July 15 at the ICFA Birthday Bash and Kickoff Party at Casual Market Atlanta to celebrate the winners.
Bay Breeze Patio
For more than a decade, Bay Breeze Patio in Miramar Beach, Florida, has cooked up support for its community through the annual Eggs on the Beach Cooking Competition. Spearheaded by Bay Breeze owners Susan Kiley and Wayne Paul, the event pairs local culinary professionals with teams from local nonprofits to create and cook dishes on Big Green Egg grills.
Proceeds from the event are split between the participating nonprofits, with additional funds going to the winning teams in several categories. The event has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years for local organizations such as Food for Thought, Fisher House of the Emerald Coast, the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida and Healing Paws for Warriors, among others.
“Eggs on the Beach is a HUGE fundraiser that they pour their heart and soul into each year,” said Jessica Salisbury, business development manager, Polywood. “They dedicate so much time and effort into making this event special and raising money for local nonprofits. This event is spectacular!”
Island Living & Patio
Giving back has always been important to the team at Island Living & Patio in West Palm Beach, Florida. Co-owner Karen Brams serves on the board of Meals on Wheels of the Palm Beaches and holds the honorary role of chair emeritus for the More than a Meal Luncheon. And the store has participated in a number of events benefiting the organization, such as the Pie It Forward bake sale.
But Meals on Wheels isn’t the only charity benefiting from Island Living & Patio’s philanthropy. Brams and co-owner Karen Kirk are founding members of the Impact 100 of the Palm Beaches, which benefits a number of causes in the area serving youth and families. They also have contributed to the American Red Cross’ show house, donated fabric to a local quilting initiative and they were honored by the Girl Scouts Emerald Awards, which honor outstanding women who serve as role models to Girl Scouts.
Sunnyland Outdoor Living
Each fall, Sunnyland Outdoor Living in Dallas welcomes some of the region’s most skilled chefs to its North Texas EggFest, a Big Green Egg cooking competition that benefits local charities. The event features more than 20 teams cooking on the iconic kamado grills, offering samples to the community and competing for bragging rights as the North Texas Egghead of the Year.
Proceeds from the event and a silent auction held during the competition benefit nonprofits such as Chef to the Shelters, which provides meals to sober transition and living homes for adults and adolescents.
“The North Texas EggFest, now in its ninth year, has raised funds for many great organizations,” said Brad Schweig, director of operations, Sunnyland Outdoor Living. We get the community involved, have a great time, enjoy good food and support our community, too.”
