Giving Back

Destin festival raises $50,000 for Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast

The fifth annual event featured burger competitions, bourbon and beer tastings, with proceeds supporting programs for more than 5,000 local youth.

Ashley Ward

Add Get The Coast on Google

A community festival featuring burgers, bourbon and beer raised $50,000 for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast.

The 5th Annual Burgers, Bourbon & Beer Festival took place on September 20 behind Brotula’s Seafood House & Steamer, bringing together residents for food, drinks and competitions benefiting youth programs across the region.

The funds will support programs serving more than 5,000 local youth annually. The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast focuses on academic success, character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles, aiming to nurture young people’s sense of competence, purpose, belonging and influence.

“Our 5th Annual Burgers, Bourbon & Beer Festival was a phenomenal success,” said Shervin Rassa, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast. “We are deeply grateful to everyone who attended, our talented culinary participants, and our generous sponsors. Because of your support, we can continue creating life-changing experiences for our kids.”

The festival featured restaurants and food trucks competing in burger preparation and creativity, with winners selected in two categories.

The Flavor Fusionists took first place in the People’s Choice Awards, with Royal-Rednecks Food Truck in second and Sauce Boss Burger Co. in third. In the Judge’s Choice Awards, Ruby Slipper Cafe earned best overall, The Flavor Fusionists won most creative, and Royal-Rednecks Food Truck claimed best topping.

Major sponsors included Publix, Cox Communications, Higginbotham Insurance, Cumulus Media Destin-FWB and Lamar.

More information about the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast is available at https://emeraldcoastbgc.org/.

PROMOTION

Join the conversation...Cancel reply

Continue reading 👇

Giving Back

Boys & Girls Clubs awarded $30,000 grant to help moderate-income families afford child care

Events, Giving Back

Shrimp & Grits Festival returns to Destin Feb. 28 with country headliner Erin Kinsey

Giving Back

250 laptops delivered to Boys & Girls Club families in Okaloosa, Escambia

Giving Back

15 Boys & Girls Clubs kids surprised with holiday shopping sprees at Academy Sports in Fort Walton Beach

Roger L Schaeffer commented on Okaloosa County to begin developing a regulatory framework for data centers

“I will keep an open mind for now. Data Centers are complex and must be evaluated thoroughly before approving any applications. Our county officials must keep all the facts accurate...”

Respond

kathleen porter commented on Fort Walton Beach firefighters seek 343 volunteers to ring bell on 25th anniversary of 9/11

“How do you sign up for bell ringing or do we just show up day of?”

Violet commented on Okaloosa County to begin developing a regulatory framework for data centers

“If there is a data center built anywhere near my home, my home goes up for sale. We are currently living part-time in Fredericksburg, Virginia. You do not want these...”

Scott Schaeffler commented on WordroW: September 3, 2026

“2:34, 5 attempts”

Victoria Sellers commented on Suds N Cinema to host ‘Steel Magnolias’ screenings benefiting the Fort Walton Beach Library

“How fun!!”

Jim McSwain commented on Okaloosa commissioners to explore ‘penny sales tax initiative’ that could replace homestead property taxes

“This is the fly in the ointment. “It would not affect school district taxes, independent special districts, fire districts, non-ad valorem assessments, MSTUs or MSBUs.” Special Districts, fire districts, etc...”

James Keir Baughman Sr. commented on Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office to remove license plate reader cameras after statewide FDOT order

“It is shockingly past time to end these invasive citizen surveillance cameras. So many of us are stunned that our hired and elected officials were willing to abuse, even criminalize,...”

Teri Whittaker commented on Suds N Cinema to host ‘Steel Magnolias’ screenings benefiting the Fort Walton Beach Library

“What a great idea and such a wonderful way to honor Dolly! Love this!”

Sandee Paradisi commented on ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Niceville volleyball’s Kate Jannazo plays every rotation and is only getting more comfortable

“I what an outstanding young lady this Kate Jannazo is!!! Congratulations on all your accomplishments!”

Brooke Warrick commented on Fort Walton Beach Council votes to use cemetery funds to buy out $3.87 million deed restriction on City Hall property

“They should not be allowed to sell off the property. We do not need another hotel or apartment buildings. Behind city hall we have a neighborhood and city athletic fields....”