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

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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/.

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