A record $131,000 was distributed to local charities because of the November EggFest event and other fundraising efforts throughout the year.
The event whose motto is #goodfood for a #goodcause, creates a culinary combination of friendships, camaraderie, and delicious eats.
“In 2022 at our 10th anniversary event, we thought we had just about maximized participation,” said co-founder Jerold Hall. “And year 11 comes around and blows us all away. Once again, the community stepped up and we really shouldn’t be surprised — the people of Pensacola love to give to improve their community. Since its inception, Pensacola EggFest has given back more than $780,000.”
Pensacola charities who are recipients of the 2023 Pensacola EggFest donations include Manna, Rally Pensacola, Studer Community Institute, Special Operations Warrior Foundation, Hunting for Healing, Escambia Fire & Rescue, Pensacola’s Finest Foundation, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Foundation, Ronald McDonald House, and Guardian Ad Litem.
Co-founder Doug Jolly said the team works throughout the year hosting smaller events—more than twenty in 2023, but the big event in November is what gets all of the attention.
“Those charities work to make sure kids don’t go to bed hungry, support kids fighting cancer, and assist efforts of early learning,” said Jolly. “All year long, our cook teams mobilize to serve thousands of meals to thousands of people so funds are raised.”
Pensacola EggFest, sponsored by Kia Pensacola, has become a destination event.
The economic impact on Pensacola has been verified at more than $200,000 for the main event weekend.
Cook teams, judges, and visitors come from all over the U.S. and this year as far as New Zealand. The official Pensacola EggFest cookbook, Good Food, has been sold in more than 30 states and three countries.
Locals and visitors alike say one thing — it’s great to enjoy barbecuing with friends while making our community better.
Co-Founder Lisa Long Lyter said she is re-energized every year as the community rallies together around the event.
“The generosity of our community inspires me every year,’” said Lyter. “It is a perfect match — a love for cooking and eating good food and giving back to our community. We can’t wait to see what 2024 holds.”