Giving Back

5th Annual Shrimp & Grits Festival raises $75,000 for The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast

The 5th Annual Shrimp & Grits Festival held on Saturday, February 24th, 2024, at Brotula’s Seafood House & Steamer was another huge success. “We are truly blessed to live in a […]

Jared Williams

Add Get The Coast on Google

The 5th Annual Shrimp & Grits Festival held on Saturday, February 24th, 2024, at Brotula’s Seafood House & Steamer was another huge success.

The event raised a record-breaking $75,000 and welcomed more than 1,500 attendees in support of all local club kids.

“We are truly blessed to live in a Community that continuously comes together to support the next generation and invest in the youth of our region,” Tyler Jarvis, CoFounder/Operating Partner, Bald & The Beard Restaurant Group. “We must continue to seek out opportunities to speak light into the next generation and provide them with the tools to be successful in today’s society.”

The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast is a local non-profit organization whose mission is to promote and enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging, and influence through its programs focused on academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles.

“We are extremely thankful to Brotula’s Seafood House & Steamer, all of our sponsors, cook teams, and all who attended for making this year’s event better than ever,” Shervin Rassa, Chief Executive Officer, The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast. “Every cent raised through this event will make an impact on the over 5,000 youth we serve on an annual basis. Our team is already working on next year’s event, we look forward to an amazing sixth year.”

Attendees experienced classic Southern dishes, great drinks, and live entertainment. Local restaurants and chefs competed on the Destin Harbor for the best Shrimp & Grits on the Emerald Coast.

Award winners are as follows:

People’s Choice 1st Place: Boathouse Oyster Bar
People’s Choice 2nd Place: Knife’s Edge Private Chef and Catering
People’s Choice 3rd Place: Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast
Judge’s Choice Best Shrimp: Ruby Slipper Destin
Judge’s Choice Most Creative: Sura Korean Steakhouse
Judge’s Choice Best Grits: Boathouse Oyster Bar
Judge’s Choice 1st Place: Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar & Grill
Judge’s Choice 2nd Place: Brotula’s Seafood House & Steamer
Judge’s Choice 3rd Place: Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast

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

Jim commented on Commissioner Ketchel outlines how the proposed homestead tax exemption would affect Okaloosa County

“Everyone is cutting expenses as we all are paying more. Essential services for safety should be spared, but all other items need to be reviewed. When I see an army...”

Respond

Diane Counley commented on Commissioner Ketchel outlines how the proposed homestead tax exemption would affect Okaloosa County

“This is not a scare tactic. Tourist tax funds can’t be used to make up the loss. You may be one of the people that will scream the loudest when...”

Monda commented on Hurlburt Field airman pulls elderly driver from burning vehicle on Highway 98

“A true example of selflessness ! I commend you Airman Clark. Your bravery will never be forgotten. Sincerely, M. C. Okaloosa Island.”

W Taylor commented on Commissioner Ketchel outlines how the proposed homestead tax exemption would affect Okaloosa County

“Like normal Americans local governments are being forced to address their spending. What politicians consider essential many voters don’t. Infrastructure and safety are probably the two most important issues. Fund...”

Donna L Davis commented on Hurlburt Field airman pulls elderly driver from burning vehicle on Highway 98

“Impressive that even though he was on the way to work he stopped to help. Dalton is a great example of selflessness. Many now days are too busy to help...”

Donna L Davis commented on Commissioner Ketchel outlines how the proposed homestead tax exemption would affect Okaloosa County

“People who vote to get rid of property taxes are being short sighted. The money has to come from somewhere. Being part of a community means we need to pay...”

Charlie Minter commented on Hurlburt Field airman pulls elderly driver from burning vehicle on Highway 98

“Airman Dalton Clark exemplifies the best of the Air Commando ethos, “Any time, any place.” Thank you Dalton for your quick reaction and initiative to save that gentleman. You’re a...”

Raul commented on Commissioner Ketchel outlines how the proposed homestead tax exemption would affect Okaloosa County

“Make no mistake, this is a scare tactic by a politician. They may not get your money from property taxes but they’ll find a way to empty your pockets to...”

Scott Schaeffler commented on WordroW: August 10, 2026

“1:09, 4 attempts”

Robin Horne commented on 100 divers pull nearly 160 pounds of debris in Okaloosa Island Pier cleanup

“I hope all the monofilament line that was recovered was recycled. Choctaw Basin Alliance has monofilament recycling receptacles at locations all around the bay—Ft. Walton Yacht Club, several at Destin...”