Shrimp Fest Volunteers Generate $25K for Local Charities

Shrimp Fest Volunteers Generate $25K for Local Charities & Organizations

OBA Staff • December 22, 2023

Record Donations at National Shrimp Fest

Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – The Annual National Shrimp Festival's organizing committee recently celebrated a significant philanthropic achievement by hosting a ceremony to acknowledge the sum of over $25,000 in tips collected for local charities during the landmark 50th festival in October.

In a tradition of community support, volunteers manning the food and beverage tents at the festival generously opt to allocate all the tips received during their shifts to various charities, a commitment highlighted by prominently displayed donation containers throughout the venue.

Sam Washington, the Concessions Co-Chair of the Festival, expressed immense pride in the record-breaking amount raised this year. “This is an unprecedented milestone for us, and we felt it was important to have those who will benefit from this generosity join in celebrating this momentous occasion,” he remarked.

The donation breakdown was as follows:

Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo - $1,941
All About Dogs Coastal Rescue - $611
American Cancer Society - $476
Baldwin County Humane Society - $2,709
Child Advocacy Center - $3,850
Family Promise - $3,402
Gulf Shores High School Band - $306
Krewe De Cirque - $389
Maidens of Mischief - $4,217
Mystic Order of Shiners - $554
L.A. Parrot Heads (money raised for Boys & Girls Club of South Alabama) - $2,097
Rotary Club of Gulf Shores/Orange Beach - $203
Share The Beach - $2,173
South Baldwin Community Theatre - $1,375
South Baldwin Newcomer’s Club - $1,609
St. Jude - $193

Volunteer opportunities for the 51st festival will open at www.myshrimpfest.com in early 2024.

< Older Post Newer Post >

Share this article w/ Friends...

Ribbon Cutting for Young's Hideaway Glamping - Photo by Marc Anderson

Orange Beach Officials Celebrate "Young's Hideaway" Glamping Site with Ribbon Cutting

By R. Ken Cooper • April 25, 2025

Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Orange Beach officials and community members gathered to celebrate the opening of a new glamping site named "Young's Hideaway" in honor of longtime residents Cecil and Jesse Young. The project adds a unique accommodation option to the Alabama Gulf Coast.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Marks Opening of New Boat Ramp in Bon Secour

By OBA Staff • April 25, 2025

Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – A new public boat ramp on County Road 6 in Bon Secour was officially opened today during a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by Alabama Governor Kay Ivey and Natural Resources Commissioner Chris Blankenship.

Free Surf Fishing Clinic for Kids Returns to the Gulf State Park

By R. Ken Cooper • April 25, 2025

Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – Young anglers will have the chance to cast their lines and learn from local experts at the Gulf State Park Kids Surf Fishing Clinic this summer.

Pensacola Man Arrested After Break-In in Foley

By OBA Staff • April 24, 2025

Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – At around 2:45 a.m., Foley police responded to a burglary call on State Highway 59. Officers found a man inside the business and apprehended him. The suspect, 52-year-old Patrick Odell Levens from Pensacola, Florida, had used a power tool to cut a hole in the back wall to get inside.

Perdido Beach Resort Backs Orange Beach Schools with Major Gift

By OBA Staff • April 24, 2025

Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Orange Beach City Schools and the Mako Academics, Arts, and Athletics Club have announced a major new sponsor. Perdido Beach Resort pledged to be a Diamond Level Sponsor for the 2025-2026 school year.

Cyclists Gear Up for 2025 Good Life Ride at Gulf State Park

By R. Ken Cooper • April 24, 2025

Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – The popular Good Life Ride cycling event is set to return to Gulf State Park on May 10, 2025. The annual event, which attracts cycling enthusiasts from across the Southeast, will feature multiple route options designed to showcase the natural beauty of Alabama's coastal region.

Major Drainage Overhaul Taking Place on West Peachtree Avenue

By Guy Busby • April 24, 2025

Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – Travel on West Peachtree Avenue will soon be smoother after the Foley City Council approved road repairs. The council voted to fix the road near Foley Airport last week. Jeff Phillips, the city construction projects manager, explained that collapsed metal storm drainage pipes buried alongside the road had damaged the street.

Orange Beach Schools Names Laatsch as Assistant Athletic Director

By OBA Staff • April 23, 2025

Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Orange Beach City Schools has appointed Chris Laatsch as their new Assistant Athletic Director. The announcement came Wednesday as school officials welcomed the veteran coach to his expanded role within the athletics program.

Mystery Urn Washes Ashore in Gulf Shores

By OBA Staff • April 23, 2025

Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – An unusual discovery was made on the beaches of Gulf Shores last week. A funeral urn containing human ashes washed ashore after apparently being released into the Gulf of Mexico.

Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo Hosts Summer Zoo Camp for Kids

By OBA Staff • April 23, 2025

Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is inviting kids to experience a summer of adventure through its 2025 Zoo Camp program. The camp will give young animal lovers a hands-on opportunity to learn about wildlife and conservation.