On October 4th, a Saturday, the Southern Smoke Foundation (SSF) brought its annual Southern Smoke Festival to life in Houston, Texas. This culinary showcase, highlighting esteemed chefs from the Southern states and beyond, attracted more than 3,000 guests and raised a remarkable $1.7 million. This sum marked the highest amount ever collected during the festival, dedicated to aiding the hospitality sector with emergency support and complimentary mental health services.
Supporters of the cause included some of the South’s most beloved chefs, such as Raleigh’s Poole’s Diner’s Ashley Christensen, New Orleans’ Acamaya’s Ana Castro, and Houston’s Leonard Botello IV of Truth BBQ, which ranks among the top 50 barbecue joints. The menu offered a diverse array of dishes, from chicken wings to the succulent Gulf oysters.
One standout treat was the “Texas Pink Cake” from Austin’s Mariela Camacho of Comadre Panadería. Her twist on the traditional Texas sheet cake featured a cake made with sweet corn and corn flour, topped with Texas prickly pear buttercream and a vibrant array of rainbow sprinkles.
“We are incredibly proud and inspired by the overwhelming support at this year’s Southern Smoke Festival,” stated Lindsey Brown, the Executive Director of SSF, in a press statement.
“Elevating $1.7 million is not just a milestone for our team; it’s a beacon of hope for food and beverage workers across the nation who seek assistance from SSF during their most challenging times. Each ticket sold, chef who prepared dishes, bartender who served drinks, and partner who attended all contribute to our mission of supporting the backbone of our industry. This year’s event has shown us the power of unity, and we left with renewed vigor than ever before,” Brown continued.
SSF co-founder and chef, Chris Shepherd, took the stage to honor the participating chefs and unveil the final fundraising figure. “I know that whenever you’re needed, you’ll be there for us,” he assured them. “And just as we will be there for you.”
Established in 2017 by the James Beard award-winning Houston chef Chris Shepherd and Executive Director Lindsey Brown, the organization has, through its “Behind You” program, offered food and beverage workers access to mental health services. It also administers a national emergency relief fund, granting financial assistance to industry workers for necessities such as groceries, clothing, medications, rent, utilities, and lost wages in the face of unforeseen crises, including medical emergencies, accidents, or natural disasters.
For instance, SSF collaborated with the Gulf Coast Community Foundation to establish a Rapid Response Fund for local food and beverage workers in the wake of the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina.
SSF has thus far allocated over $15 million to hospitality workers and since 2020 has provided over 9,000 free counseling sessions. In an industry where the focus is on ensuring guest satisfaction, yet professionals often lack the benefits that others enjoy, like paid time off and comprehensive healthcare, SSF steps in to provide for them and their families.
For those looking to support the Southern Smoke Foundation or to apply for assistance, please visit southernsmoke.org.
