LIFESTYLE

Celebrate Service: Pineapple Willy's to "Pay It Forward" to area charities

Tony Simmons
The News Herald
In 2019, Pineapple Willy's restaurant raised $66,000 for three area charities with its "Pay It Forward" campaign. The 2020 campaign will be Aug. 24-28.

PANAMA CITY BEACH — In a time of economic uncertainty, it's even more important to ensure the safety nets are deployed.

That's why Pineapple Willy’s restaurant is gearing up for another big week of "Pay it Forward," an annual celebration of area charities, beginning Monday, Aug. 24, and running through Friday, Aug. 28.

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As in the past, 100% of the restaurant's proceeds that week will be donated to three local charities in Bay County: Beach Care Services, Panama City Beach Paws & Claws and BASIC of Northwest Florida.

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"This event is always successful each year because of the great support of the business

community, residents and visitors coming to the area," said Jared Knetzer, marketing director for Pineapple Willy’s Inc. "Mark your calendar and invite your family, friends and colleagues to come out, enjoy a great lunch or dinner, and 'Pay It Forward.'"

In August 2019, the campaign raised $66,000; Pineapple Willy’s donated $15,000 each to BASIC of Northwest Florida and PCB Paws and Claws, and $36,000 to Beach Care Services.

Beach Care Services is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that provides emergency assistance with rent payments, utilities, transportation, prescriptions, food, clothing, employment information and a variety of other requests to those living and working in the Panama City Beach area. It is completely funded by donations and staffed by volunteers. For details, visit BeachCareServices.org.

Bill Buskell, the owner of Pineapple Willy's, is a board member of Beach Care Services and is credited by the organization with its continued existence, because of his ongoing patronage and fundraising support.

Founded in 1989, BASIC of Northwest Florida is a volunteer-governed, community-based organization dedicated to aiding and comforting those living with HIV/AIDS, as well as their families and friends. The service area includes Bay, Calhoun, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson and Washington counties. Services include drug assistance, housing opportunities, support groups, education, testing and more. For more information, visit BasicNWFL.com.

PCB Paws & Claws is a completely volunteer nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing the population of feral cats and dogs through neutering program and adoptions. For details, visit http://pcbpaws1.fatcow.com/2013NewSite/.

Pineapple Willy's, 9875 S. Thomas Drive in Panama City Beach, is open daily for lunch and dinner, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. To view the menu, visit PWillys.com.

"Unfortunately, so many nonprofit organizations around the world have been negatively impacted as a result of the pandemic. It's now time for us all to step up and do our part for our local community," said a statement on the restaurant's website. "Although we as a business have had our struggles this year, we have still been truly blessed and it's time to Pay it Forward to some great local nonprofits who need our help."