This year, Pensacola EggFest officially crossed the $1 million mark in giving to local charities.
It’s the 13th year of the barbeque foodie fest, and funds raised from the EggFest event in November and other fundraising efforts throughout the year helped organizers reach this new summit.
Doug Jolly, Lisa Long Lyter, and Jerold Hall, Co-founders of Pensacola Eggfest“This number has been in our sights for a few years as we’ve inched closer,” said co-founder Jerold Hall. “This community has been amazing in supporting this event and we are so grateful. People have really connected with the organizations that are benefiting from this event and continue to come out.”
“And having Dan Gertsacaov, CEO of Big Green Egg, join us in Pensacola meant so much to our EggFest family,” said Hall. “His time, his encouragement and his genuine connection to the EGGhead community reflect what makes Big Green Egg special, and we are grateful for his support and leadership in helping make this event such a success for our community.”
This year’s recipients include:
Ascension Sacred Heart Sacred Paws, Hadji Shrine, Manna Food Pantry, Studer Community Institute, Rally Pensacola, Hunting for Healing, Pensacola’s Finest Foundation, Escambia County Sheriff’s Foundation for the Blazer Academy, Pace Center for Girls, Ronald McDonald House, Special Operation Warrior Foundation and Guardian Ad Litem.
Ascension Sacred Heart Sacred Paws is the recipient of $30,000 of funds raised to purchase the next facility dog.“The Sacred Paws program is one that is near and dear to our hearts,” said co-founder Lisa Long Lyter. “It’s so important to us to help sustain and expand the presence of trained facility dogs that provide so much comfort and emotional healing to patients, families and caregivers at Studer Family Children’s Hospital .
This donation will benefit families for 8 years.”
Since helping purchase the first dog in 2018, EggFest has committed to raising $30,000 for a new dog as current dogs near retirement, ensuring this legacy of healing continues.
Cook teams, judges, and visitors come from all over the U.S. and 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 Doug Jolly said passing the $1 million mark for charities is a special achievement that makes him excited about the future of this event.“The heart behind EggFest is what makes it special,” Jolly said. “Seeing people come together to enjoy incredible food while supporting the community is powerful. We’re already thinking about how to make 2026 bigger and better.”
To learn more about Pensacola EggFest visit then Facebook page or visit www.pensacolaeggfest.com
Pensacola EggFest is supported by KIA Autosport of Pensacola, Pen Air Credit Union, Hanto + Clarke and The Butcher Shoppe.
The 2026 Pensacola EggFest will take place Sunday, November 13, 2026.
