Knoxville Gives Back: A Wing-tastic Celebration!
Hey there, Knoxville! On this delightful day, the city’s beloved Big Kahuna Wing Festival brought some fantastic news that has everyone smiling. Just yesterday, the hardworking organizers behind the festival, which is run by the popular Big Kahuna Wings restaurant, presented a whopping $55,000 to local nonprofits! This exciting check presentation took place at the charming Visit Knoxville on Gay Street, making it a moment to remember.
Making a Difference Since 2013
For those who might not know, the Big Kahuna Wing Festival is a crowd favorite that has been running strong since 2013. This year marked the 11th annual festival, and it sure was a hit! Thousands of folks flock to the event each year to enjoy delicious wings, live music, and lots of fun activities. It’s not just a feast for the senses; it’s also a charity extravaganza! In fact, over the years, the festival has donated more than $500,000 to various local charities and causes. Talk about a great way to enjoy some tasty wings while helping those in need!
The Heart Behind the Festival
The mastermind behind this incredible event, Matt Beeler, shared his emotional journey and the inspiration behind the festival. He said, “I was always taught to give back to the community. My parents were always about giving back, and when I traveled to Memphis and saw a wing festival over there, I thought why not have one here?” It’s amazing to see how a simple thought blossomed into this beloved annual gathering, which has now become a staple of Knoxville’s community spirit.
“I never dreamed that we’d be going on year 12,” Beeler added with a chuckle, expressing his gratitude for the support of the city, remarking how blessed he feels. It’s clear that this festival is not just about wings, but about bringing the community together and helping those in need.
A New Partnership and Exciting Future
But wait, there’s more! During the ceremony, it was announced that Covenant Health will be stepping up as the naming sponsor for the festival over the next three years, starting in 2025. Chip Bryant, the Vice President of Philanthropy at Covenant Health, expressed their pride in being part of this empowering event. “Matt and his team have done an incredible job,” he said, while humorously admitting that he prefers his wings plain. It seems light sauce is not the only thing on the menu; community support is a main course!
Bryant emphasized that the festival’s mission is to give back, stating, “This festival is about giving back to the community. Proceeds from it support organizations like Covenant Health.” Their partnership is sure to make a significant impact, helping to enhance the already admirable charity efforts undertaken by the festival.
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate this year’s success, there’s also exciting news for wing lovers looking forward to next year! The festival has officially announced that the upcoming event will take place on August 31, 2025. Mark your calendars because you won’t want to miss out on a day filled with mouth-watering wings and opportunities to support great causes!
Knoxville, it’s time to keep the spirit alive and wing it for a cause! Whether you love your wings spicy, sweet, or anywhere in between, let’s get together to support our local charities and have a blast while doing it. Until next time, keep those wings flying high!
