The Wharf announced it has shifted focus for charitable contributions to the local, Gulf Coast area by way of the newly developed charity giving campaign named, “The Wharf’s Anchor Campaign: #AnchorForCommunity.” Headlined in the giving campaign is a new, $10,000 scholarship that will be awarded to one, graduating high school senior that resides and attends school in Baldwin County, Alabama, in 2021.
The mission of The Wharf’s Anchor Campaign is to ensure the strength, safety and security of our local area by supporting children, families and organizations on the Gulf Coast with funds, volunteerism, donations and community partnerships.
“The Wharf is all about fun and family. And for years we have partnered with organizations, schools, churches, sports teams and nonprofits in the area, but we felt it was time to create a more formalized way of giving due to the expansion of efforts,” said Jim Bibby, general manager, The Wharf.
“Anchor means strength and stability, and we wanted to create a more structured platform that supports efforts aiming to provide a bright and positive future for our community — a place to create memories that will last a lifetime. What better way to support the future of our area than to support our future leaders, educators and entrepreneurs with the scholarship?”
In 2020 alone, The Wharf was honored to gift more than $70,000 to various organizations in the local community including The Gateway Initiative, Makos Academics, Arts and Athletics Club (MAAAC), Orange Beach Police Department, Gulf Shores City Schools, food banks, various nonprofits, Hurricane Sally relief efforts and more through sponsorships, monetary and in-kind donations.
“In 2020, The Wharf reached out to us about a new fundraising campaign they were creating called, “Takeout To Help Out,” whereby they would send our Island Mobile Food Pantry a percentage of the profits from takeout meals from their restaurants for a set period of time,” said Fred Franks, lead pastor, The Island Church. “As a completely donations-based operation, we were happy to partner with them and knew any amount would help with our mission of feeding local families. What we didn’t expect, however, was how generous of a donation we would end up receiving!
“The Wharf’s creation of a giving campaign during a pandemic that has financially impacted so many people and businesses (including their own) is a testament to their sincere love for this community and commitment to giving back in meaningful and substantial ways. We’re so grateful for their presence in the community and look forward to seeing how they continue to make a difference in the near future!”
For scholarship guidelines, qualifications and deadlines, please click here. To learn more about The Wharf and its offerings, visit alwharf.com.
