Back Beach Barbecue and Idyll Hounds Brewing Company hosted an intimate Beer Dinner at Back Beach Barbecue on Thursday, March 2. Through donations and ticket sales, the evening raised $2,670 in support of HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
Over 50 guests gathered for a private dining experience, featuring a five-course meal prepared by Back Beach Barbecue Pitmaster, Shane Kirkland. Each course was accompanied by a specially selected beer by local brewery, Idyll Hounds Brewing Company. Throughout the meal, Kirkland highlighted local meats and seafood, and experimented with various smoked elements to bring a special touch to each dish.
Through donations and ticket sales, $2,670 was raised for Panama City’s HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital’s NICU and will go toward the purchase of clothing, supplies, and a specialized camera system in the NICU that will allow families to check in and observe their premature infant at any time.
Kirkland and his wife, Heather, who is also an employee at Back Beach Barbecue, have a personal tie to the NICU after welcoming twin boys, Ezra and Isaiah, last year. Both were born premature and had to stay in the NICU due to struggles of eating on their own, bilirubin levels, and caloric intake. Ezra and Isaiah made a special appearance at the dinner to meet some of the nurses and doctors who treated them.
“It was a full circle moment for us,” Shane said. “Having the nurses and doctors there to see our boys and how well they are doing now, it was really special for us as a family. I’m so glad I got to cook for them and that we are able to give back.”
