GrillSmith Hosts Schenecker Fundraiser This Week

The way Col. Parker Schenecker sees it, you just can’t go wrong with anything on the GrillSmith menu.

“And that’s not a paid political advertisement!” he said with a laugh.

Schenecker’s children, Calyx and Beau Schenecker, were allegedly gunned down by their troubled mother in New Tampa in 2011. Calyx was a student at King High School.

For the second consecutive year, Schenecker is teaming up with GrillSmith for a scholarship drive in his children’s names. All this week (Sept. 17-21), a portion of total sales at all six GrillSmith locations will be donated to the Calyx and Beau Schenecker Memorial Fund.

Money raised will go toward opportunities that support “leadership, athletic and performing arts opportunities for promising Tampa Bay-area teenagers,” according to GrillSmith officials.

More than $10,000 was raised during last year’s event.

“We are certainly proud of last year’s results and hope to be able to match that donation this year,” said Wendy Stewart, communications coordinator for Front Burner Brands, the management company for GrillSmith.

Unlike this year, money was raised in 2011 only through the sale of Caribbean pumpkin bisque soup and spicy Thai shrimp, Calyx and Beau’s favorite dishes, respectively.

How many orders were sold last year? Stuart said 885 for the soup and 938 for the shrimp.

His family were big fans of GrillSmith, said Schenecker. And although the father has been through a great deal of heartache, he was quite affable and smiley when speaking with reporters Friday. Recently back from a three-month stint in Afghanistan, Schenecker wears the name of his children around his wrists. He said there are lots of good memories of going out to eat. 

“This is a great week,” Schenecker said. “All six locations are participating in this. It’s a percentage of gross sales being raised so come early, come often and bring your friends.”

Although there are no GrillSmith locations in Temple Terrace, there are three fairly close in:

• Carrollwood;
• Brandon; and
• Wesley Chapel.

The other three locations are:

• South Tampa;
• Clearwater; and
• Lakeland.

For more information about the Schenecker Memorial Fund, visit the Community Foundation of Tampa online.