BurgerFi International Inc., owner of one of the nation’s leading fast-casual “better burger” dining concepts through the BurgerFi brand, and the high-quality, casual dining pizza brand under the name Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza & Wings, hosted a blind pizza and wine tasting in its Coral Gables location to celebrate the 2022 holiday season. All proceeds from the evening went to Miami’s Lotus House, the largest shelter for women and children in the country.
“Giving back to the communities we serve is part of our ethos,” says Ophir Sternberg, Executive Chairman at BurgerFi International Inc. “There are so many people in our own backyard that do not know where they are sleeping tonight, and partnering with Miami’s Lotus House is the perfect organization to ensure the most vulnerable members of our community receive the help they need.”
More than half a million Americans experience homelessness and over 34 million are food insecure. Positive change begins when community members stand together and overcome the adversities life throws at them. The Lotus House fundraiser is one of 48 charity events Anthony’s will join this month, to benefit the communities they serve. According to Sternberg, giving back has always been a huge part of Anthony’s core. In fact, the brand has given more than $350,000 worth of donations in the last two years, helping more than 500 hundred organizations that are fighting homelessness, hunger and poverty, as well as advancing education initiatives.
“It is our duty to uplift people when they feel like they have been defeated by life,” says Ian Baines, Chief Executive Officer at BurgerFi International Inc. “This holiday season we are continuing our efforts to help the communities that have contributed to our success. However, partnering with The Lotus House feels a bit more special because it’s an organization based where Anthony’s started.”
The pizza and wine tasting took place Sunday, December 18, where 50 guests were treated to a wide variety of pizzas and wine pairings, guided by a sommelier. All proceeds benefited Lotus House, which provides a safe haven to more than 500 women and children daily and more than 1,550 annually, giving these vulnerable families the time and tools for a second chance at life.
