Schenecker Fundraiser Kicks Off at GrillSmith Today

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

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

Schenecker, whose children, Calyx and Beau Schenecker, were allegedly gunned down by their troubled mother in New Tampa in 2011, has teamed up with the eatery for the second year in a row for a scholarship drive in their names. All this week (Sept. 17-21), a portion of total sales at all six GrillSmith sales 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 through the sale of Caribbean pumpkin bisque soup and spicy Thai shrimp only, 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  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.”

The nearest GrillSmith is in Wesley Chapel at The Shops at Wiregrass. There are other locations in South Tampa, Clearwater/Countryside, Brandon, Carrollwood and Lakeland.

More Information:

• Go to the Community Foundation of Tampa website to learn about The Schenecker Memorial Fund.