Everyone loves a feel good story so when we received an email and learned how Kevin Sides serves in the community, we knew there would be no better Ponte Vedran of the Week for today.
Kevin has a thing for barbecue (he has 7 on his back porch plus a pull behind) and is currently helping Ponte Vedra High School students Gabrielle Monk and Mackenzie Arthur raise money for Camp I Am Special, a Catholic Charities Organization.
Camp I Am Special provides a 6-day recreational, overnight camp for persons who have physical, emotional, or mental disabilities. Kevin is barbecuing pork butts to help fundraise for CIAS and even shared some of his barbeque secrets on a recent fundraising interview on River City Live.
Name: Kevin Sides
Occupation: Sales Manager for a commercial HVAC manufacture representative company
Where I grew up: Charlotte, NC
A Ponte Vedran since: June 2014
Other Places I have lived: Charlotte & Raleigh, NC, Chicago, IL
My favorite thing about Ponte Vedra: Community of friends that we have made
In my spare time I like to: Cook, wood working, being outdoors
Ponte Vedran you most admire: There are too many admirable people in this great community and I would hate to single out one person.
My favorite time in Ponte Vedra: TPC week
Dream Vacation other than Ponte Vedra: Tour of Italy
Tell us about Camp I Am Special BBQ Fundraiser: Camp I Am Special is a camp for teens and adults with intellectual and
developmental differences. They have had to cancel camp and many other fundraisers due to COVID. We are selling BBQ pork butts to raise money for the camp.
How did you become involved: My brother and sister-in-law both had developmental differences so I appreciate the impact CIAS can have on a family. We know the Monk’s and Arthur’s from school and Boy Scouts and when Gabrielle and Mackenzie asked if I would help them I knew it would be a rewarding way to help.
What is the best type of butt for BBQ: Pork Boston butt or whole pork shoulder
Favorite rub for a butt roast: Killer Hogs – The BBQ Rub
Best to use grill or green egg: Any wood or charcoal burning grill or smoker. Best to cook low and slow
Last time you went to the beach: Probably over the holidays, it has been to long
Favorite local charitable organizations: Anything that benefits children in need
Favorite Ponte Vedra or Beaches restaurant: Palm Valley Fish Camp
Favorite movie: Shawshank Redemption
Favorite TV show: The Ranch, BBQ Pitmasters
Favorite band or music: Classic Rock and anything from the 80’s
Something most people don’t know about you: I used to have hair
If you would like to order a pork butt to support the fundraiser you can email porkbuttsforcampiamspecial@gmail.com. Don’t want a pork butt but still want to help? You can make a donation here.
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Kevin and Elizabeth Sides are two of the most “giving” people I have ever known. They are friendly, affable, and truly care about people. They both volunteer their precious time at Boy Scout Troop 277 and are a bedrock for supporting youth! I wish more people were like them and I appreciate this newsworthy outpouring to recognize their value to our community. Thank you!! J. Furness
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We couldn’t agree more. Thank you so much for sharing that with us John.
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Nice to have a wonderful giving cousin! Continue success in helping kids in need.