It turns out you don’t need to leave Pensacola to experience an island-style luau.

Whiskey Joes, a Caribbean-inspired restaurant that joined the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk in 2022, is pulling out the roasted pigs and fire throwers for a big beach party like no other from noon to 4 p.m. on Aug. 3.

While the afternoon is intended to be full of fun in the sun, including tropical Mai Tais topped with tiny umbrellas and the sounds of live music floating across the waterline, it goes toward a much more serious mission of supporting veterans through Defenders of Freedom’s Florida chapter.

The organization is a 501(c)3 non-profit focused on providing traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress treatment to post Sept. 11, 2001, veterans, per the organization’s website.

Ticket are $25 per adult and $10 per child, with 20% of ticket revenues going to the organization, along with 100% of proceeds from the silent auction. One of the hot items on the auction list up for grabs is a Blue Angels flight jacket.

The volleyball courts will be up and running for the luau, along with entertainment from hula dancers, fire performers, cornhole and other outdoor beach games. Each luau ticket purchased comes with access to small bites passed around, the roasted pig carving stations and one drink ticket good for a beer or glass of wine.

Jamie Wells, the CEO and executive director of Defenders of Freedom Florida, said that the organization supports the needs of veterans physically and emotionally. He hopes to use the Veterans Luau proceeds to send another veteran to get TBI treatment, a two-week process with a price tag of $15,000.

“Most people couldn’t afford $15,000 even if it could change their life,” Wells said.

However, the event itself fills a different need – an opportunity for veterans to engage themselves in civilian life, which can feel isolating after losing the fellowship and structure of serving, he said.

“It brings community and veterans together,” Jimmie Marshall, marketing manager for Whiskey Joe’s, said of the Veterans Luau.

Previously: Whiskey Joe’s opens first phase to public Friday, including outdoor seating and tiki bar

Marshall’s family ties to the military span over 40 years and several generations. After speaking with Wells at the Veterans Luau’s conception, she knows Whiskey Joe’s can be a space for cultivating community amongst veterans.

“I want this to be the place where everyone hangs out,” Marshall said.

Wells said he hopes the event inspires other Pensacola area businesses to get behind their mission of supporting veterans.

“We want folks in the area to come out and have a good time and see what we’re doing,” he said.

Whiskey Joes is located at 400 Quietwater Beach Road, Suite 13.

To purchase tickets, visit eventbrite.com, contact Whiskey Joe’s or send a message to the Defenders of Freedom Florida Facebook page.

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This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Whiskey Joe’s Pensacola Beach to host Veterans Luau next month