Naples, FL – The Farm-City BBQ, Collier County’s beloved pre-Thanksgiving tradition that brings the community together in gratitude, unity, and celebration for the hands that grow our food, the land that sustains it and the businesses that support the community, has named the chairs for the 68th Annual event to be held on November 26, 2025, at 11:30 am at the Collier County Fairgrounds. Elyse Lipman will serve as Honorary Chair and Russell Budd and Gloria Padilla will serve as Co-Chairs.
About the Event:
This cherished gathering of food, fellowship, and purpose will bring together thousands of attendees made up of the business community, elected officials and neighbors – donned in cowboy hats, jeans and boots – to feast on locally grown food, give thanks for a thriving community and support the next generation of youth on the day before Thanksgiving.
This wildly popular, fun event includesnetworking, live-music by Back Country Boys Band and a hearty steak lunch served with Immokalee-grown vegetables as well as beer and wine. As a true, heartfelt display of service and tradition, volunteer business leaders man the grills and sides are served by Collier County elected officials who volunteer as celebrity servers.
About Elyse Lipman Honorary Chair
Elyse Lipman is the Chief Executive Officer of Lipman Family Farms. Lipman Family Famrs is located in Immokalee and is North America’s largest supplier of tomatoes and fresh vegetables. As CEO, Lipman is committed to creating lasting impact in the communities Lipman Family Farms operates with a focus on supporting children, education and hunger relief. Lipman has been a supporter of Farm City BBQ for many years not only as a sponsor, but also as an in-kind donor providing fresh vegetable bags to be sold for donation at the event.
“Lipman Family Farms has been a proud supporter of the Farm City BBQ for many years,” said Lipman. “This event is a powerful reminder of the vital role agriculture plays in Collier County — not only as a cornerstone of our economy, but as a wayof life that connects people, families, and communities. We’re honored to stand alongside our neighbors in celebrating and supporting the farmers, farmworkers, and partners who help keep our community thriving.”
About Russell Budd Co-Chair
Russell Budd is the co-founder of PBS Contractors.He has chaired Farm City BBQ for the last three years and has been involved for over 20 years as a volunteer and as a corporate sponsor for many years. Budd is an active civic leader serving on multiple nonprofit boards and leading initiatives. His legacy is built on enriching lives through construction, relationships, and service. Since 1986, under Budd’s leadership, PBS has played a big part in supporting the community and either organizes or participates in fundraisers throughout Collier County.
“This event is a celebration of community connection and mutual appreciation that has made Farm-City BBQ one of the most well-attended and beloved annual events in Collier County,” said Budd. “We consider it ‘the family reunion for the business community’, including the business of farming. Everyone is welcome. It’s a casual event with great food and great conversation that thousands look forward to all year.”
About Gloria Padilla Co-Chair
Gloria Padilla is the Community Relationship Manager of RCMA. RMCA supports children in farm working and low-income families in Immokalee. She has 43 years of experience working with RCMA in early childhood education, networking and cultivating relationships. She plays a crucial role in strengthening RCMA’s relationships with donors, community partners, political leaders, and other stakeholders. Her efforts contribute significantly to RCMA’s growth and reputation as a trusted organization dedicated to serving the needs of migrant families across the state.
“Countless people in our community prepare, transport, market, and retail the food grown right here at 300 farms on almost 150,000 acres in Collier County,” said Padilla. “Our goal with the event is to commemorate the interdependence of the vibrant network of farmers and business owners who support the economy and our people. Thanksgiving is the perfect time to consider the food on our tables and where it comes from while raising funds to support our future leaders.”
Proceeds and Tickets
Proceeds benefit the youth development programs of Collier County 4H, Collier County Junior Deputies, Key Clubs of Collier County and Youth Leadership Collier. Youth represented from the beneficiaries will be on hand to serve as volunteers and assist with a variety of fundraising opportunities.
Tickets are $35 per person for the steak lunch or $45 per person for a steak lunch and drinks package. The prices will increase for event day walk-ins. Sponsorships and tickets are available at FarmCityBBQ.com.
Sponsors to date include: Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee, Alico Citrus, Sunshine Ace, Naples Lumber, Arthrex, Ave Maria Development, Rycon Construction, Stock Development, Waste Management, Cogent Bank, PBS Contractors, Bank of America, Brian A. Glaeser State Farm, Motorola Solutions Inc, Naples Airport Authority, Naples Gun Shop, Peninsula Engineering, Q. Grady Minor, Stantec, Stifel Nicolaus, Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Mgmt., BMO Wealth Management, Chaffee Consulting, Coleman, Taylor, Klaus, et al, DeAngelis Diamond, EK Consulting, Manning Napier, Manuel Padilla Construction, Planning Alternatives, Premier Commercial, Inc., UES, Naples Daily News, Life in Naples, Gulfshore Business and Florida Weekly.
About Farm-City BBQ
Rooted in a 68-year legacy, this cherished event began when Naples’ business leaders extended a hand to local farmers during a tough harvest year, ensuring no family would go without on Thanksgiving. The following year, the farmers returned the gesture, and a tradition of mutual support and community care was born. At its heart, Farm-City BBQ provides an opportunity to celebrate farmers, business owners and neighbors and give thanks for the food on our tables, the hands that grow it, and the people who make this community thrive. Today, the Farm-City BBQ continues that legacy, serving up a delicious, locally sourced meal prepared by volunteers and served by Collier County elected officials. To date, the Farm-City BBQ has raised more than $630,000 for youth development programs in Collier County. To learn more visit FarmCityBBQ.com
