As seen in Florida Weekly
This year’s beloved pre-Thanksgiving tradition once again brings the Collier County 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.
The event will be led by Russell Budd, founding partner of PBS Contractors, and Gloria Padilla, community relations manager for RCMA, who will serve as co-chairs. Paul Hiltz, president and CEO of Naples Comprehensive Health (NCH), will serve as honorary chair.
For nearly 70 years, the Farm-City BBQ brings together thousands of residents, business leaders, farmers, community organizations and elected officials for an annual celebration rooted in gratitude for the people and industries of Collier County.
History of Farm-City BBQ
In 1955, the Farm-City BBQ began when Naples business leaders stepped in to help local farming families during a difficult harvest season. The following year, the farmers returned the favor by hosting a community barbecue, creating a tradition that continues today. Since then, the event has become Collier County’s longest-running pre-Thanksgiving celebration, honoring agriculture, strengthening community connections and raising more than $730,000 for local youth development programs. Farm-City BBQ continues to celebrate the people who grow our food, support our economy and make Collier County a remarkable place to live.
Farm City leaders today
“Farm-City has become a real tradition here in Collier County — a reminder of how connected this community really is, and a chance for our community to say thank you to the people who put food on our tables,” said Budd. “It’s still ‘the family reunion for the business community,’ farming included. Bring your appetite and your stories — that’s really what the day is about. Everyone’s welcome, and it keeps growing every year. It’s easy to see why — good food, good people, and a whole lot of gratitude in one place.”
Budd founded PBS Contractors in 1986 and has spent nearly four decades building the company into a leading Southwest Florida custom residential and commercial construction firm. Beyond his professional career, Budd has been deeply involved in the Collier County community, serving in leadership roles with numerous civic and nonprofit organizations. He has been recognized as one of Collier County’s most influential business leaders and received the 2025 Murray Hendel Civic Achievement Award for his longstanding commitment to community service.
Joining Budd as co-chair is Padilla, a longtime community leader and advocate for children and families in Immokalee and rural Florida through RCMA, an organization that serves children of farm working and low-income families. She joined RCMA in 1982 as a Head Start teacher and went on to serve in a variety of leadership roles. In her current role, she serves as a key ambassador for RCMA, building relationships with community leaders and helping advance the organization’s mission.
“Collier County’s agricultural community is much more than our farms — it is a network of growers, businesses, and community partners who work together to keep our local economy strong,” said Padilla. “This event celebrates the people and businesses whose dedication helps feed our communities while recognizing the vital role agriculture plays in our local economy. It also provides an opportunity to invest in the next generation and support future leaders in our community. As we gather during the Thanksgiving season, we are reminded that when our community comes together, we build stronger communities and create brighter futures for everyone.”
Hiltz will serve as honorary chair, bringing a healthcare perspective to an event whose roots are firmly planted in the idea of neighbors caring for neighbors.
Hiltz has more than 30 years of experience in healthcare leadership as he leads one of Southwest Florida’s largest and most comprehensive healthcare organizations as president and CEO of NCH. Under his leadership, NCH has continued to expand advanced clinical services, strategic partnerships, medical education and access to high-quality care throughout the region. Prior to joining NCH in 2019, Hiltz served as President and CEO of Mercy Medical Center in Cincinnati and was the founding president of Mercy Health Select, one of the country’s early Accountable Care Organizations. A Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, Hiltz has been recognized nationally for his leadership in healthcare.
“I’m honored to serve as honorary chair this year. Farm-City BBQ began with neighbors looking out for neighbors, making sure no family went without, and that’s the same spirit we carry at NCH,” Hiltz said. “We care for this community because the people in it are our friends, our families, and our neighbors. Health care, at its core, is people showing up for one another. That’s a mission Farm-City has lived for nearly 70 years, and I’m grateful to stand alongside them in it.”
Tickets
Ticket sales support youth development programs, including Collier County 4-H, Collier County Junior Deputies, Farm-City BBQ of Collier County, Key Clubs of Collier County and Youth Leadership Collier.
Tickets are $30 for the steak lunch or $40 for the steak lunch and drinks package. Prices increase on October 15 and again on November 11. Visit FarmCityBBQ.com.
