What does aviation have to do with a culinary competition?
More than you might imagine.
Stambaugh
Aviation, an aerospace business in Brunswick, Georgia, deals with repair and
modification of large-format commercial aircraft. The company, and its owners,
brothers (shown here, left to right) Scott and JR Stambaugh, thrive on offering
solutions, modifications and operational planning to move forward from current
and potential problems. And, as it happens, so does the Glynn Community Crisis
Center, the beneficiary of A Taste of Glynn. Both organizations solve problems
and move forward to a better outcome.
It
is that synergy and common philosophy that paved the way for Stambaugh Aviation
to become the 2012 Presenting Sponsor for A Taste of Glynn, scheduled to be
held at the King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort on St Simons on March 25,
2012.
Stambaugh
Aviation has enjoyed steady growth over the past several years. The company now
supplies jobs for 90 employees, and business is wonderful. What is not so
wonderful, according to JR Stambaugh, is what has happened to many of their
fellow business owners in the past several years.
“We
are very grateful for our success,” he said. “But in this economic downturn, so
many people are struggling just to keep the doors open. When that happens,
their contributions to charitable organizations necessarily go down. It was a
good time for us to step up and do even more than we usually do.”
The
brothers found a good match in supporting the Crisis Center, which operates
Amity House and Hope House for those who seek to build a new life without
domestic violence. An outreach program, legal and financial counseling,
educational support and child advocacy augment the shelter and extended
residence services.
“The
Crisis Center gives more than just a place to stay,” Scott Stambaugh pointed
out. “It offers solutions, a way to improve lives. That aspect appealed to us.
This is a way we can make an impact and offer people options.”
When
they are not busy creating amazing aeronautical transformations, inspecting and
repairing such high-tech marvels as mid-air refueling planes or reappointing
the plush interior of aircraft belonging to the likes of fashion designer Peter
Nygard, Donald Trump and John Travolta, JR and Scott Stambaugh love to eat,
socialize, network and entertain. A Taste of Glynn, according to Scott, is the
ideal place to do all four simultaneously.
“I’ve
been eating since I was a small child,” he deadpanned. “And I’ve gotten pretty
good at it.”
JR
claims skill in that area as well, adding, “This is just a neat way to raise
money. It’s such a classy event and a great opportunity to try new restaurants
and new foods.”
The
brothers have sharpened their gastronomic problem-solving skills at A Taste of
Glynn for years. When they relocated from their native Pennsylvania, they were
initially leery of trying some typically Southern local delicacies.
“Grits?” JR shuddered. “I could never imagine anyone
wanting to eat something called ‘grits’ until I tried shrimp and grits. Now,
I’m a huge fan. Going to A Taste of Glynn is a perfect way to sample things
that just might become your favorites.”
In
fact, shrimp and grits would be on the menu of JR’s ideal dinner, “spicy and
with a kick.” Followed by a slice of Dutch apple pie, a classic Pennsylvania
dessert. Scott would grill a filet and some asparagus if he were the chef at
home. If someone else did the cooking, he would order vegetable encrusted red
snapper with jalapeno cream sauce. Since this was a fantasy meal, he decided
not to choose between peach cobbler and apple crisp for dessert. Just bring him
an order of both!
How
about a favorite celebrity chef? Scott would pick Guy Fieri, host of Diners,
Drive-ins and Dives on the Food Channel. JR chose Savannah’s Paula Deen, and
jumped to her defense against recent harsh criticisms from other foodies.
“Paula
Deen’s food is for special occasions,” he pointed out. “It’s a celebration
dinner, Thanksgiving or Christmas. Sure, it’s rich but you aren’t supposed to
haul off a huge platter of everything. Practice portion control, and eat what
you like. It ought to be fun and it ought to make you feel good.”
He
has a good point. Try new things and enjoy yourself. Help people along the way
while you’re at it, share your good fortune and be happy. The Stambaugh
brothers are living proof that you can make the world a better place, and you
can have a good time while you do it.
Join
the owners and staff of this year’s Presenting Sponsor, Stambaugh Aviation, at
A Taste of Glynn on March 25, 2012, from 5-8 pm. at the King and Prince Beach
and Golf Resort. Tickets are available at the King and Prince, and SunTrust
Bank locations on Demere Road and Sea Island Road on St. Simons. In Brunswick,
purchase tickets at LaiLai’s, Hattie’s Books, color me happy and Moore Stephens
Tiller LLC. Or call the Glynn Community Crisis Center at 264-1348.
Photo by Lindy Thompson of Golden Isles Photography
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