Farm to Fundraiser: A Recipe for Hope at Camp Southern Ground

FAYETTEVILLE, GA – April 30, 2026 – In a unique fusion of global flavors and local harvest, Camp Southern Ground is preparing to host an unforgettable dining experience for a cause. The organization has announced a special culinary partnership with Chef Hadi Rabai, the celebrated owner of The BeiRut in Peachtree City, for its Farm + Table Homegrown Supper on May 21, 2026.

This one-night-only event promises to blend the bold, vibrant tastes of Chef Rabai’s Lebanese and Mediterranean cuisine with the fresh, seasonal ingredients cultivated at Camp Southern Ground’s on-site organic farm. The collaboration, which pairs Rabai with the camp’s own Executive Chef Collins Woods, is set to deliver a menu that marries international inspiration with deep Southern roots, creating a powerful testament to the unifying power of food.

A Recipe for Community and Connection

The Farm + Table Homegrown Supper is more than a fundraising dinner; it is the physical embodiment of Camp Southern Ground’s core philosophy. The organization has woven the principles of farm-to-table nutrition and community gathering into the fabric of its mission, a fact underscored by the upcoming event.

“Farm + Table is more than just a meal, it’s a reflection of who we are,” said Megan King, the camp’s Chief Development & Strategy Officer. “We believe in the power of bringing people together. Around the table, we build community, share stories, and create opportunities that help us continue serving kids, veterans, and families in meaningful ways.”

This approach aligns with a growing trend in non-profit fundraising, where experiential events create a deeper, more tangible connection between donors and the mission they support. By offering an immersive evening that includes cocktails, a tour of the organic farm, and a thoughtfully curated dinner under the stars, the organization provides a direct taste of the nurturing environment it cultivates year-round. It’s a model that proves highly effective, transforming a simple donation into a shared, memorable experience.

Chef Rabai, whose restaurant has become a local standout, echoed this sentiment of shared purpose. “At the heart of what we do is bringing people together, and Camp Southern Ground shares that same spirit,” said Rabai. “I’m grateful to be part of an evening that celebrates community, connection, and giving back.”

Beyond the Plate: Cultivating Healing and Growth

While the supper celebrates food, its ultimate purpose is to fuel the life-changing programs at the heart of Camp Southern Ground. Founded by Grammy Award-winning musician Zac Brown, the world-class facility operates on a profound dual mission: to help every child feel a sense of belonging and to empower every veteran to thrive beyond military service.

During the summer, the sprawling 400-acre campus transforms into an inclusive, residential camp for children aged 7-17. It intentionally brings together typically developing children with those who have neurodevelopmental differences, social challenges, and children from military families. This inclusive model, which has earned national recognition, fosters an environment of understanding and acceptance, with many parents reporting significant growth in their children's confidence and social skills. Approximately half of the campers each year come from military families, finding a unique community of peers who understand their experiences.

For the rest of the year, the campus is dedicated to supporting the nation's heroes. At no cost to participants, Camp Southern Ground offers a suite of “Warrior” programs for post-9/11 veterans. These include Warrior Week, a 12-month workforce transition program that helps veterans find purpose-driven futures, and Warrior PATHH (Progressive Alternative Training for Helping Heroes), the nation’s first non-clinical program designed to cultivate post-traumatic growth in those struggling with combat stress. An 18-month evaluation of these programs revealed unprecedented positive outcomes, with veteran testimonials frequently describing the experience as life-changing.

Central to all programs is a deep commitment to nutrition as a pillar of mental and physical well-being. The camp’s organic farm is not just a source for event ingredients; it is a living classroom and the origin of the nutrient-dense meals served to campers and veterans daily, reinforcing habits for long-term health.

The Visionary Roots of a World-Class Haven

The existence of this multifaceted organization is the realization of a lifelong dream for its founder, Zac Brown. Shaped by his own transformative experiences as a youth camp counselor, Brown purchased the Fayetteville property in 2011 with a vision to “put more good into the world.” His deep respect for the military community drove the inclusion of veteran support, creating the camp’s unique dual focus.

As Chairman of the Board, Brown remains deeply involved, leveraging his platform to rally resources and support. His personal commitment is evident in every detail, from his former personal chef, Collins Woods, now leading the camp’s culinary team, to his active participation in fundraising. Benefit concerts headlined by the Zac Brown Band have become legendary, with a recent event raising a record $3.4 million. This dedication has not gone unnoticed; in 2025, Brown received The Warrior Alliance Lifetime Impact Award for his unwavering commitment to veterans.

His vision has cultivated an organization recognized for its excellence and transparency. Camp Southern Ground holds a perfect 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and has earned the Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency, a distinction held by less than 0.1% of charities nationwide, assuring donors that their contributions are stewarded effectively.

This powerful combination of a clear mission, proven impact, and steadfast leadership has established Camp Southern Ground as a vital anchor, not just for its beneficiaries, but for the wider community. By providing local employment for over 100 people and fostering partnerships with other service organizations, its impact radiates throughout Georgia. The upcoming Farm + Table Homegrown Supper offers the public a chance to be part of this story, to share a meal that serves a greater purpose, and to invest in a place where community, connection, and healing are cultivated daily. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities for the May 21 event are now available through the organization's website.