Smoke Inn Blog
Cigars and Philanthropy
It’s no secret that the cigar life appeals to a broad cross-section of society. But cigars have also long been associated with the wealthy. Well, there happens to be something that connects them both that you may not be aware of. No, it’s not golf we’re thinking about. It’s philanthropy. Giving back to great causes and supporting noble charities is an important part of the cigar world. We, and by we, I mean our own Alex T., had the idea of covering this topic for the blog and we think it’s a great one.
Here are some connections between Smoke Inn, others in the cigar industry, some great events and charitable causes that are supported by them.
The Cigar Family Charitable Foundation
The Cigar Family Charitable Foundation is one of the (if not the) most notable of the cigar industries philanthropic efforts. Formed by the Fuente and JC Newman families, over the years the CFCF has made a real difference in the lives of the people of The Dominican Republic. Millions of dollars have been donated thus far, improving the lives of thousands of native Dominicans with many forms of humanitarian aid.
They have built schools and medical clinics (Health Center at the Cigar Family Complex). They have also built water filtration systems in the communities where tobacco is sources and cigars are made and done so much more. Another exceptional thing about this charity is that the Fuente and Newman families cover all the administrative costs of the organization. That means when you donate to The Cigar Family Charitable Foundation, 100% of that donation is going directly to the mission. That’s something that a lot of big charities out there just can’t say.
Learn more about The Cigar Family Charitable Foundation here.
Gars for Gunners & Cigars for Warriors
Many of you may already be familiar with Smoke Inn’s Gars for Gunners program. In case you’re not though, here’s the scoop. It turns out that cigars are one of the most requested items from home that our servicemen and women in America’s military forces ask for. Cigars are what we do and we loved the idea of giving a little something back to the folks around the world working to protect our freedom. Smoke Inn partnered up with Cigars for Warriors to create Gars for Gunners.
The way it works is simple. Just visit the Gars for Gunners page and choose one or more of the specially priced 5-packs and add it to your cart and check out. That’s it. The cigars are all priced at cost for us and they all get shipped directly for distribution across the worlds to our troops in the field. It’s a super easy way to do something for the men and women of the military. So, give it a thought, next time you’re stocking up in our shop, throw a little something in there for our servicemen and women too if you can.
You can check out Gars for Gunners and donate here.
Drew Estate Charities
Another charitable organization in the cigar world we really must mention here is Drew Estates Charities, Inc. It is a 501c(3) created by our friends at Drew Estate to help finance charities they’ve identified as socially responsible. Right now, 100% of their donations go to TECHNO. TECHNO is a non-profit in Latin America and the Caribbean. Drew Estates Charities donates specifically to the chapter of TECHNO that serves Nicaragua and especially Estelí where they and so many of our favorite cigars are sourced. TECHNO is run by young people to help raise other youth out of poverty. Among other things, they build new homes for impoverished families. These modest homes can be built in Nicaragua for a little $1,600, so your dollars really go a long way for this cause.
You can learn more about Drew Estate Charities here.
The Kids Cancer Foundation & The Great Smoke 2023
Smoke Inn’s annual The Great Smoke event has always been tied to charitable causes. For 2023, all proceeds after expenses will go to The Kids Cancer Foundation, a favorite charity of our own Honest Abe Dababneh. The Kids Cancer Foundation If you would like to help The Kids Cancer Foundation, attending The Great Smoke 2023 in person or virtually is one way. You can also go to their site directly and donate or apply to volunteer (or both, if you’re really feeling generous). This South Florida based organization does a lot of really great work. Everything from offering pediatric oncology nurses to help guide patients and families through the ins and out of cancer treatment and recovery to counseling, community outreach and education. They even have their own facility called the Kids Cancer Center and Hospital.
Learn more about The Kids Cancer Foundation right here.
The Boys & Girls Club of Broward County & The Great Smoke 2023
Smoke Inn’s annual The Great Smoke event has always been tied to charitable causes. For 2023, The Great Smoke, with the help of Bradley Rubin of Alec Bradley Cigars, is raising money for The Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County. Founded in 1965, the Broward County chapter of this great institution has been making a real difference in the lives of Broward County youth. Providing safe places for after school activities, sports, mentorship and a lot more. Bradley has bravely put is renowned mustache on the chopping block. If TGS 2023 hits our goal of $10,000 raised, Bradley will allow his ‘stache to be shaved LIVE on stage during his interview with Michael Herklots of Ferio Tego.
You can donate to The Boys & Girls Club with Bradley Rubin and Smoke Inn here.
Smoke Inn is Your Cigar Shop
We hope our look at philanthropy in the cigar world gave you some inspiration to give back where you can. There’s a number of great charities listed above and it only takes a minute out of your day to support one or more of them. We look forward to seeing many of you at The Great Smoke 2023 on March 16th-19th to have a great time while helping us raise funds for the Boys and Girls Club of Broward County. As always, if you’re local or happen to be visiting South Florida, be sure to reward yourself with a visit to one of the country’s best cigar shops in person. We’d love to see you.
Our South Florida Locations:
- Smoke Inn Palm Beach Gardens
- Smoke Inn West Palm Beach
- Smoke Inn Delray Beach
- Smoke Inn Boynton Beach
- Smoke Inn Pompano Beach
- Smoke Inn Tequesta
- Smoke Inn Port St. Lucie
- Smoke Inn Vero Beach
