GULF SHORES, AL – Two fundraisers on Pleasure Island Aug. 21 raised nearly $20,000 for two different causes.

In Gulf Shores Steve Kazman and staff at The Diner raised more than $7,200 for staff of the Sunset Cork Room restaurant which was damaged in a fire Aug. 4. Over in Orange Beach, the Anchor Bar and Grill had a shrimp boil and silent auction and raised more than $12,000 for Louisiana flood relief.

“I think it went absolutely wonderful,” Kazman said. “I think it was a pretty good turnout considering the Anchor had their fundraiser that day, I think it was great.”

Giving back to the community and backing local businesses is a priority.

“I’m a firm believer that it’s got to be about the community and I think the community came out and supported,” Kazman said. “I think we should all support each other’s business.”

Kazman says The Diner served about 280 people fish fry plates at $15 apiece in addition to money raised with a silent auctions. Anchor Bar sold 95 shrimp boil plates at $20 apiece and also had a silent auction as part of its event.

The City of Orange Beach is in its second week of collections for Louisiana flood victims at City Hall. The city staffed the collections through the weekend of Aug. 20-21 and is still collecting items.

In Gulf Shores, the fire department is collecting water and cleaning supplies. About 10 truckloads so far have been sent from collections in both cities.