Giving Back
The Blackberry Farm Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation, is at the heart of Blackberry's commitment to giving back to the community. Since its inception in 2012, the Foundation has been dedicated to supporting local charities and initiatives, particularly those within Blount County, where Blackberry Farm and Blackberry Mountain are located.
From annual music concerts to wine and food events featuring renowned chefs and vintners, gatherings at Blackberry Farm and Blackberry Mountain serve as opportunities to raise funds for charitable causes.
Several events have specifically supported the Sam Beall Fellows program, which honors the legacy of Sam Beall and continues his commitment to fostering young hospitalitarians. Originally launched in 2018, the Sam Beall Fellows program was created to provide life-changing, hands-on learning opportunities to young professionals pursuing careers in the culinary and hospitality industries — just as Sam experienced early in his career.
After a pause during the pandemic, Blackberry Farm, the Beall family and the Blackberry Farm Foundation relaunched the Sam Beall Fellows program in 2025 in collaboration with the Culinary Institute of America. This immersive, semester-long paid fellowship honors Sam’s legacy, just as his vision, passion and commitment to hospitality continue to inspire the Blackberry Farm experience today.
The Foundation's grants prioritize organizations that offer services, education and support for children and food-related causes. With the opening of Blackberry Mountain, the Foundation expanded its giving to include programs focused on art, conservation and environmental sciences.
Through these efforts, as of 2025, the Blackberry family of brands has donated more than $2 million to local charities over the last decade.
As the Blackberry Farm Foundation continues to make a lasting impact on the community, its commitment to giving back remains unwavering, guided by a steadfast dedication to enriching lives and fostering meaningful connections.
