THE SPECKLED TROUT: EAT, PLAY, STAY ANNOUNCES 2024 IMPACT REPORT — OVER $45,000 INVESTED IN THE FUTURE OF THE HIGH COUNTRY

Blowing Rock, NC – March 12, 2024 – The Speckled Trout: Eat, Play, Stay (www.eat-playstay.
com), a mission-driven hospitality company rooted in Blowing Rock, is proud to release its
2024 Community Impact Report, reflecting a deep and growing commitment to people, place, and
purpose. In total, $45,408 was invested in community-building efforts that uplift youth, protect the
environment, support neighbors in crisis, and strengthen the social fabric of the North Carolina
High Country.

As the parent company of The Speckled Trout Restaurant & Bottle Shop, The Speckled Trout
Outfitters, and The Speckled Trout Outpost, the Eat, Play, Stay brand is redefining what hospitality
can mean—not just a place to eat, stay, or explore, but a platform to drive lasting, local impact.

Every Experience with a Purpose

At the heart of this mission is the belief that hospitality can be transformative. Through programs
like the Charity Token Initiative, which donates 5% of beverage sales to customer-selected
nonprofit guests become participants in positive changes. This year, that effort alone raised
$3,207.55 for local organizations including F.A.R.M Cafe, Casting Bread, and the Children’s
Council.

Highlights of the 2024 Impact Report:

 $7,015 invested in programs for at-risk youth
 $4,537 dedicated to environmental stewardship
 $2,944 directed to hardship relief
 $22,412 committed to collaborative community projects
 $8,500 in in-kind donations to local nonprofits

Hurricane Helene: Community Response in Action

When Hurricane Helene struck the High Country on September 27, 2024, The Speckled Trout
responded swiftly through its Build For Good Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to supporting
communities in need.

The disaster relief efforts, powered by the full force of the company’s resources and community
partners, led to:

 $700,000+ raised for recovery
 9 homes repaired and 2 rebuilt
 57 roads and bridges restored

 20 community hubs established
 5,000+ volunteer hours
 300+ volunteers mobilized

“Our businesses are simply the tools we use to serve,” said Emily Brinker, co-owner and operator of
The Speckled Trout companies. “Whether it’s a plate of trout, a guided fly-fishing trip, or a warm
bed at the inn—everything we do is connected by one mission: See a Need, Fill a Need.”

The Speckled Trout: Eat, Play, Stay — Rooted in Place, Built for Impact

Born in the heart of Blowing Rock, The Speckled Trout: Eat, Play, Stay is more than a family of
businesses, it’s a hospitality movement creating exceptional experiences where individuals can
belong to something greater than themselves

From creating unforgettable experiences to championing recovery and resilience, The Speckled
Trout is where impact meets hospitality.

To read the full 2024 Impact Report or support ongoing community initiatives, visit www.eat-playstay.
com/community-impact

Media Contact: Roger Capote | ro***@th**************.com | 828.260.4400