By Alexandria Leatherberry
The Truth Reporter
Craig Burney held an inaugural Shrimp & Grits Gala at The Summit Toledo on September 27, 2025. The gala was a night to give and to celebrate by collecting business leaders to donate proceeds to the Family House. Burney hosted over 28 businesses, entrepreneurs and organization representatives with southern-rooted hospitality, serving hors d’oeuvres with the classic shrimp & grits dish in plated fashion at their order.
The night reflected the culture of the South with nostalgic playlists spun by Dj Bri-Z and a table-gathering, grand prize spades tournament. Throughout the night Burney continuously acknowledged the businesses of the guests and offered opportunity for each of them to share the mic to speak to the attendees of the event.
The businesses and organizations registered for the event included:
Tiny Hearts Remembered, Inc., Toledo School for the Arts, Silverback Gains, 2 Six Tattoo Studios, Glayzed Beauty Bar / The Kid Comp- Henny, Phi Beta Sigma, Styles By Rej Loaf!, The Adams Street Café, Boss Financials, Robinson Global
2050 Strategies and Consulting, LLC, V3on, Remelle Robinson, B-Visions, Mudtalk Podcast, Rita Armour, Savanna’s Soul Kitchen, Go Tyme Grynd
The Greater Toledo Realtist Association, Next Chapter Enterprises, Pizza Cat, The Summit, Young Men and Women For Change, Natural Dominion, LLC, Toledo Tomorrow, Limitless Creatives, LLC, The Casual Space, Dj Bri-Z
Burney, originally from Jacksonville, Florida, graduated from the University of Toledo in business administration and has since planted his roots in creating the opportunities for the Toledo community to engage and connect. The host can be seen weekly on the Mudtalk podcast where he covers community highlights alongside Ty Cleveland, Shae Thompson and Amy Hagan.
In 2024, Burney began teaching Sole Expressions at the Toledo Museum of Art where he developed the opportunity to make a tribute sneaker for the American Heart Association walk in collaboration with tattoo artist Chris Rayford. Burney has built up these collaborations through his involvement servicing for organizations such as Start High School Fashion Merchandising Board and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
The Shrimp & Grits Gala was a testament to Craig Burney’s commitment to building bridges across Toledo’s business and creative communities. By blending southern hospitality with local pride, Burney curated an evening that highlighted the power of collaboration, generosity and shared purpose.
As guests departed The Summit Toledo, they carried with them not only the spirit of giving but also a renewed sense of community connection. The Shrimp and Grits Gala set itself apart in the tone for what is to become of signature Toledo traditions. Future endeavors of Burney can be found on his social media and brand site : vintagelifestyle.net.