Cigar Country celebrates its traditional FRIENDSGIVING with charity dinners in Santo Domingo, La Romana, and Santiago.

Cigar Country celebrated a new edition of its traditional charity event FRIENDSGIVING, an initiative that brings together friends, enthusiasts, and food lovers to support social causes through a dinner contest centered around the Thanksgiving turkey. This year, for the first time, the event was held simultaneously in three cities across the country, achieving outstanding participation and significant fundraising for foundations dedicated to children.

A culinary competition with a purpose

FRIENDSGIVING is a contest between chefs and amateur cooks who compete to prepare the best turkey under a set of established rules and protocols. The festive atmosphere, accompanied by tastings and awards, brings together a community eager to share, celebrate, and donate.

The eighth edition of the event took place at its original venue, La Romana, specifically at the Casa de Campo Country Club. The event brought together 150 guests and 14 participating chefs, raising RD$5,000,000 for Hogar del Niño.

The winners were:
1st place: Daniela de Moya
2nd place: Angelly Varela
3rd place: Teresa Hernández

In Santiago, the second edition at Camp David Ranch drew 80 attendees and raised RD$ 775,000 for the Fundación Ciudad Santa María.

For its part, Santo Domingo held its inaugural event at the Hotel Embajador, hosting 130 guests and raising RD$4,000,000 for the Friends Against Childhood Cancer Foundation.

A Legacy of Social Impact

FRIENDSGIVING takes place annually on the eve of Thanksgiving Day and serves as a space to unite the community through solidarity. After eight years in La Romana, the expansion to Santo Domingo and Santiago reflects Cigar Country's commitment to social well-being and the broadening of its charitable reach.

Management Statement

“FRIENDSGIVING was born out of a desire to unite our community at a special time of year to support those most in need. Our focus has always been on helping foundations that work for the benefit of children, and seeing how this event grows and touches more lives fills us with hope and responsibility.”