Seaside Retailer recognizes Starfish Award winners at Surf Expo

During the presentation, The Margaritaville Store shared its story of giving back.

During Surf Expo, Seaside Retailer magazine stepped up to the main stage to recognize its past Starfish Award winners and the impact they have had on their communities.

Seaside Retailer Executive Editor Kristin Ely shared that since the awards launched in 2020 more than 38 coastal retailers have received the award, which honors coastal retailers making a difference in their communities.

Ely and Seaside Retailer Associate Editor Megan Smally presented past Starfish Award Winner William Hill, retail store manager at The Margaritaville Store in Kissimmee, Florida, with an award. In his acceptance remarks, he share his team’s story of giving back with Surf Expo attendees.

As part of the Singing for Change initiative, the resort store has long partnered with Give Kids The World, a whimsical nonprofit resort in Kissimmee that treats critically ill children and their families to a free weeklong vacation at a storybook-themed wonderland. Customers can round up their purchase to donate to Give Kids The World and purchase a GKTW Collaboration pin designed and produced by Impulse Souvenirs with 50% of each purchase donated to Give Kids The World. The resort expects to raise $3,800 for the organization through its efforts in 2026 that also include a 5K run, a toy drive and in-store donations to get a “Coconut of Hope” displayed inside the store with the donors name.

“It was a great honor to receive this reward for the work we do with Give Kids the World,” says Hill. “At Margaritaville Resort Orlando, we have the opportunity to interact with guests from all around the world. Being able to inform our guests about Give Kids The World adds a little something special to our store.”

One Starfish Award winner is featured in each issue of the magazine. Nominations can be made at www.seasideretailer.com/starfish-award.