We’re holding all food & beverage workers close this holiday season. A few important reminders:

Southern Smoke’s offices will be closed from December 24, 2025, to January 4, 2026 to give our team a chance to reset before the new year. We look forward to connecting on Monday, January 5, 2026.

Emergency Relief Fund: Applications will be paused from December 17, 2025, to January 4, 2026. If you have an ongoing case, you can continue working with your case manager. If you are seeking financial assistance due to a crisis, please check back and apply when applications reopen on January 5.

Behind You Mental Health Program: Applications remain open, and services will be available in January. The earlier you apply, the quicker we can determine eligibility, and you can be ready for when services commence.

Texas Hill Country Floods: Applications closed on 12/16.

Vanessa Ames

Board Member

Vanessa is a seasoned professional, encompassing over two decades of experience and innovation in advertising and marketing. Starting her journey in New York City and Atlanta, she honed her creative and strategy skills within prestigious advertising agencies and dynamic startups. Her dedication to her clients and craft highlights her finesse and strategic acumen. Notable among her clientele are industry giants like Bank of America, Kaiser Permanente, Nature’s Bounty, and BMW, among others. In July of 2023, Vanessa made the decision to retire from the fast-paced advertising world.

With her supportive husband, Chuck, by her side, their adorable twins, Charlie and Ruby, and furry best friend Louie, she wholeheartedly embraced a new chapter of her life. Since her retirement, she has become a steadfast advocate for nonprofits, especially those focused on supporting the most vulnerable members of our community – Women, Children, and Animals. Vanessa and her family are deeply committed to these causes, dedicating their time, resources, and efforts to uplift and empower those in need.

Armed with her unique communication skills and a passion for pushing creative boundaries, Vanessa has become synonymous with innovation, not just in the business world, but also in her charitable endeavors. Her secret? A humble yet persistent drive to surpass limitations and elevate perspectives, resulting in heightened awareness, increased fundraising, and most significantly, making a tangible difference in the lives of those in need.

As Vanessa would say, “In every challenge lies an opportunity for greatness.” Her legacy is not just in the campaigns she’s crafted or the brands she’s elevated; it’s in her unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries, challenging norms, and leaving a lasting impact on everyone she encounters. She’s not just a marketer; she’s a catalyst for change, inspiring those around her to dream bigger, think differently, and achieve greatness, both in business and in humanitarian efforts.