Carrollwood GrillSmith Hosting Fundraiser for Calyx and Beau Schenecker Memorial Fund

Parker Schenecker won’t be packing any lunches or waving goodbye to a school bus tomorrow, the first day of school for Hillsborough County students.

Schenecker said his goodbyes earlier this year when he buried his two children.

Calyx and Beau Schenecker were killed in January, allegedly by their mother, Julie Schenecker.

Calyx was to start her junior year in the international baccalaureate program at King High School this fall while Beau was going to be a freshman at Freedom High School. The killings drew worldwide media attention and online memorials created by those who never knew the family.             

The Tampa dad, however, is turning what could be just another reminder of loss into a week-long celebration of the lives of his children.

Since the deaths of Calyx, 16, and Beau, 13, their dad has devoted his life to honoring his children and establishing a foundation in their memory. The Calyx and Beau Schenecker Memorial Fund created through the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay recognizes Bay area teenagers for their leadership, athleticism and performing arts abilities.

Now is helping honor their memory by with a “Back To School Week” fundraiser.

Each GrillSmith restaurant in the Bay area, including Carrollwood's location at 14303 North Dale Mabry Highway, will donate 100 percent of sales from Calyx’s favorite GrillSmith dish (Caribbean Pumpkin Crab Bisque soup) and Beau’s favorite appetizer (Spicy Thai Shrimp) to the memorial fund. The fundraiser runs Aug. today through Aug. 28.

Bill Artis, executive chef at Carrollwood’s GrillSmith, said the restaurant was honored to host the fundraiser.

“We are more than pleased to host this event," he said. "GrillSmith was their favorite place to eat. It’s an honor for us.”

Their father, a career U.S. Army officer at U.S. Central Command in Tampa, was on assignment in the Middle East when the deaths occurred.

“Calyx and Beau were devoted friends, classmates and teammates,” he said. “They were everything a parent could ever ask for – responsible, loving and connected to those around them. Both were model citizens, standouts in the classroom and on the sports fields and big fans of GrillSmith."

Schenecker said he hopes this fundraiser helps continue the memory of his children.

“Relationships were ultimately important to Calyx and Beau, and this opportunity along with friends and family to celebrate the lives of my exceptional children will be a fitting tribute to them," he said. "Calyx and Beau would be so humbled and honored by the generosity of so many.”

: Tampa Bay locations participating in the fundraiser:

• Brandon, 459 Brandon Town Center Drive, 813-651-1610
• Carrollwood, 14303 North Dale Mabry Highway, 813-269-1500
• Clearwater, 2539 Countryside Blvd., 727-726-6061 
• Lakeland, 1569 Town Center Drive, 863-688-8844 
• South Tampa, 1108 South Dale Mabry Highway, 813-250-3850
• Wesley Chapel, 2000 Piazza Ave., 813-907-1900