Galveston, Texas – November 10, 2025 – Del Papa Distributing today announced the donation
of its building located at 6918 Broadway Street in Galveston to Lighthouse Charity Team, a
nonprofit organization known for “cooking for a cause” and providing vital support to the
Galveston County community during disasters and community-building events.
The donation underscores Del Papa Distributing’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the
communities it serves and supporting organizations that make a lasting local impact.
“Lighthouse Charity Team embodies the spirit of service and community that we value at Del
Papa Distributing,” said Jeff Wheeler, Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Relations at Del
Papa Distributing. “Their volunteers and unique resources have brought comfort and
nourishment to thousands during times of need. We are honored to help further their mission
with the donation of this property, which will enable them to expand their reach and impact.”
For over 41 years, founders Dick and Horacene Daugird transformed their passion for barbecuing
into a powerful community mission – helping others by “cooking for a cause.” Through the
Lighthouse Charity Team’s volunteer-driven efforts, thousands of meals have been served to
those affected by disasters and to support other nonprofits’ fundraising events. Their custombuilt cooking trailers, designed and constructed by volunteers, have become a hallmark of their
service.
“The generosity of Del Papa Distributing provides us with a permanent home base for our
operations,” said John Bertolino Sr., President, Lighthouse Charity Team. “This gift allows us to
continue the legacy started by the Daugirds and ensure we can respond quickly and effectively
wherever we’re needed.”
Today, the Texas Lighthouse Foundation dba Lighthouse Charity Team is a recognized 501(c)(3)
organization carrying forward the Daugird’s vision of compassion and service. With the donation
of this facility, the organization is poised to enhance its ability to provide volunteers and mobile
cooking equipment during disasters and community events across Galveston County and beyond.
About Lighthouse Charity Team
The Texas Lighthouse Foundation dba Lighthouse Charity Team is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to
supporting the Galveston County area through volunteer service and mobile cooking operations during disasters
and community events. Founded by Dick and Horacene Daugird over 28 years ago, the organization continues its
tradition of “cooking for a cause” to bring comfort and hope to those in need.
About Del Papa Distributing Company
In 2010 Del Papa Distributing celebrated its 100th business anniversary. From its founding by an Italian immigrant,
Omero Del Papa Sr., in Galveston in 1910, to its current operations distributing a variety of national, regional and
local beer and beverage brands from three distribution centers serving seventeen Texas counties along the Texas
Gulf Coast, Del Papa has remained committed to supporting and strengthening the many communities in which its
customers and employees live. Del Papa Distributing still speaks today to those old-fashioned values of quality,
honesty, integrity and work ethic. If anything, these ideals have grown stronger over the course of a century.
