Unforgettable Moments from the 2025 EPIC Summer Family Retreats

This August, Our Epic Project had the privilege of hosting an EPIC Summer Family Vacation Retreat for two very deserving first responders and their families. Sharing our communities with these deserving individuals aligns perfectly with our mission of Emitting Positive Impact Collectively. Witnessing our communities, local business partners and our Boil Company family unite to provide a week of rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation for these families was a testament to the fact that together we can make a positive impact!

EPIC 2025

For the first time ever we held an EPIC retreat outside of our home base in Corolla. Josh Olvey, GM for Outer Banks Boil Company in Oak Island , NC, stepped up to help us spread our mission to another community that Outer Banks Boil Company is proud to serve. Josh's ties to both the business and residential community in Oak Island made it an easy choice for us in selecting Oak Island NC as an EPIC retreat location. From helping to secure the oceanfront home to ensuring Sergeant Murray and his group were cared for throughout the week, Josh hit it out of the park! Southport Magazine even sent out a photographer to capture the story! Michael's wife, Shannon summed it up like this:

"From the moment we arrived, we were overwhelmed.  Josh Olvey, from Outer Banks Boil Company had put in some much time letting the community know we were coming.  There were gift cards to multiple restaurants, stores, and activities waiting for our arrival.  There was nothing for us to do, just enjoy the week.  Oak Island felt like a little slice of heaven, it was beautiful and welcoming.  It was like a weight had been lifted when we stepped out onto the beach."

A EPIC Thank You to the following partners in Oak Island, Mr Van Daughtry, Margarett Rudd & Associates , Quicksand Beach Concierge, Jersey Mikes, Handcrafted massage, Moore Street Oyster Bar, Pirates Deck, Provisions Co, Flava's Ice Cream, Oak Island Jungle Golf, Food Lion, Old Bridge, Hippie Chicks Granola, Ruby's Coffee House, Kai Joes, KOKO Kabanna, Hague and Sons, Inergy Market and Angies Produce.

"The simple things stand out the most.  Seeing my husband walking on the beach, laughing over dinners out, watching the sunset as a family.  Those are the kinds of moments we don't always get to slow down for, and we will carry them with us forever.  The Outer Banks Boil Company dinner was also such a highlight.  It wasn't just the food (though it was amazing) it was the feeling of being cared for by people we had never even met before.  We finally got to meet the whole team that had wrapped their arms with love for our family. "

On August 23rd our second EPIC recipient, Sergeant Danny Casto and family arrived in Corolla. We knew Danny was most looking forward to 3 things.

Relaxing and reconnecting with friends and family, eating great food and just maybe, getting an item off his bucket list.

We are happy to say we were able to check off all of the above. We started off by securing a sound front house with Brindley Beach where Danny and his family could unwind and enjoy the spectacular Corolla sunsets . Their arrival was made special with beach bikes waiting in the driveway from Ocean Atlantic Rentals, a morning welcome basket from Kind Cup, and a EPIC itinerary. A private tour from Corolla Outback Adventures, daily beach set ups from Corola Beach Set-ups, an EPIC round of golf at the Currituck Club, surf lessons from Corolla Surf Shop (bucket list item checked off), morning deliveries from Lighthouse Bagels and Northern Lights Bakery, gift certificates from Food Lion and Harris Teeter, a family photo session courtesy of 12th street portraits, lunch at Mexikind, Dinner at Cosmo's, a relaxing couples massage courtesy of the Sanderling Resort and Spa and a memorable send off dinner from the Ocean Front Grille. And just because its the type of guy Danny is, he spent time with a young Currituck County deputy to give him some advice and encouragement!

Danny's wife Heather had this to say about the experience...

“It is hard to put into words what a week away from the grind meant to our family. Often times first responders are taken for granted, no one thinks about them until they are needed and they show up. Sometimes that comes at a cost to the first responders and their families. They often miss family gatherings and special occasions. Having a week to be with family and friends was about as special as it gets, it very rarely happens for us and for that reason we could not be more grateful to EPIC! We had family come from all over the  east coast, some live close, some lived far and for us all to come together was amazing. Tears of joy were shed, laughter filled the house and love flowed thru us all. Our family was able to come together to enjoy a beautiful experience that we didn’t realize how much we missed and needed until EPIC brought us together and reminded us what life is all about! It was a week we will never forget!”

Our decision to honor First Responders this year is one that we are so proud to have made. Meeting these two gentleman and their families was an honor. Being able to provde a mental health break to restore and renew these gentleman as they head back to serve their respective communities was definitely our pleasure. Thank you again to all of our EPIC supporters. Without you -none of this is possible.