Buddy Trala named 2016 Hero by the Sea
Humble.
Genuine.
Selfless.
These seem to be the words often used to describe Buddy Trala.
While some know him as the owner of the Sunset Grille in West Ocean City, others know him as the caring individual who continues to help those less fortunate, generously donating his resources and his time.
For nearly the last two decades, Trala has supported the Believe in Tomorrow Children's Foundation, which provides programs for critically ill children and their families. Recognizing donors who have been instrumental in making its programs successful, the Foundation recently presented Trala with the 2016 Hero by the Sea award.
"It takes extraordinary effort to even be considered," said Brian Morrison, CEO and founder of Believe in Tomorrow. "And by every measure, Buddy Trala met the requirements and beyond."
Trala, he said, has played a major role in one of Believe in Tomorrow's most special programs, Respite Housing, which allows families to get away, relax and reconnect together in the midst of treatment and recovery. Families staying at one of the Foundation's beach house facilities are treated to a night out at the Sunset Grille, courtesy of Trala, who also takes the time to personally meet each family.
"Those families... they are the real heroes," Trala said. "I just try to take their minds off things for a little bit. I'm happy to do it."
Since Trala has been involved with Believe in Tomorrow, he has provided a night out to more than 150 families.
In addition, Trala volunteers to host the Foundation's annual golf tournament party at the Sunset Grille and typically donates items like an all-inclusive dinner for 10 people — which usually raises $1,500, at least — at the Foundation's annual black tie auction event.
"Buddy is just, exceptional," said Wayne Littleton, Believe in Tomorrow's beach coordinator. "I've worked with him for years and there's nothing phony about him. I wish there were more people like him."
Trala grew up in Northampton County, Virginia and attended Salisbury University.
He spent his summers working in various restaurants in Ocean City, crediting his work ethic to his parents — Laurence J. "Larry" Trala and the late Joan V. Trala of Exmore.
"They ran their own restaurant and worked everyday, and I have always respected them," Trala said.
His parents owned Joan and Larry's in Exmore and often gave back to the community and helped local charities whenever possible. Their practice of goodwill, "must have rubbed off on me," he said, with a smile.
In addition to Believe in Tomorrow, Trala is heavily involved with several other charities, including the Casey Cares Foundation, which also provides programs for critically ill children and their families.
For his work, Casey Cares named Trala the 2015 Champion of Children.
"All of our families rave about Buddy," said Dawn Weissman, Casey Cares Foundation program development coordinator. "He's a wonderful person and always makes them feel special."
Nickell Thomas, whose daughter has spina bifida, met Trala at the Casey Cares gala last spring.
"We were sitting at the same table and Buddy fell in love with my daughter," she said. "So he invited us to Ocean City."
Trala paid for the family's hotel bill, dinner at his restaurant, gave them free go-kart passes, coupons for pizza, gift cards to Subway and Cold Stone creamery, as well as a few souvenirs.
"Absolutely everything was on him," she said. "Words will never be able to explain the gratitude my family feels. We've never been able to take a vacation. And Buddy gave that to us. He's one of our heroes."
On Twitter @hcarroll_1 and Facebook at Facebook.com/byhannahcarroll
On Instagram @thesassy_banana
302-537-1881, ext. 209