Beyond his culinary passions, Executive Chef Rhy Waddington of the Palmetto Bluff Club has always been inspired to seek out adventure. Australian by birth, his parents instilled in him an appreciation for other cultures through travel. Rhy has lived in cities around the world and now has found a home here in the Lowcountry at Palmetto Bluff.

While Rhy has taken on the grand adventure of leading Palmetto Bluff’s talented culinary team, he still thrives on new experiences, especially ones that are as fulfilling as his next undertaking. On June 18, he will embark on Ride Across America, a nonstop cross-country bicycle race from Oceanside, California, to Annapolis, Maryland. He is a member of Team A² - a group of eight incredible riders and a 10+ crew who are riding to help end our nation’s veteran and first responder suicide epidemic.

“It’s important as a society that we care for our veterans and first responders’ mental health. Suicide numbers amongst our veterans are the highest demographic in the country. If we can raise awareness and funds to help support them, then that makes the 3,070 miles worthwhile.”

– Executive Chef Rhy Waddington

Team A² will donate 100% of all funds raised to Guardian Revival, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization chartered to support veterans and first responders. Specifically, proceeds will help support Guardian Revival’s Boots & Paws and Another Summit programs, both of which strive to erase the stigmas related to mental health treatment among veterans and first responders.

Please consider donating to Chef Rhy and this worthy cause. On behalf of the Palmetto Bluff community, we wish the entire team and everyone involved good luck on their trek!