The St. Simons Land Trust is proud to announce Dorothy’s Cocktail & Oyster Bar as the 2026 Pennies for Preservation Partner of the Year, recognizing the restaurant’s exceptional commitment to local land conservation and its longstanding support of the Trust’s Pennies for Preservation program.
Owned by Daniel and Claire Auffenberg, Dorothy’s Cocktail & Oyster Bar has been a dedicated Pennies for Preservation partner since September 2021, providing consistent and generous monthly contributions that directly support the preservation of land on St. Simons Island. Since the launch of the partnership, Dorothy’s has rallied its patrons to contribute nearly $70,000 to the program—funds that have gone entirely toward protecting and preserving the island’s natural spaces for generations to come.
Launched in 2017, Pennies for Preservation is a community-driven fundraising program that allows local businesses to support conservation by inviting their patrons or clients to contribute small, voluntary donations that collectively make a significant impact. Some businesses also participate by donating a percentage of their proceeds or by offering the Land Trust discounted or in-kind services. Today, more than 40 local businesses participate in the program, and since its inception, Pennies for Preservation has raised more than $1.4 million to support the Land Trust’s mission of preserving St. Simons Island’s natural and scenic character.
“Dorothy’s has been an extraordinary partner and a true champion of conservation,” said Raleigh Kitchen, Communications Director and P4P Program Manager of the St. Simons Land Trust. “Their ongoing commitment to Pennies for Preservation demonstrates how local businesses can play a powerful role in protecting the character and natural beauty of St. Simons Island.”
Daniel Auffenberg shared that the partnership reflects the restaurant’s deep connection to the island. “St. Simons is our home, and preserving its natural beauty is something we truly care about,” said Auffenberg. “Partnering with the St. Simons Land Trust through Pennies for Preservation allows us to give back in a meaningful way, and we’re honored to be named the 2026 Partner of the Year.”
Dorothy’s Cocktail & Oyster Bar exemplifies the spirit of Pennies for Preservation through its sustained participation and leadership, helping to inspire both residents and visitors to invest in the future of the island.
“We are incredibly grateful to Dorothy’s for their generosity and continued partnership,” Kitchen added. “Their support has made a lasting difference, and we are proud to recognize them as our 2026 Partner of the Year.”
The St. Simons Land Trust will celebrate Dorothy’s Cocktail & Oyster Bar throughout 2026 as part of the Pennies for Preservation program, highlighting the restaurant’s contributions and dedication to conservation.
To learn more about Pennies for Preservation or how your business can participate, click below.