Interview With: Shea Morris, President, MenPact Pensacola
What is MenPact Pensacola?
When men come together with a shared vision for positive change, the results can transform a community. By pooling our time, skills, and resources, we tackle pressing local issues by supporting local charities.
Our efforts not only strengthen the bonds among members but also create a ripple effect of kindness and cooperation. Through collaboration and commitment, we demonstrate the power of unity in building a stronger, more vibrant community.
How did this organization come about?
2025 was our charter year. We had over 140 gentlemen join us with an annual membership fee of $500. 100% of which is awarded to nonprofits operating within Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. We received 32 grant applications in year one and awarded over $70,000 among eight community nonprofits.
The concept originated from a 3-year journey of four men meeting every Sunday morning for book club. We revised the name to “Strip Club” because not only did we read books to challenge and better ourselves, but we also stripped away the layers we hide behind and shared our triumphs and struggles, leaning on one another when needed. Along the journey we began to ask ourselves, “Why do we have so much? Why are we so blessed?” From that, we started giving back during the Christmas season in small ways, which lead us to question, “how can we make a bigger impact within our community?” So, we launched in March of 2024 and what began as four soon grew to 13 board members, by what seemed to be divine intervention. The board is made up of “average Joe’s” with a variety of diverse skill sets. Without everyone working as a team, MenPact would never have come to fruition – many hands make light work. We all share a common goal of coming together to make a positive impact within our community.
We are so grateful for all of the members that joined us in our first year. Stepping up in the first year takes courage and faith.
What impact does MenPact have on the community?
With over 140 members, we raised over $70,000 distributed between eight nonprofits, started our outreach program, and had three opportunities to give back working within our community. We gathered 393 pounds of non-perishables for Feeding the Gulf Coast and helped over 25 CHS children’s holiday drive by fulfilling gifts from their wish list at MenPact’s First Annual Night of Giving.
What are some future goals for your organization?
We would like to become a staple within our community philanthropically. Our goals are to grow membership so that we can provide more grants to nonprofits with the grant recipients using the grant funds within Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
What events does your organization host? Are any open to the public?
We have 4 to 6 membership drive events between Jan 1 to April 30. We continue throughout the year with happy hours at different venues supporting and promoting our local establishments. It is a time to get to meet other like-minded men, network and make new friends. We also have a Town Hall and General Membership Meeting during the year. Our Annual Membership Event is in late October/early November where we award MenPact’s grant recipients that are voted on by MP Members.
What’s your favorite thing about being involved with MenPact?
It’s been incredible, seeing men longing to get involved in our community has been amazing. We feel as men we need to be more aware of the needs within our community and to not turn a blind eye but to step up and be men.
What else would you like us to know about your organization?
Being our first year we got involved through outreach opportunities late in 2025. We gave of our time, sweat, and (limited) skills which at times can be more valuable than money. We intend to make outreach a large part of MenPact. We do not require members to take part in outreach events, but we strongly encourage everyone to get involved in they can and if members have outreach opportunities too, please bring it to us and if we can assist, we will do our best. We have volunteered for local organizations such as FavorHouse Domestic Violence Shelter, Rally Foundation, Alzheimer’s Walk, Loaves and Fishes, and we have participated in Wreaths Across America.
How can someone get involved and/or support MenPact Pensacola?
The easiest way to become a member of MenPact is to visit our website at menpactpensacola.org and click on the button (you can’t miss it). You will have very minimum information requested to complete. Then you will be directed to our secure payment portal. The annual membership fee is $500 annually with 100% going to nonprofits within our community
We would like to encourage men to step up and become more involved in making a positive impact within their community. When we come together, we can do powerful things! Everyone has something they can bring to the table.
There are sponsorship packages available:
Bronze: $1000
Silver: $2500
Gold: $5000
We also offer a Platinum package for larger companies that would like to get involved. These packages are a minimum donation of $10,000 and comes with 10 memberships.
See website for more details or send us a message at [email protected].
