The Florida Small Business Development Center (FSBDC) at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) awarded Lawrence Barris of Larry’s Cheesecake Co. as the recipient of the 2021 William O. Webb Award.
Larry’s Cheesecake Company was inspired by Lawrence and Shannon Barris’s daughter, Sariyah D. Barris. Their mission is to bake and deliver classic cheesecakes made fresh with natural ingredients throughout the U.S., and to find a cure for Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC). The William O. Webb Awards granted Lawrence with $1,500, presented by Suzanne Specht, FSBDC Small Business Consultant II.
Sariyah’s passing was devastating to Lawrence and Shannon. Sariyah was a strong-spirited little angel, with a “No Quit” attitude. She possessed outstanding love and courage, superhero strength, and a willingness to never give up!
Sariyah has inspired, father Lawrence “Larry” to bake classic cheesecakes in her honor, to spread love, and to find a cure for Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC).
Trish Leonard, a family friend of Mr. Webb said, “He demonstrated that you can make dreams really come true. He was humble, kind and well-rounded.” Each year, proceeds from the funds are used to provide support to a small-business owner in Southwest Florida who is working with the FSBDC.
For more information about Larry’s Cheesecake Co. visit, www.larrycheesecakeco.com/.
