The event was founded as a fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters by Denise and Duane Ebert and has grown into a signature event for Padre Island. The Eberts asked the Padre Island Business Association to take on the management of the event and the two groups worked together in 2015.

Added into the mix by 2016 was an Island charity that will also serve as a beneficiary, The Island Foundation (Seashore Charter Schools). Organizers of the event include: EM Marketing Company located on Padre Island, along with the Barefoot Mardi Gras Committee, The Padre Island Business Association Ambassadors and numerous volunteers who all work together on producing the events.