#BBQforaCause

 In the last three years, our festival has raised over $35,000 for charitable causes. These funds have been donated to organizations (including Operation BBQ Relief, Hungry Heroes, and World Central Kitchen) dedicated to feeding and supporting communities in need. Through these contributions, we're proud to extend the spirit of BBQ beyond our festival, making a positive impact on food security and community support. 

Operation BBQ Relief is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that was founded in May 2011 in response to a need for tornado relief efforts in Joplin, Missouri. Competitive pitmasters from nine different states answered the call to feed displaced families and first responders. Together, they were able to serve over 120,000 meals in a 13-day period. This experience of building a network to feed individuals in need has been the inspiration for Operation BBQ Relief. To date, Operation BBQ Relief has provided over 11 million meals throughout the United States and internationally following natural disasters, COVID-19 response, and through The Always Serving Project, benefiting the homeless, first responders, veterans and members of the military. 

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 Hungry Heroes is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3), with the mission to serve first responders, military, and veterans and show gratitude for their services through BBQ. Amanda Riggan founded Hungry Heroes in response to the tragic loss of an officer killed in the line of duty. Amanda believed that her community needed healing in the face of this loss, and what better way than to gather together and share a meal? Hungry Heroes has expanded to other communities throughout the United States who may be suffering loss or just want to show their appreciation to local first-responders and military personnel.  

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It began with Lt Col Dan Rooney’s flight home from his second tour of duty in Iraq. An F-16 fighter pilot in the Oklahoma Air National Guard, he became painfully aware of the realities families face when a loved one in uniform is fallen or disabled.

As his flight landed, the pilot announced they carried the remains of Corporal Brock Bucklin on board. Lt Col Rooney watched as Corporal Bucklin’s twin brother walked somberly alongside the flag-covered casket to meet his family on the tarmac. Among them was the deceased Corporal’s young son, Jacob.

Since that night, Lt Col Rooney has committed his life to rallying patriotic Americans and meeting sacrifice with hope through the Folds of Honor. Since 2007, we’ve provided life-changing scholarships to the spouses and children of America’s fallen or disabled military. And now, our mission expands to the families of America’s first responders. On our watch, those who protect our freedoms and our families will know they are not forgotten.

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