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From the Heart – August 2021

August 5, 2021 Newsletters

Message from the Co-Founders

Operation BBQ Relief values connecting, inspiring, serving, educating, and feeding communities in need. The phrase, “give an individual a fish and you feed them for a day; teach them to fish, and you feed them for a lifetime,” rings true in the work we do. Through BBQ Basics, Operation BBQ Relief gives veterans and first responders the tools to make an impact in their community by teaching the healing power of BBQ with champion pitmasters and chefs. BBQ Basics improves morale, provides life skills, and offers hope to veterans and first responders.

One veteran participant shared, “That was the best two days I had in a while. I just thought the healing power of BBQ was a slogan you all had, but I experienced it first hand.”

While we are thankful for the opportunity to serve during non-disaster programs, we know that hurricane season is quickly approaching. In preparation for this, we are asking for your continued support.

Donations of any amount allow us to further the mission of Operation BBQ Relief. Please consider donating your money or time to Operation BBQ Relief these upcoming months.

To register to become a volunteer, please register on the Operation BBQ Relief App or visit: https://volunteers.operationbbqrelief.org/registration

Much respect,

Stan Hays, CEO
Will Cleaver, CPO and Head of Finance

Donate

Area Coordinator Spotlight

David Pavone – Maryland Area Coordinator

First deployment: Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Favorite Operation BBQ Relief memory: “I had the privilege of doing a BBQ Basics at the VA hospital in Martinsburg, WV. I helped veterans and cooked BBQ. I taught a ‘smoking and grilling 101’ course, and this event was the best of all my worlds combined.”

Why volunteer with Operation BBQ Relief? “Working with Operation BBQ Relief has melted my body, mind, spirit, and reached inside my heart and just held on, and it’s never letting go. I can’t fully explain the experience, and you can’t understand it until you do it yourself. Volunteer today, be ready to help others, and it will touch you as well.”

Serving Those Who Serve Us

Operation BBQ Relief teamed up with Area Coordinator Tony Olive, Pitmaster Andrew Darneille, and Smokecraft Modern Barbecue to provide hot BBQ meals to members of the military and their families in Fort Belvoir, VA.

Operation BBQ Relief hosted an appreciation luncheon at the warehouse in Peculiar, MO. Special thanks to the first responders and veterans that attended along with former Kansas City Chiefs Art Still and former Kansas City Royals Jaime Bluma.