From the Heart
August 2020 – Cedar Rapids Update
Message from CEO
Dear Friends,
Operation BBQ Relief has had a busy week on the ground in Cedar Rapids. We have served 45,800 meals and will be serving another 9,400 meals today. Today we will also serve that one meal that matters for the 8 millionth time since May 2011!
The devastation is unprecedented as many families are trying to navigate obstacles with the derecho and pandemic. FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor visited with Operation BBQ Relief and highlighted, “I got to meet the Operation BBQ Relief team and thank them for their hard work in Iowa. This non-profit will hit their 8 millionth meal served as a group this week! Grateful for all of our volunteer partners working to help Iowans.”
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds also shared her gratitude “Thanks to Operation BBQ Relief for preparing 11,000 meals for people in Linn County in response to #Derecho2020. I’m so grateful for organizations such as these for all they’re doing to help!”
We will continue to provide hope and compassion by sharing the healing power of BBQ.
We are grateful for the support from celebrities Ashton Kutcher and Kurt Warner from Cedar Rapids who took time to share our GoFundMe campaign on their social media pages.
Operation BBQ Relief was highlighted on ABC World News Tonight with David Muir for our deployment in Cedar Rapids.
Thank you for your generous support of Operation BBQ Relief as we feed families in need in Cedar Rapids. Notes of gratitude like the one below are one of the many reasons why we will continue to provide the one hot meal that matters in communities throughout the country.
“I know you’re super busy but wanted to take a minute to say Thank you for all you have done and are doing for the entire community. Those folks had their first real meal in a week all thanks to you. There is definitely a place reserved for you in Heaven.”
Much Respect,
Stan Hays
“Tough things don’t last, Tough people do.”
Operation BBQ Relief Cedar Rapids Deployment t-shirt
The shirts are printed by a veteran-owned, family-operated company that proudly supports Operation BBQ Relief. 100% of the proceeds of this t-shirt will support the efforts of Operation BBQ Relief in providing hot meals to communities affected by disasters. Available in Grey or Red, and available in sizes Small – 4XL.
Operation Restaurant Relief
Watch this short video that highlights the impact of the Operation Restaurant Relief program. The program gave restaurants a lifeline, hired back or maintained 296 employees at 27 restaurants, and served 4,436,345 meals.
Limited Edition Thermapen
Don’t miss out on the Limited Edition Operation BBQ Relief Thermapen Mk4! 15% of sales proceeds will benefit Operation BBQ Relief. Thank you Thermoworks for your continued support!
Purchase your Thermapen here!
Operation BBQ Relief Face Masks
Purchase your Operation BBQ Relief face masks today! Face masks come in singles or packs of 4 and are available in adult and children’s sizes.
Shiner Beer Campaign
Post a picture of your favorite BBQ to #ShinerBBQ and tag @ShinerBeer in support of Operation BBQ Relief! For every post, Shiner Beer will donate $1 in support of our efforts to provide the one hot meal that matters to those in need. Campaign ends on August 31, 2020. For more information, click here.
Corporate Supporters
