Longtime volunteer David Burch of Smokey Dave’s BBQ first heard of Operation BBQ Relief in 2011 when we responded to a need for tornado relief efforts in Joplin, Mo. Competitive pitmasters from nine states answered the call to feed displaced families and first responders. Together, they served over 120,000 meals in 13 days.
“The thing that inspires me the most about Operation BBQ Relief is the barbecue community coming together to serve a common purpose … giving back to people in need,” David said.
David, who is from North Carolina, first volunteered with us after Hurricane Florence hit Wilmington, N.C. in 2018. He’s lost count of how many deployments he’s been on since. He just wrapped up back-to-back deployments to feed those impacted by wildfires in Maui in August and Hurricane Idalia in Florida earlier this month.
“I love my Operation BBQ Relief family and will gladly help in any way I can if I am available. These people have changed my life and made me a better person. I run to them any chance I can. This is therapy for my soul. To be around such quality people and make a difference is a great thing to be a part of. For anyone thinking about volunteering, it is a life-changing experience, and you will meet people who will be in your life forever.”
Thnks so much for your hard work, David!
To register to volunteer with Operation BBQ Relief, download our “OBR Volunteers” app or visit our website at https://operationbbqrelief.org/volunteer-obr.
