Cheer Fund BBQ to raise much-needed relief funds

Requests for funding from the Hamilton County Ministerial Alliance Cheer Fund have grown significantly this year, putting an added emphasis on a barbecue and baked bean contest later this month which organizers say is a critical factor in being able to help people in need. The third annual Cheer Fund event is scheduled for Sept. 29 from 4:30-6:30 at the Hamilton County Fairgrounds Ag Building.
Brock Manley, one of the event’s organizers who represents the Presbyterian Church’s Mission Committee, said the need for emergency funds continues to grow, as does support for the barbecue competition.
“This is an event that does wonders to bring the community back together, to get all the area churches working on a common goal,” Manley said during a presentation last week to the Aurora Rotary Club. “Who doesn’t like barbecue?”
Manley shared that a group of organizers launched the idea for a barbecue competition two years ago, not knowing what kind of response to expect.
“In our first year we had nine local churches participate and we didn’t think it was going to be as big as it ended up being,” he recalled. “We set out with a goal to raise $1,000 of the Cheer Fund and we ended up raising $2,500.”
The 2022 event was held at the Poco Creek Clubhouse, which was filled to capacity with roasters filled with barbecue, as well as a whole lot of bean side dishes. That prompted a change in last year’s event to include a baked bean contest as well.
“We had so many entries show up and so many baked bean dishes that we ended up with so much food,” he said, noting that the competition format was based on guests voting on their favorite barbecue and baked bean entries. “Nobody could eat that much food.”
Last year’s event was moved to the Bremer Center to allow more room, ending successfully with $2,800 for the Cheer Fund.
This year, more changes are planned, with the event moved to the Ag Building at the fairgrounds, where a panel of judges will decide the winners.
“We didn’t have enough room last year so we’re moving it to the Ag Building and I have no doubt that we’re going to end up at the Farr Building one of these days,” he said. “With all of this money going to the Cheer Fund I think that everybody is happy to get behind this. As far as charities go sometimes you don’t know where all the money is going, but with this one you know all the money is staying here and it’s helping the families that need the help.
“It’s not for everybody who has their hand out, but for low-income families that maybe they’ve got one car and their transmission went out and because they can’t afford that $800 fix their water is getting shut off,” he continued. “Well, this fund is here to help people like that and I think that is something everybody in the community can get behind.”
Tim Wells, pastor of the Cross of Christ Lutheran Church, shared with the Aurora Rotary Club that almost $8,000 worth of vouchers have been distributed thus far this year, though less than $1,000 in donations have been collected. That gap, he noted, is due both to an increase in the maximum funding allowed per household, as well as a seasonal trend in annual giving.
Due to the rising cost of living, he explained, the maximum amount one family can receive per year was raised from $300 to $500. Since January, he said $7,800 worth of vouches have been given to 26 local households, with 90 percent of the money going toward water and electric bills and the other 10 percent for mostly rent.
“What I find very interesting is that $3,000 of those checks have been written from July to now, so we’ve had a huge uptick in requests,” he said. “So far this year we’ve brought in $905 and I believe that’s normal for post-January. We’ve applied for a grant through the foundation and this year we will be part of GoBigGive so that will be good. But, another key way we raise funds is through our third annual Cheer Fund barbecue, so we’re excited about that. We need to remind people that we normally get gifts from congregations who support this cause, but otherwise it’s fundraisers like this and the grants that really keep it going.”

How to enter
Those preparing a meat dish are asked to prepare 50 servings, also bringing meat to the event in a roaster. Participants should plan to arrive at the Ag Building between 3:30 and 4 p.m. to get set up.
“If it is anything like last year we’re going to have plenty of meat,” Manley said. “Sides that aren’t beans are great, so you know bring things that go along great with barbecue like chicken wings, coleslaw and potato salad. We already have 1,000 cookies showing up, so we don’t need more cookies, but whatever people want to donate is very welcome.”
Anyone who would like to make a donation, or prepare an entry for the barbecue and/or baked bean contest is invited to contact Manley at 971-226-6300, Pat Pickering at 402-631-9433 or email cheerfundbbq@gmail.com