Step Up For Soldiers Backyard BBQ Cook-Off - January 28, 2012

Where the BBQ Meets the Beach

Carolina Beach, NC - On Saturday, January 28, 2012 twenty-five teams will take to their grills, forks in hand, secret recipes folded and stashed in pockets, all for the glory of the title and the satisfaction of knowing they've helped to raise a significant amount of money for Step Up For Soldiers.

The competition will start with a level playing field: everyone will have the same meats, be in the same location and have the same time constraints. But thrown into the mix will be individual rubs, sauces or marinades, grill temperatures and methods of cooking that will leave someone going home with braggin' rights for the next year.

The cook-off will be held at the lake in Carolina Beach at the junction of Lake Park Blvd. and Atlanta Avenue and everyone is welcome. Admission is free. Tickets can be purchased to sample the BBQs after the double-blind judging is completed. There will be music, raffles, arts and craft vendors and additional food and drink for purchase. Gates open at 11:00am and prizes will be awarded at 2:00pm. And all to benefit Step Up For Soldiers.

Step Up For Soldiers is an all-volunteer non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of our disabled veterans and their families. Step Up For Soldiers was started in November 2004 by Tom Russell, a retired Port Authority police officer and Vietnam Vet. His intent was to assist wounded soldiers who were sent overseas in response to the 9/11 terrorist attack and he began with building wheelchair ramps for two soldiers who returned home paralyzed from the waist down. The organization has increased from a single person to a small family of nine dedicated volunteers and continues to develop as it grows. Russell's goal is to help as many families of active and non-active duty soldiers as possible in the Fort Bragg to Camp Lejeune areas by modifying homes and providing other services to veteran and active duty soldiers.

There is no better way to spend the day than tasting the best BBQ around, maybe eating some oysters or a burger, listening to great music and browsing through the goods from the arts and craft vendors while helping support such a deserving organization.

To volunteer during the event contact Kevin Holton at kwholton@gmail.com or call 919-274-8617. For more information contact Rose McConville at rosemc110@gmail.com or call 910-547-0087.