The Friends and Family Charity BBQ Festival drew around 325 people to the James H. Anderson Legion Post 1119 in Orangeburg Saturday.
The event is in its fourth year and organizers called this the most successful yet. They raised $8,000 for the Wounded Warrior Project, which provides for the needs of injured service members.
They also raised $450 for the Lindsey Stewart and Mark Lennon Memorial Fund, which was created in the memory of the two people who died in a boating accident on the Hudson River July 26. Though organizers have changed which charity they make donations to from year to hear, they plan to continue to give part of the proceeds to the Lindey and Mark Foundation each year in the future.
The event featured a bounce house, face painting, balloon animals, a popcorn machine, spin art and an ice cream truck courtesy of donations by Impress the Guest and Rose's Soft Serfe.
Rick's Club American, Johnny's BBQ Smokehouse Grill, TF Noonan's, Munno's Italian Deli, Caribbean Food Delights and Rockland Bakery provided food, with draft beer from Lagunitas, Weyerbacher, Narrangansett, Bluepoint, Sixpoint and Green Flash West.
Danny Santiago, Dan & Kevin, Suburban Drag, Part Time Dragon Slayer and Gina's Picture Show all played live music.
The money raised was the highest total in the event's history. Last year, Friends & Family raised just under $7,000 for the Hudson Valley Food Bank. In 2011, it was a little over $6,000 for the Hudson Valley Chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. They raised $5,000 for the Susan G. Komen Foundation in 2010.
Editor's note: Joe Gartner provided pictures from this event.
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