The smell of barbeque was in the air as 41 teams came out to compete at the annual Vine Street BBQ Fest in Park Ridge. The event was started by four friends and neighbors – Brian Chaplin, Joe Kontuly, Jamie Rafferty and Jamie Rubin, who share a love for all things barbeque.
“The four of us competed in an event a few years back and had so much fun that we wanted to bring something like it to our community,” said Jamie Rubin. “We knew we wanted to make it a charitable event as a way to give back.”
The first year, the fest had 17 teams and has since grown to twice that size with teams on a waitlist to compete. The event also features local food vendors, music, kids’ activities and a raffle.
“It’s exciting to see the growth of the event and how excited people get about competing,” said Joe Kontuly. “We’ve even received praise from the Kansas City Barbeque Society. We have judges from the organization coming from all over the Midwest.”
This year there were about 2,500 people participating in the event, so it relies heavily on volunteers and sponsorships.
“A few years ago, we were approached by the Lutheran General Junior Board about a partnership, and it just made sense,” said Brian Chaplin. “They’ve really been a huge part of our success, helping with volunteers and sponsorships.”
The mission of the Junior Board is to engage young donors with Advocate Lutheran General Hospital through fundraising and community-based activities. Over the past four years, the fest has raised more than $116,000, This year, it raised more than $42,000 for four local charities including the Adult Down Syndrome Center at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital.
The Adult Down Syndrome Center is the first and largest clinic of its kind that provides health services to adolescents and adults with Down syndrome. The Center provides patients everything from holistic care and support to education and resources in a compassionate, welcoming environment. They also offer online and in-person classes and programs, participate in community outreach and conduct research. Charitable gifts help the Center expand services and resources and share its findings to support adults with Down syndrome who do not have access to a clinic like this one.
The Adult Down Syndrome Center had a tent at the event, and the program director, Dr. Brian Chicoine, said a few words before they announced the winning teams. Many of the Center’s families also stopped by to show their support and eat some barbeque.
“This year’s event was a great success, and we were so pleased with the turnout despite the threat of rain,” said Jamie Rafferty. “We’re already planning for next year and hope to raise even more.”
How you can help
Interesting in attending or competing? Follow Vine Street BBQ on Facebook. You can also donate directly to the Adult Down Syndrome Center or learn more about its At the Center of it all fundraising campaign.