Virginia Post 10 opening up its doors to the community for its first BBQ Showdown, with the main goal to raise fundraise for the Veterans & Children Foundation.
A Virginia American Legion post is taking a unique approach to raise money for one of the Legion’s most critical funds. And it’s bringing its community in to assist the effort.
This weekend, Robert V. McMaugh Memorial Post 10 in Manassas will stage its inaugural BBQ Showdown. Proceeds from the event will benefit The American Legion Veterans & Children Foundation (VCF), as well as two local charities.
The idea for the event came from Post 10 Commander Stanley Moore after attending the Legion’s national convention and learning about the 1919 Society, which celebrates those who have made a substantial impact in the lives of military families and veterans through financial gifts to the VCF.
“I’ve been fascinated by the 1919 Society and the Veterans & Children Foundation and all that goes into it,” Moore said. “We wanted to do a barbecue competition, and I figured this would be the perfect way to get money and donate it to the foundation from the post. And get the community involved.”
Moore said the actual idea of using a barbecue competition came from Sons of The American Legion Squadron Commander Dan Frye. “When I was looking for something to raise money with for the VCF, Dan Frye mentioned the barbecue,” Moore said. “That’s where I got the idea, from him. And he has been extremely helpful and instrumental in getting it off the ground.”
The competition will feature both professional pitmasters and amateur grillers showcasing their skills in a variety of categories: ribs, chicken and brisket, as well as a People's Choice pulled pork winner being chosen by those in attendance.
Judges for other three categories include Department of Virginia Commander Eugene Malinowski, Sons of The American Legion Detachment of Virginia Commander Kevin Chaplin and Ian Lovejoy, a member of the Virginia House of Delegates.
There also will be live music from local bands, as well as games and activities for children and adults, including horseshoes, inflatables and carnival-style games.
The event is getting support from its surrounding entities, including Historic Manassas Inc. and the Prince William Chamber of Commerce.
“The community is where we make our biggest impact, especially as a post,” said Moore in explaining why the event is open to the public. “When you get the community involved, it makes it easier to get them to support our veterans. This brings awareness. We’re an organization that’s there to help. It makes people see us in a different light.”
Moore also said it was important to make the event a Legion Family effort. Auxiliary Unit 10 has chosen local nonprofit Serve Our Willing Warriors as its charity for the event, while SAL Squadron 10 will donate its share of the proceeds to Final Salute.
“That way we give them a little bit of ownership (of the event),” Moore said. “We are a family. The more we can do together, the more we can get done.”
Moore said the goal is to continue the event every year, with the purpose being raising money mainly for the VCF. It’s the component of the fund that provides money for the Legion’s Temporary Financial Assistance (TFA) grant program that stands out to Moore. TFA provides cash grants to minor children of current active-duty or American Legion members to help meet the cost of shelter, food, utilities and health expenses.
“Really, kids are our future, and that’s what I’ve been concentrating on this year: events and programs like Junior ROTC, Boys State,” he said. “If we don’t have a good foundation for the kids to grow up in and become leaders in their own right, it doesn’t look good for us.
“Give them that base. Give them the knowledge that we’re here for them and we’re behind them. It will make them better people and better citizens in the future.”
- Community