BBQ Day is October 5th!
Family, legacy, community, and friendship are words that evoke a feeling of belonging. At Collins Home Family Ministries (CHFM) we want those we serve to experience the depth of belonging and the power of the unity it brings. Over the last forty-four years God has done some amazing things at CHFM, and I am thankful to be a part of the next generation who aspires to see children and families flourish in Christ-centered homes.
Collins Home Family Ministries was established in 1980 and just a few years into the journey, Joe and Anne Rackley knew they needed the support of the community to Serve God and His kids. That need birthed our annual BBQ which will celebrate its 41st year on October 5th. Over the years, we have served over 61,000 pieces of the best BBQ chicken you have ever tasted.
The process of cooking, preparing, and saucing the chicken is a highly guarded secret, which not even I know! From what I saw during my first BBQ last year, there are many things that make this event special. There are volunteers who show up during the early morning hours, vendors who donate goods and services, there are sponsors who provide funding and of course there’s you, our faithful patrons who purchase a chicken dinner.
The very first BBQ was held at the home of Joe and Anne Rackley, as it grew, it was moved to Northside Elementary school and over the last few years it has transitioned into a drive- thru pick up at our campus located off Keowee School Road. This year’s plate will include a half chicken, beans, slaw, chips, and a cookie for the price of fifteen dollars. Think about it, for fifteen dollars, you will have a full belly and help fill the bellies of our residents. That’s a win-win.
This year, we would love to raise $50,000, which represents the amount of money we spend each year to feed the kiddos who live here. This year we will serve 1500 chicken plates at $15 each for a total of $22,500, so obviously, buying a chicken plate is only part of the fundraising process. The generosity of local community partners and individuals like you will push us over the finish line!
-Kelly Ross