With autumn just around the corner, Flint residents can look forward to cooler weather, beautiful foliage, and the return of apple cider and pumpkin pie; however, to the disadvantaged in our city, fall represents the return of fear, for winter follows autumn with a vengeance. Catholic Charities, a faith-based non-profit, is busy stocking their larders in preparation of winter.
On August 1-4, the grills at World Class Bar-B-Q, located on N. Saginaw Street at Pierson Rd., were fired up to feed those in need. Patrons and supporters enjoyed slow-cooked, hickory-smoked, fall-off-the-bone tender barbecued chicken and ribs, all while raising money for Catholic Charities’ three soup kitchens. In a spectacular display of generosity, all of the proceeds from this four-day benefit were donated to the soup kitchens, totaling $13,000. The staff even donated their tips to make a difference!
Catholic Charities of Shiawassee and Genesee Counties, a diverse social service agency, offers an array of programs that includes the North End, Holy Angels and South Flint Soup Kitchens, which provide more than 170,000 meals each year to Genesee County residents. The event was so successful that Dave Burton, owner of World Class Bar-B-Q, is bringing the fundraiser back for an encore. His goal is to raise a total of $25,000 between the two events. “I’ve always had a heart for the hungry and homeless,” he stated to My City Magazine as his reason for hosting the fundraiser, “and the Holy Spirit compels me to reach out and fulfill my Christian responsibility.” From September 5-8, you can spread the love by heading out to World Class Bar-B-Q for tender brisket, chicken smothered in an award-winning “World Class Bar-B-Q” sauce, and smoked ribs rubbed with choice spices and premium herbs, knowing that all of the proceeds will go to making sure the underserved in Flint stay full throughout the colder months. “It’s all about love. Love thy neighbor,” says Dave, and there has never been a more delicious opportunity to do so!
