Operation BBQ Relief Honored with CNN Hero Award
PLEASANT HILL, Mo., Oct. 4, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Operation BBQ Relief, a 501(c)(3) non-profit volunteer organization that has served approximately 1.7 million meals in disaster regions, announced today that the organization has been honored with the prestigious CNN Hero Award (https://www.crowdrise.com/stan-hays-operation-bbq-relief). Operation BBQ Relief is profiled on the global networks of CNN and on CNN.com, as part of a year-long initiative that honors everyday people for their selfless, creative efforts to help others.
Stan Hays, Co-Founder of Operation BBQ Relief said, "It is a true honor to accept this CNN Hero Award on behalf of Operation BBQ Relief and our incredible volunteers. Six and a half years ago, a group of competitive BBQ cooks, judges, and locals set out to cook meals, in response to the devastation of tornadoes in Joplin, Missouri. Our goal was simple: we hoped to make at least one person's life a little bit better with a hot BBQ meal. We had no visions of grandeur nor aspirations for awards. The experiences along the way and the meaningful relationships we've developed have been more than we could have ever dreamed of. We are honored to accept the CNN Hero Award, in celebration of the approximately 1.7 million meals served by our volunteers."
In support of all CNN Heroes, the public is encouraged to visit cnnheroes.com to donate to their favorite organizations, as well as to set up fundraisers to raise money for these worthy causes.
About CNN Worldwide
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About Operation BBQ Relief:
In 2011, Operation BBQ Relief was founded in response to a need for relief efforts in tornado-stricken Joplin, Missouri. Volunteers of competition BBQ teams from eight states answered the need to help feed displaced families, Police, Fire, National Guard and emergency personnel.
Operation BBQ Relief has grown to become a Disaster Response Team made up of over 4,000 volunteers and competition BBQ teams. The organization provides hot BBQ meals along with compassion, hope and friendship to those whose lives have been affected by disasters across the United States. Expertise in cooking large scale meals and an organizational structure that allows teams to quickly mobilize means that deployment teams can move into any area where nature disrupts.
Since May of 2011, Operation BBQ Relief has served approximately 1.7 million hot BBQ meals in 23 states in response to 43 disasters. Funding comes from fundraisers, online merchandise sales and both individual and corporate donations.
More information can be found at: www.operationbbqrelief.org.
Media Contact:
Jean Golden 612-385-2324 or [email protected]
SOURCE Operation BBQ Relief
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