On Thursday, May 9th, Aspire of WNY hosted its annual Drive-Thru Chicken BBQ at its Chautauqua County headquarters at 140 Mall Blvd. in Jamestown. The event featured delicious chicken dinners prepared by Weidner’s BBQ. The $4,000+ in proceeds from this event benefited one of Aspire of WNY’s most crucial programs, Helping Hands. This program provides emergency and supplemental funding to individuals of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the WNY area to meet various needs that these individuals and/or their families may be unable to afford.
Patrons enjoyed a delicious Weidner’s dinner for just $15, which included a half BBQ chicken, BBQ baked beans, potato salad, and freshly baked rolls with butter. Tickets were available for pre-sale and on the day of the event, making it convenient for supporters and local community members alike to attend. The event also featured a 50/50 raffle and a variety of raffle baskets, adding an extra layer of fun and excitement for attendees.
“The Drive-Thru Chicken BBQ is a wonderful opportunity to collaborate with local businesses to raise vital funds for our agency,” says Megan Rechin, Vice President of Communications and Growth Opportunities at Aspire of WNY. “We have the pleasure of cooking dinner for members of our community, who in turn get to support an incredible cause. Also, a huge shout-out goes to our volunteers and everyone who helped make this day successful. It is my honor to be part of a team so dedicated to the people we support and hosting incredible events that welcome the Jamestown community into our world.”
We extend a special thanks to our $100 EGG-Celent supporter sponsors: Chad Ecklof from Ecklof Bakery & Deli, and Joel Chitay Pixtun from Doggy Stylez Dog Grooming. We are also immensely grateful to the following individuals, organizations, and local businesses for their generous raffle basket donations: Jamestown Tarp Skunks, Jamestown Jackals, Jon Davis from Ashville General Store, Jason Widrig from Timber Creek Golf Course, Jonathan Weston from Panama Rocks, Kim Carlson from Pea Pod and Juniper, Kathy Glotz from Nature Art, Grant Robinson from Liquid Monkey, Joyce Rothleder from Ryder’s Cup, Country Woods Store, Designer Pools, as well as various departments and individuals within Aspire of WNY, and to those that were unable to purchase dinners but still made donations to our program.
Thank you to everyone who attended, donated, and supported this year’s Drive-Thru Chicken BBQ. Your contributions help to make an IMPACT in the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout the WNY community! The proceeds from this BBQ will directly benefit individuals who need it most, ensuring they receive the support necessary to realize their full potential and live as independently as possible. We look forward to seeing you again next year!
To see all of the photos, please click here.