Strimbu BBQ fundraiser marks its 29th year
Everything may seem bigger in Texas but that state has nothing on the barbecue that is held in Brookfield each year.
BROOKFIELD TOWNSHIP, Ohio - Everything may seem bigger in Texas, but that state has nothing on the barbecue that is held in Brookfield each year.
The show-stopping good time for a good cause drew in 1,600 people in memory of a man who led by the example of giving to others at the 29th Annual Strimbu Memorial Fund BBQ.
"It's a good cause. We enjoy it, good food. It's a lot of fun and we try to come every time we get a chance," said Jon Monaco of West Middlesex.
"I've been coming to this event for 17 years. What a great event; great food, great entertainment. They give tons of scholarships away; it's just a fun night," said Darla Sangregorio of Brookfield.
Sixteen hundred people came out to the annual dinner that raises money for the community in memory of Nick Strimbu, Jr. An estimated $200,000 was raised at the event.
"During his lifetime he gave out of his pocket to everybody that he could help and he never wanted any kind of applause for it. He did it behind the scenes. So we try to do that here, but it doesn't work that way because we get so many people involved," said Strimbu's son Bill Strimbu.
Strimbu added, "Everybody that buys one ticket is a stakeholder here and we tell those people when they come through the door if you see a family in need in your community, if you see anybody that needs a hand up instead of a hand out, have them call us because we are right there with our checkbook,"
Board President Jim Grasso said since its inception in 1990, the Strimbu Memorial Fund has provided $3.3 million to support academic scholarships, local economic development groups, nonprofits and other charitable organizations.
Grasso said during the past year, the Strimbu Memorial Fund has distributed $147,250 in grants to area organizations and individuals.
In addition, the fund has awarded $36,000 in scholarships to exemplary seniors from area high schools who exhibit the qualities of leadership and self-reliance.
"The Strimbu Memorial Fund was created to perpetuate the work of the late Nick Strimbu, Jr. who had a passion for leading individuals and economic development agencies in order to attract, assist and retain the industrial base of the Valley. In addition, when the Strimbu Memorial Fund awards scholarships to area students, we are investing in the life of a person, and that is worth millions," said Grasso.
This year, the fund awarded leadership college scholarships during the event in the amount of $2,000 each to seniors in 12 local school districts, with an additional student winning a $10,000 college scholarship as the overall leader.
This year's entertainment featured country-rock star, Chris Higbee.
