IF YOU GO• What: Men's Club Barbecue• When: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13• Where: Jones Memorial United Methodist Church, 4131 Ringgold Road, East Ridge• Phone: 423-624-6073• Website: www.jmumc.orgON THE MENU• Chicken, beef or pork plates: $8• Stuffed baked potatoes: $8• Extra-large pork or beef sandwiches: $5• Beef, pork or chicken by the pound: $10
It's barbecue time for the Men's Club at Jones Memorial United Methodist Church, and the whole congregation will be involved.
Communication coordinator Shirley Baugh says the annual fundraiser, now in its 39th year, is "one of the most spiritually rewarding events" held at the church as members work side by side to accomplish the long list of tasks.
In the beginning, she says, the men cooked about 500 pounds of meat. This year, they will serve close to 5,000 pounds. The beef and pork are prepared by Rib & Loin now that the barbecue pits at East Ridge Town Hall have been torn down, but the men still gather a day ahead to begin cooking the chicken on grills outside the church to have meals ready to serve Saturday, Sept. 13.
The sauce recipe is still original to church member Tom Martin, who started the barbecue. The event has been dedicated in his memory since his death.
Women of the church make sure there's plenty of sauce, homemade coleslaw, baked beans and tea prepared in the church kitchen. They also finish up their offerings for the United Methodist Women's Bake and Craft Sale, held during the barbecue.
Youth sell tickets and deliver to local businesses in East Ridge on Saturday morning. Even kids in the Children's Department help gather orders and prepare meals for delivery, Baugh says.
The majority of funds raised from the barbecue go to purchase coats for needy children in East Ridge schools. Baugh says that in the last 25 years, 2,500 coats, valued at more than $82,500, have been purchased.