‘Guys’ grill for good cause at Butler Township Park
BUTLER TWP — Bratwurst sizzled and beer cans fizzled at the first “Guys who Grill” event Friday evening, June 16, as well-known personalities from across Butler County came together to cook for a good cause.
Proceeds from the event, mainly from $20 and $25 upfront tickets, went directly toward the Butler Golden Tornado Kids Weekend Backpack Foundation, a program that aims to provide weekends’ worth of healthy food for children in kindergarten through fifth grade who are facing food insecurity.
“The goal of it is to try to help elementary-aged kids from low-income families in the Butler School District,” said Niki Collins, administrative assistant for Butler Township.
According to Kim Thomas, special education teacher at McQuistion Elementary School, the program fed upward of 450 children per week over the past year.
Some of the guys at the grill were experienced restaurateurs and business owners from the community, such as Dan Kos of Renfrew’s Missing Links Brewery, who brought his “Shotgun Shells”; and Barry and Penelope Cummings from Cummings Candy & Coffee, who brought their cafe mocha French toast. However, most were simply volunteers contributing what they could.
BUTLER TWP — Bratwurst sizzled and beer cans fizzled at the first “Guys who Grill” event Friday evening, June 16, as well-known personalities from across Butler County came together to cook for a good cause.
Proceeds from the event, mainly from $20 and $25 upfront tickets, went directly toward the Butler Golden Tornado Kids Weekend Backpack Foundation, a program that aims to provide weekends’ worth of healthy food for children in kindergarten through fifth grade who are facing food insecurity.
“The goal of it is to try to help elementary-aged kids from low-income families in the Butler School District,” said Niki Collins, administrative assistant for Butler Township.
According to Kim Thomas, special education teacher at McQuistion Elementary School, the program fed upward of 450 children per week over the past year.
Some of the guys at the grill were experienced restaurateurs and business owners from the community, such as Dan Kos of Renfrew’s Missing Links Brewery, who brought his “Shotgun Shells”; and Barry and Penelope Cummings from Cummings Candy & Coffee, who brought their cafe mocha French toast. However, most were simply volunteers contributing what they could.
“All of the cooks are local Butler-area personalities that people may know because they’re active in our community,” Collins said.
Among those volunteers was Butler Mayor Bob Dandoy, who brought glazed grilled fruit kebobs.
"It’s going to be a fun day, and I think it’s a great way for people to get together, and it’s for a good cause. So why not do it?“ Dandoy said.
Another volunteer was Jim Osche, husband of Butler County Commissioner Leslie Osche, who brought an array of creative grilled cheese sandwiches that were a hit with attendees.
Also a big hit were the “Smash Burgers” cooked up by Jud Stewart.
"I haven’t tried everything, but so far I’ve loved these little slider burgers,“ said guest Karen Dunn.
There was also an element of competition to the grilling. As they entered the event, guests were issued a white ticket that they used to cast their vote for their favorite dish in several categories — appetizers, entrees, desserts and sides.
The event had just about everything except for beer on premises — it was strictly BYOB.
Proceeds for the event didn’t come just from ticket sales — during the event, tickets were sold for a series of raffles, including a basket raffle and a 50/50 raffle. The biggest prize of all was a $400 portable Green Mountain Trek Wood Pellet Grill donated by Adam Martin of Martin Sales and Service.
Ultimately, Kos’ “Shotgun Shells” won top honors for best appetizer, while Aaron Steinheiser’s “Church Chicken” won best entree. Jeff Double took top spot in the sides category for his grilled cabbage, while Dandoy’s grilled strawberries won best dessert.
