Red Barrel Bar & Grill was swarmed Saturday, Oct. 7 as the community came together for food, fun and a great cause as they hosted what is planned to be the first annual St. Jude’s fundraiser.
Red Barrel managers Rachel Simon and Randy Freeman reported they are accepting donations until Oct. 27, but so far the event and subsequent donations have brought in more than $13,000 for St Jude’s and more donations were expected. (Those still wanting to help the cause can bring in donations through next Friday.)
“[Red Barrel] owner Randy Viss actually set a personal goal of $20,000,” Simon said. “We’re not far from that.”
“We’re very excited about how this turned out,” Freeman added.
Guests on the day had tasty barbecue to eat and live entertainment with Maverick Green running a karaoke competition and Texas HomeGrown Radio organizing acts like 5-n-Dimers, Jamie Jewell, Brendyn Kyle, Jesse Jennings, Shelby Marshall and Tell Runyan. There was also a cornhole tournament, horseshoes and a silent auction.
The success of the event can be traced to generosity in just about every level as volunteers gave time to take tickets and help out, bartenders donated a portion of their tips, a rifle was provided for a well-received raffle, the winner of the cornhole tournament that day donated his winnings back and many of the musicians on scene donated their fees to the cause.
Red Barrel also donated all proceeds after their expenses for the day. “We didn’t make a dime out of it,” Simon said.
It helps that everyone could be assured the money was going to a worthwhile place. Simon reported they researched several organizations when they decided to host a fundraiser and found that St. Jude’s seemed to be the most responsible with the donations, with 83 cents of every dollar going directly to helping families of children with cancer.
“After we announced who we were going to partner with for the fundraiser, we’ve had dozens of people [talk to us] who have had first hand impact with St. Jude’s,” said Simon “It’s all positive. It helps you feel like you’ve picked the right group.”
Hundreds showed up in support as Red Barrel sold out of turkey legs and sausage and only had 25 pound of brisket left out of the prepared 300 pounds.
Mike Pruitt, who founded the Rylan Strong Network in honor of his son, was helping out the entire day.
“He went up to speak on the stage and within 10 minutes, we raised $1,600 from the crowd,” Freeman said. “He’s got a heart of gold.” They are reportedly discussing joining the event with Rylan Strong’s Chrome for a Cause and bike show for the benefit of the events and visitors.
“It was amazing,” Simon said of the day-long event. “We’re just grateful so many people came out and were willing to help make it a success.”
“We wouldn’t have done anything if people didn’t come out to show support,” Freeman said in agreement.