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Strimbu Memorial Fund BBQ May 2 at Yankee Lake
BROOKFIELD, Ohio -- The 23nd Annual Strimbu BBQ is planned for May 2 at the Yankee Lake Ballroom here as part of a fund raising effort for the Strimbu Memorial Fund. Since its inception in 1990, the Strimbu Memorial Fund has raised close to $2 million, with over $1.8 million awarded in grants to various community programs and in scholarships to area high school students.
Fully 99% of the proceeds of the Strimbu BBQ go to these scholarships and grants, organizers say.
“The Strimbu Memorial Fund was created to perpetuate the work of the late Tom and 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,” said the Memorial Fund's board president, John “Chip” Mastrian. “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.”
The fund awards leadership scholarships in the amount of $1,000 each to qualified local high school seniors in 12 local school districts, with an additional $10,000 awarded to the overall leader. In addition, the fund contributes to economic development agencies and projects, and selected humanitarian projects and programs.
The event draws a sell-out crowd of 1,600. It is the largest event between Cleveland and Pittsburgh in terms of attendance, officials said.
The doors open at 5 p.m., and the food is reminiscent of a full-scale Texas barbeque with a multitude of appetizers plus beef, turkey, duck, pig, ox, fish and lamb served straight from the spit. In addition, six-foot in diameter paella skillets and mounds of appetizers will greet guests with more mouth-watering offerings.
“The event is also known for its giveaway of a bag of Vidalia onions to all those in attendance,” Mastrian noted. “This tradition started as the Strimbu family always brought back Vidalia onions from the South to give to their friends.”
The event will feature both silent and live auctions, with many unique items such as utility vehicles, travel packages, Lake Erie walleye fishing trips, Mick Jagger tickets, Nascar tickets and assorted jewelry items and more. Live music will be provided by “Pipe Dreams,” playing music from the mid-'60s and the Fab 4, featuring the original hit song “London Girls.”
Tickets are $90 and are available by calling Connie Schenker at (724) 704-7115 or John Holliday at (724) 699.8869.
Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.