The 15th annual TECO Family BBQ raised $70,000 for two charities.
When delicious barbeque helps injured or fallen soldiers – and emergency care for our neighbors – it hits the spot that much more.
That was the case at the 15th annual TECO Family BBQ for Charity. All-you-can-eat BBQ, sides and desserts on a gorgeous Saturday meant full bellies and full hearts – for both the pitmasters and the patrons alike.
The event, held in Riverview this February, charged a $20 admission fee for BBQ samples and sides, with kids 10 and under chowing for free. The epic cookoff had teams prepping, grilling and smoking BBQ on site for more than 24 hours – hoping to put their best bite forward for the judges while also feeding the masses who support this event every year.
“It's a lot of work for the cook teams, so we appreciate them,” said Tina Lukcic, a Tampa Electric account manager and BBQ committee member. “It's just a great day.”
Funds raised will benefit two incredible organizations – Operation Healing Forces (OHF) and the Emergency Care Help Organization (ECHO). OHF is a national nonprofit, headquartered in Tampa, that serves the wounded, injured, ill and fallen United States Special Operations Forces community. ECHO assists residents of Eastern Hillsborough County who are facing crisis with emergency food and clothing, offering life-stabilizing programs and resources.
The cookoff is a huge team effort, full of volunteers serving up tons of fun from the sidelines – such as free face painting, cookie decorating and power pole climbing for kids.
From cookie decorating, face painting and learning lineworker skills, BBQ volunteers served up sides of fun!
The delectable day culminated in recognition from the lucky judges who tasted savory ribs, brisket, chicken wings, dessert and more to determine this year’s winners. After their grueling (or was it drooling?) work, the judges narrowed down their choices.
And the winners – made up of pit pros and backyard BBQ’rs – were:
Grand Champion Overall: Grill Team 6
Reserve Grand Champion Overall: Holla Atcha Boyz
3rd Place Overall: Meat Sweats
4th Place Overall: The IBEW BBQ Crew
5th Place Overall: Flaming Heads BBQ Team
Thanks to our BBQ teams, volunteers and supporters for making this year’s BBQ another memorable reminder of what we can accomplish together.