By Greg Murphy
The United Way of Quinte received support from Belleville city hall through the inviting aroma of flipped burgers and roasted hotdogs.
The first of three charity BBQs in support of the United Way took place behind city hall in the market square on May 30 and raised over $1000.
The goal this year was $800. Event organizers called this BBQ the best yet.
“Everything seemed to go well. We had a beautiful day, the market was on and we even had some beautiful music in the square,” said Angela Allen, development research assistant at city hall.
The United Way of Quinte isn’t the only organization that will see the donation. Part of the donations will be given to other organizations such as Big Brothers and Big Sisters, the Canadian Hearing Society, and St. John Ambulance.
“We work well with the United Way. We find it’s a great cause because they help a ton of organizations,” said Allen who organized this event.
United Way had support from city council as well.
“The United Way supports so many worthy charities and non-profits in the community. The people who run this organization have to be among the most generous in the country,” said Councilor Pat Culhane who volunteered at the event along with Councilor Garnet Thompson.
Allen said the BBQ was coordinated to coincide with activities at Market Square. It was market day and market-goers were treated to lunch at only the cost of 4$.
At future BBQs, Allen said it would be nice to use fresh ingredients from the market to make treats for dessert.
Everyone benefits from doing these types of events Allen said. The market benefits from the traffic of hungry citizens and the use of its fresh ingredients. The United Way and other similar organizations benefit from the profits.
“This is great because people come and get fed and they’re happy. The allure of the food gets you,” said Allen.
Metro and M&M meats donated materials for the BBQ including burger patties, hotdogs, buns and condiments.
There will be two more BBQs, June 20 and August 27.