Some people may think of the band Deep Purple when they hear the title “Smoke on the Water,” but a local nonprofit is using the phrase to promote its altruistic contributions.

For the third year, the Greater Toledo Area Chapter of the Red Cross is hosting its Downtown ribs event, July 30 through Aug. 1.

“I’ve always worked for a nonprofit organization. It’s ingrained in my being,” said Jodie Tienvieri, communications manager for the Greater Toledo Area Chapter of the Red Cross. “Any time we can educate the public on what we do and how we serve is wonderful for us. It doesn’t matter if we are running an event or having classes, just as long as we are helping somebody.”

Funds from the fundraiser provide residents of Lucas, Ottawa and Wood counties with disaster preparedness and response, health and safety education and aid to families that have members in the military.

According to Tienvieri, the 2008 event raised $28,000 with $49,000 collected in 2009.

“The satisfaction comes from helping the Red Cross meet their mission,” said Chris Kozak, communications and community relations manager at Columbia Gas of Ohio, the event’s major sponsor. “People call at their greatest time of need and Columbia Gas is proud to help the red cross raise funds to achieve their goals.”

While raising funds is integral to providing assistance to all who need a hand, Smoke on the Water also offers a plethora of entertainment to engage patrons of any age.

Famous Dave’s Legendary Pit Bar-B-Que eating contest will commence at 6:30 p.m. July 30. This involves 10 contestants having 10 minutes to devour as much of a three-pound serving of pulled pork they can stomach.  The winner will receive a prize package worth $500.

Smoke on the Water also has a rib-off; the judging for the event is Aug. 1.

The categories are People’s Choice and Judges’ Choice awards.  Judges’ Choice consists of a panel of local media personalities and community leaders, who will score the vendors ribs on taste, sauce, texture and appearance.

If that is not enough to send  taste buds into a tizzy, the music of The Polka Floyd Show, Kentucky Chrome, Melanie May, Kentucky Headhunters, Gin Blossoms and Mini KISS will provide the entertainment.

Dan Zawisza, chairman of the entertainment committee for the event, said, “We try to get a variety of music that appeals to the majority and bring in family friendly entertainment. Hopefully, this event continues to take off like it has and we can get some of the Citifest magic back.”

On Aug. 1, there will be a children’s area from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.  In the past, the source of fun has been a bouncy house, face painting and a YMCA fun bus for children to make crafts.

Smoke on the Water will take place July 30 to Aug. 1 in Promenade Park. The event is open July 30 and July 31 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Aug.  1 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission is $5, but children 12 and under are free.

For more information, visit ribs4redcross.com.

Tags: Smoke on the Water

This entry was posted on Sunday, May 16th, 2010 at 7:07 pm and is filed under Arts and Life, Family Fun, Featured.
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