Whitesville-based Sling ‘N’ Steel BBQ Smokers is gearing up for their annual friendly grilling competition on June 29. This year, 100% of competition proceeds will be donated to St. Benedict’s Women’s Shelter. Organizers are looking for teams to join the event and are preselling gallons of burgoo to help raise money.
Nathan Rhodes, who co-owns Sling ‘N’ Steel with Jeremy Murphy, said they have been a longtime supporter of St. Benedict’s over the years, but he said that recently he’s wanted to help them more than usual.
“As I’ve learned more about the whole situation, they told me they don’t get very much state funding. So I’m just trying to do my part,” he said.
The competition will begin at 7 a.m. at the Sling ‘N’ Steel Fabrication Shop at 9586 Williams Rd in Whitesville. There will be fireworks that night.
The grilling contest will be split into three judging categories: pork butts, chickens and ribs. It costs $200 to register a team. Contact Rhodes at 270-302-5579 to register early; teams can also register that day.
“We have about 15 teams right now; if we could get at least 30 teams, then that would be great,” Rhodes said.
Rhodes said the winning team will receive a $4,300 trailer smoker from Sling ‘N’ Steel. The business specializes in custom smokers and grills for casual to commercial levels.
Sling ‘N’ Steel is also taking preorders of burgoo at $25 a gallon, which can be picked up at the benefit. Call Rhodes at 270-302-5579 to preorder.
St. Benedict’s Director of Advancement Susan Law said when Rhodes came to them about this decision, it was an undeniable blessing.
“We’re overjoyed and thrilled at the thought of being the beneficiaries of such a great cookout, which is huge,” Law said.
Law noted that 90% of their funding is from donations and efforts from the community, so receiving a donation like this will be extremely beneficial to the group.
The St. Benedict’s Women’s Shelter, located at 905 Hickman Avenue, opened about 6 years ago. It gives women, children, and families a place to rest during the day, while simultaneously providing them with a variety of expanding resources, services, and programs. Learn more about the shelter here.
