The Angels for Ashley team is back at it, firing up their smokers and serving up meals to raise funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The annual St. Jude Cook-Off kicked off Wednesday, offering Boston butts, ribs, and chickens at multiple locations across Owensboro and Daviess County.
The fundraiser, now in its 12th year, has become a community staple, raising more than $140,000 in 2024 alone. This year, organizer Jerry Morris and his team have their sights set on $100,000, all while honoring the mission of St. Jude, where no family receives a bill for treatment, travel, housing, or food.
The cook-off runs through Friday, with meals available at the following locations:
- Thursday-Friday: Whitesville Mercantile
- Thursday only: Norman McDonald’s Country Drive-In, Philpot
- Thursday-Friday: Shoe Stop (Owensboro), Knottsville Water, and Weber Corner
Prices are set at $35 for Boston butts, $25 for ribs, and $15 for chickens. Plate lunches will be available around lunch each day
Morris is the driving force behind Angels for Ashley, and is once again leading the charge. Despite his own battle with cancer, Morris remains dedicated to the cause, calling the event a “small miracle” for the community.
“We appreciate everything everyone gives, from $1 and $5 donations to the massive donations,” Morris said during last year’s event. “It’s been an amazing three days.”
Morris is a Whitesville native and local BBQ icon. With the support of the community, he launched the nonprofit in 2011 after raising $50,000 to build a home for Ashley Johnson and her family.
Since then, the organization has partnered with WBKR’s St. Jude Radiothon to become a key player in the fight against childhood cancer.
Last year, Morris and his “small army” of volunteers cooked and served 1,200 Boston butts, 1,000 ribs, and 1,500 chickens over three days. This year, they’re aiming even higher.
The event has also inspired local businesses to step up. Last year, an anonymous donor contributed $25,000 to help Morris reach his goal.
For Morris, the mission of St. Jude is deeply personal. During a 2017 visit to the hospital, he learned it costs $2.2 billion annually to keep the lights on at St. Jude.
“St. Jude is very dear to my heart—I can’t explain how I feel about it,” Morris said. “Our donation is just a drop in the bucket, but it’s a great accomplishment for the community and hopefully an inspiration to others.”
In addition to purchasing meals, Morris is seeking 100 “$100 friends” to help reach this year’s fundraising goal. He’ll be at Shoe Stop on Thursday and Friday to “find new friends.”
