Organizers are seeking donations and volunteers for the second annual 2023 Burgers for Badges event set for Saturday, June 17, when free lunches will be served to first responders.
The event will be held outside the Festus Public Library, 400 W. Main St., and is sponsored by the Twin City Jeeps, a nonprofit organization made up of Jeep enthusiasts
Twin City Jeeps, along with other event contributors, not only will provide free lunches to first responders, but also will raise money for BackStoppers by selling lunches to non-first responders and accepting donations on behalf of BackStoppers, a nonprofit organization that supports families of first responders who die or are seriously injured in the line of duty.
“This is an event to show appreciation to all the first responders and what they do for the community,” said Barry Vandiver of Twin City Jeeps. “It’s for any first responder, not just those who serve in Jefferson County. Last year, we probably had 100 first responders come eat and about 300 people come through overall. We raised $5,000 for BackStoppers.”
He said his group also raised money through raffles at the event.
Lunches will start being served at 11:30 a.m. and continue throughout the afternoon. The menu includes hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, other sides and drinks.
“Last year, we did not run out of food,” Vandiver said. “Food left over was donated to the local food pantries.”
Last year’s Burgers for Badges was held on a Sunday in July behind the Main & Mill Brewing Co. in Festus, which will contribute to this year’s event by offering a free beer to the first responders or, for those on duty, a token for a free beer at a later date, Vandiver said.
He said the fundraiser was moved to the library this year to make it more visible to passersby.
“We wanted to give it as much exposure as we can,” Vandiver said. “We plan on having a Jeep show with it to also raise money for BackStoppers. There will be an entry fee to have a Jeep in the show. That also will be on the library parking lot. We also plan to have music.”
Vandiver said other businesses, like Sysco Foods and Pasta House, will help with the event, too, and organizers are working to recruit more.
“We’re looking for sponsors and donations from local businesses,” he said.
Vandiver said volunteers to help run the event also are welcome.
For more information about donating to or helping with the event, send messages though the Twin City Jeeps Facebook page or email Vandiver at
