The eighth annual BackStoppers BBQ held Sept. 23 at the Big River VFW in Cedar Hill drew a record crowd and raised more than $100,000, organizer Chuck Gerding said.
He owns Gerding Enterprises in Dittmer and the Screaming Eagle Grill, which sponsored the fundraiser for BackStoppers, which helps families of police officers, firefighters and other emergency responders who are killed or seriously injured in the line of duty.
For example, Gerding said the organization provides monetary support for first responders’ children from preschool to college graduation.
Gerding said about 5,000 people attended the event to support first responders.
“It’s growing every year,” he said. “I’m really proud of the community because it shows to our local heroes what they mean to them.”
Gerding said the funds raised at the event were still being tallied on Monday, the Leader deadline, but likely would surpass the $101,000 raised at last year’s event.
He said BackStoppers currently supports about 90 families but that number is constantly growing.
Cedar Hill Fire Chief Mick Fischer said it was the busiest BackStoppers event he could remember.
“I was in charge of parking, and it was a struggle all day long finding spaces and directing all the traffic,” he said. “It was great to see the turnout and support.”
Gerding said food ran out early and he’ll need to buy more supplies to accommodate the crowd at next year’s barbecue.
He said four bands performed at the event and “rocked the place out.”
The event also included raffle drawings, a magic show, face painting and a bounce house.
Gerding said an inflatable ax-throwing game was a big hit among children.
St. Louis Cardinals mascot Fredbird and KSHE Radio mascot Sweetmeat were on hand, and a fireworks show concluded the evening.
Fischer said the weather was perfect for the event.
“Mother Nature was nice to us,” he said.
H2O Manufacturing in Fenton sold cups with customized laser printing during the event and donated the proceeds to BackStoppers.
“We had a lot more corporate sponsorship this year, which is what we need,” he said.
Gerding said he hopes to see the event continue to grow.
“We hope to see everyone next year and hope they bring 50 or more of their friends with them.”