The 11th annual BackStoppers BBQ held Sept. 19 at the Big River VFW in Cedar Hill raised thousands in support of first responders.
The exact amount of funds raised at the event was not available by the Leader’s deadline for print publication.
The barbecue raised more than $150,000 last year for BackStoppers, a Brentwood-based nonprofit that supports families of first responders who are severely injured or die in the line of duty.
In addition to the barbecue provided by Chuck Gerding and his Screaming Eagle Grill team, attendees had the chance to win several raffle prizes, including a 2026 Ford Maverick pickup truck.
According to the BackStoppers of Jefferson County Facebook page on Sept. 20, Oscar Buesking won the grand prize drawing for the truck. Tim Wille took home the second-place prize of $2,500; the third-place winner, Brenda Summer, received $1,500, and the fourth-place winner, Kevin Kamper, took home $1,000.
Since Chuck and Cindy Gerding, owners of Gerding Enterprises in Dittmer, started the event more than 10 years ago, the barbecue has raised more than $690,000 for BackStoppers. Chuck also owns and operates the Screaming Eagle Grill, which donates its time and proceeds annually to the barbecue.
Jefferson County BackStoppers played a larger role in the barbecue this year, taking over more of the fundraising aspect and leaving the barbecuing up to Chuck and his grill team.
The event included music, kids’ activities, first responder meet-and-greets and a fireworks show.
For more information on BackStoppers, or to donate, visit backstoppers.org.
