BBQ fundraiser soothes taste buds and helps solve crime

By Chuck Thompson | The Shelby Independent

Crime Stoppers Board Member Cheryl Yates assists Michael and Katina with their BBQ order Saturday afternoon. Chuck Thompson | Shelby Independent

For anyone that says crime solving and BBQ doesn’t go hand-in-hand must have missed out on Crime Stoppers BBQ fundraiser.

On Saturday, Cleveland County Crime Stoppers, in association with Black Hat BBQ, at First Presbyterian Church in Uptown Shelby, held their first ever sold-out BBQ plate pick up.

Chairman of Cleveland County Crime Stoppers, Jeff Yates said most people couldn’t wait to pick up their meals and arrived within the first hour, adding, “It was a good turnout and great fundraiser for Crime Stoppers. We’re always looking for ways to pay tipsters for anonymous information toward the solving of crimes.”

Yates said they sold out days before the event, but the anxiety of not meeting the goal in the months leading up to the fundraiser was put to rest days before the event.

“This is a community that comes together, and I think next year, if we can do this again, we want to give everyone an opportunity to support Crime Stoppers.” Yates suggested next year they might have a dining area where supporters can eat on location.

Besides gracious anonymous donors, First Presbyterian, Fallston Baptist Ladies Group made the desserts and Black Hat BBQ provided the pulled pork, with green beans and chips.

“Everyone did an amazing job,” Chairman Yates added.

Board member Cheryl Yates was ecstatic at the turnout, praising all those that supported the event.

“This has been great, we thank the community for helping out and hope we can do it again next year,” she said.

Scott Howell, Crime Stopper Board Member said, “We’re thankful we can raise money to get criminals off the street.”

Jodi Albinger hands Steve Motley his BBQ order. Chuck Thompson | Shelby Independent

Vehicles pulled through, stopping to pick up their meals, as the traffic steadily flowed by the back entrance of the church.

David Bridges added, “I think it’s great that people showed up to support us in this endeavor to help pay out tipsters for information that leads to the arrest of those that commit crimes in our area.”

To learn more about Cleveland County Crime Stoppers, visit their Facebook page or go to www.clevelandcountycrimestoppersinc.com.

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Chuck Thompson is a reporter and columnist for The Shelby Independent.