ClubsHelp Foundation Announces Collaboration with Operation BBQ Relief
Both Organizations Supporting Tornado-Devastated Mayfield, Kentucky
Orlando, Fla. (December 15, 2021) – ClubsHelp Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization inspired to help golf clubs serve communities and generate funds for local charities, has added Operation BBQ Relief to its roster of charities it will support. Operation BBQ Relief is a national nonprofit that delivers the healing power of BBQ in times of need, feeding first responders and communities affected by natural disasters along with year-round efforts to fight hunger through The Always Serving Project and Operation Restaurant Relief.
Almost immediately, ClubsHelp jumped in to support the disaster relief organization in the wake of devastation caused by recent tornadoes in America’s heartland. Operation BBQ Relief is on the ground in Mayfield, Kentucky providing free hot meals on a first come, first served basis to those impacted by the storms. With satellite locations in Bowling Green and Madisonville, ClubsHelp is supporting these efforts by activating local clubs to volunteer, share the opportunity within their community, and building awareness for fundraising purposes.
On an ongoing basis, utilizing an expanding network of 700-plus clubs across the country, ClubsHelp will assist Operation BBQ Relief in the logistical mapping of its disaster relief responses, pairing Operation BBQ Relief with local clubs and facilities when disasters strike. Operation BBQ Relief closely monitors impending natural disasters throughout the United States, staging and deploying assets and volunteers to serve as soon as possible, usually within 24-48 hours.
“We really admire Operation BBQ Relief not only for their incredible response efforts in the most challenging times, but also for the core values that the company stands upon,” said Rob Goulet, Founder/CEO of ClubsHelp. “Operation BBQ Relief values honesty, compassion and respect. To enhance their efforts with our national network of clubs and access to volunteers, we feel this relationship can multiply the benefits to communities in trying times.”
Operation BBQ Relief was founded in May 2011 in response to a need for tornado relief efforts in Joplin, Missouri. Competitive pit masters and grill masters from eight states answered the call to feed displaced families and first responders. Together, they served more than 120,000 meals in a 13-day period. To date, the organization has served more than 9 million meals throughout the United States and in the Bahamas.
“We are honored to work with the ClubsHelp Foundation to expand our ability to serve communities hot meals in their time of need while combating national hunger when the storms are calm,” said Stan Hays, Operation BBQ Relief CEO and Co-Founder. “Together, our impact will be stronger than ever.”
Working through national disasters and COVID-19 relief, Operation BBQ Relief also delivers caring and compassion through The Always Serving Project, started in 2019, educating participants on the art, craft, and science of BBQ, its impact on the spirit of those served, and inspiring them to use their BBQ skills to initiate change.
ClubsHelp started in early 2020 in response to helping frontline workers secure difficult-to-get PPE supplies at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Goulet had viewed a television news story on a club in New Jersey (Spring Brook Country Club) that had stepped up to donate sandwiches to local frontline hospital workers. He called David Bachman, who was then general manager at the club, with the idea to expand into a national program. ClubsHelp was established; Goulet and Bachman each serve on the board.
With legendary golfers Jack Nicklaus and Ernie Els lending support, as well as backing from some of America’s top clubs (Seminole, Desert Mountain) and generous sponsors such as Clif Bar, ClubsHelp procured masks and snacks for those on the front lines, and in 2022 will continue a mission of helping clubs to generate funds to support health initiatives at local hospitals.
ClubsHelp also will help foster relations between Operation BBQ Relief and ClubsHelp member clubs to help stage fun and educational club events such as barbecue courses by pit masters and chefs.
For more information on Operation BBQ Relief, please visit OBR.org; for information on ClubsHelp, please visit ClubsHelp.org.