Strimbu Memorial Barbecue anticipates a fund-filled day

Photo

WILLIAM D. LEWIS | THE VINDICATOR: Preparing for the 22nd Annual Strimbu Memorial Barbecue are, from left, Nancy Lukasko, a committee member; a steer that will be auctioned as part of the event; Spencer Strimbu, a committee member; John “Chip” Mastrian, president of the Strimbu Memorial Fund; and Ed Wilson, a Strimbu board member. The event will take place May 4 at Yankee Lake Ballroom.

BROOKFIELD

Organizers of the 22nd Annual Strimbu Memorial Barbecue, planned for May 4 at Yankee Lake Ballroom in Brookfield, hope to fire up guests to donate to the Strimbu Memorial Fund.

Since its inception in 1990, the Strimbu Memorial Fund has awarded more than $1.75 million, including more than $138,000 bestowed last year, in grants to various community programs and in scholarships to area high school seniors.

Board President John Mastrian, known as “Chip,” explained that the fund was created to continue the work of his father, the late Nick Strimbu Jr., who wanted to promote and preserve the industrial base of the Valley.

The fund awards leadership scholarships in the amount of $1,000 each to qualified local high school seniors in 11 local school districts, and an additional $10,000 is awarded to the overall leader. Also, the fund contributes to economic development agencies and projects, and to selected humanitarian projects and programs.

The event draws a sellout crowd of 1,600 each year. After the doors open at 5 p.m., the barbecue will get into full swing with an array of food reminiscent of a full-scale Texas barbecue, including appetizers, beef, turkey, duck, pig, ox, fish and lamb served straight from the spit. In addition, 6-foot paella skillets will also entice guests.

A tradition at the barbecue is for all those who attend to get a bag of Vidalia onions. It began as the Strimbus, through their trucking company, brought onions back from Georgia for their friends.

The barbecue will have silent and live auctions, featuring such items as a Victory Hammer 8-Ball motorcycle, black Angus steer, a jewelry collection from Thom Duma Jewelers, NASCAR packages, a Lake Erie walleye fishing trip, travel and sports packages, among many others.

Playing music from the mid-’60s and the Beatles, Pipe Dreams will also feature its original hit song, “London Girls.”

Tickets are $85 and are available from any board member including Connie Schenker at 724-704-7115 or John Holliday at 724-699-8869. More information can also be found at www.strimbumemorialfund.org.