Dear Friend and Supporter,

For over 50 years, the Kiwanis Club of Tampa has sponsored one of our most beloved fundraisers – the “Chicken Barbecue” for the benefit of many charitable organizations in our area. For the past few years we have been partnering with Metropolitan Ministries for greater community outreach. This collaboration brought our event to the next level where we were able to make an even greater impact on meeting the needs of our community. The 2022 Chicken Barbecue will be held on Thursday, October 20, 2022, between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.  We need your support to continue this very worthwhile tradition, and offer you two invitations to consider, either by becoming a BBQ Sponsor/Donor or by purchasing BBQ dinners. All proceeds and direct donations go directly to the Tampa Kiwanis Foundation.

As a BBQ Sponsor/Donor:

You or your company can contribute directly to the Tampa Kiwanis Foundation (a 501c3) to increase the reach of the BBQ dollars we earn. This year, you can also commit your sponsorship online at https://tampakiwanis.org/bbq-sponsor/. For checks, please note “BBQ Sponsor/Donor.” Last year, we distributed more than 5,000 meals in Tampa and the surrounding areas. A $200 donation will get you listed on the sponsor flyer included with each meal.

As a BBQ Customer/Meal Donor:

Each barbecue meal ticket is $12.00. With each ticket, you will receive a meal including Chicken Club sandwich with BBQ sauce on the side, edamame side salad, and a fresh baked cookie.  Many businesses purchase BBQ meals for their employees.  We offer free delivery for 20 or more meals. You can also donate your meals, and working alongside Metropolitan Ministries, you can be assured that your meal will feed a person in need. If delivery is not desired, details on when and where to pick up your BBQ chicken dinners are on the meal ticket. This year, you can order or donate your meals directly online at https://tampakiwanis.org/bbq/. For checks, please note “BBQ Dinners.”

Where does the money go?

Each year, the Tampa Kiwanis Foundation gives more than $120,000 back to our local community in grants to local charities, we build ramps for the disabled, reading rooms for children, support senior centers of Hillsborough County, local service leadership programs at USF, nine local high schools, seven elementary schools, among other great organizations. The Kiwanis Club of Tampa hosts an annual Children’s Christmas Party for approximately 150 of Hillsborough County’s most vulnerable children. In addition, we sponsor two “back to school” immunization events serving more than 500 children, and award several college scholarships to local students.

It is people like you that make it happen and I hope you will join us this year.

Thank you for your kindness and support,

Barbara Macelli – Tampa Kiwanis President Elect, 2022 BBQ Chair