Press Release: Woody’s Bar-B-Q® Goes Hog Wild in Effort to Benefit At-Risk Children

National Franchise Hosts VIP Party and Annual Spare Rib Eating Contest at Original Location to Celebrate 34 Years of Serving up Authentic Southern Barbecue While Raising Funds for Northeast Florida Child Protection Team; Five Other Locations to Join in the Fundraising Fun

Jacksonville, Florida, July 11 – On Saturday, July 26, 2014, the “Original” Woody’s Bar-B-Q – located at 1638 University Boulevard in Jacksonville, Florida – will host its popular Annual Spare Rib Eating Contest and VIP Party from noon to 2 p.m.  In addition to commemorating Woody’s rich and flavorful history that spans more than 30 years, the event is designed to raise funds for Healing Hands - the Northeast Florida Child Protection Team.  Following the contest, the flagship location will host a ticketed VIP Party complete with hors d’oeuvres, a celebratory glass of champagne, soda, cake, live entertainment, and an ever-popular appearance by beloved Jacksonville Jaguars’ mascot, Jaxson De Ville. Attendees will have an opportunity to take part in a raffle for great prizes and bid on special items and services in the silent auction. 100% of the proceeds from both the contest and the VIP Party will benefit the North Florida non-profit organization dedicated to providing crisis intervention, case coordination, and medical services for at-risk children in Jacksonville and surrounding areas.

“Last year, we were able to raise over $14,000 for Healing Hands,” explains Yolanda Mills-Mawman, co-founder of the authentic Southern barbecue chain. “This year, we hope to surpass last year’s numbers in dollars raised and set a new record. Our local fans can help us achieve that goal by making a $50 donation* to compete in the Spare Rib Eating contest and/or by purchasing a $10 ticket to attend the VIP Party.”

During the event, other donations will be accepted and much appreciated. There will be no charge of admission to the VIP Party for children 10 and under. Additional franchise locations will also be taking part in the Spare Rib Eating Contest this year. If not attending the event at the University Boulevard location on July 26, those interested in donning a bib for the contest at one of the other host locations are encouraged to sign up at one of these participating Woody’s Bar-B-Q:

• Palatka, Florida – 110 South State Road 19 – (386) 385-3234
• Bradenton, Florida – 3142 53rd Avenue East – (941) 755-1446
• Jacksonville, Florida – 5930 Powers Ave. – (904) 683-7010
• Ogden, Utah – 4351 South Harrison – (801) 394-7427

Cost of participation and contest dates may vary slightly from one location to the next. Contestants must be 18 years and older, and all participants will receive an “I’m a Total Pig” t-shirt. The winner will be awarded a $150 Q Card, and the runner-up will receive a $50 Q Card. To sign on as a participant in the Spare Rib Eating Contest, purchase a ticket to the VIP Party, or donate an item/service for the raffle or silent auction for the VIP Party at the University Boulevard location, interested parties are encouraged to contact Tammy Poudrier – Director of Marketing for Woody’s Bar-B-Q at tammy@woodysbarbq.com by July 18, 2014.  If planning to take part in the Spare Rib Eating Contest at a location other than the “Original” Jacksonville Woody’s Bar-B-Q, aspiring contestants are asked to contact the participating location nearest them directly.

In its own commemoration of the chain’s anniversary, Woody’s Bar-B-Q of Ponte Vedra will also host a separate Spare Rib Eating Contest on Thursday, July 17 from noon to 2 p.m. Proceeds from the event will benefit K95 for Warriors, a non-profit that is not only closely tied to the seaside community, but also near and dear to the heart of franchisee, Brent Morris. K95 for Warriors specializes in obtaining, training and placement of service dogs to disabled American veterans who were injured in military service post 9/11. For more information about the event at Woody’s Bar-B-Q of Ponte Vedra – located at 226 Solana Road, Suite 1 – interested patrons and potential participants are encouraged to call (904) 280-1110.

About Woody’s Bar-B-Q®: After opening their first Woody’s Bar-B-Q in 1980, partners Woody Mills and Yolanda Mills-Mawman have spent the past three decades setting the “bar” higher for great Southern Bar-B-Q. From the humble beginnings of just one location in Jacksonville, Florida, a shared passion for Bar-B-Q,  and a dog-eared collection of recipes, Mills and Mawman have grown the Woody’s Bar-B-Q brand to locations reaching from the Deep South where Bar-B-Q is king to the Northeast and Western fronts. Perhaps best known for their legendary melt-in-your-mouth slow-smoked Signature Baby Back Ribs, Woody’s has also built quite a following among patrons with their secret recipe Bar-B-Q sauces and meats, as well as their freshly prepared side dishes.  To learn more about Woody’s Bar-B-Q, please visit www.woodys.com.