Phil's BIG BBQ at the BallPark Tailgate Fundraiser for BBBS ...

Brother.
On Monday, May 17, Big Brothers, Big Sisters and families of all kinds are invited to a tailgate
barbecue and Padre’s game fundraiser in support of Big Brothers, Big Sisters of San Diego
County’s “Operation Bigs.” The program matches adult mentors like Black with children of
deployed military parents like Jaden, whose father is in the Navy.
While other children might be occupied watching television or playing video games, Black said he
gets a chance for brotherly time with his Little Brother.
“I’ve always been the younger brother, so I’ve never been an older brother. I’m very conscious of
the fact that I’ve been given more than other people and I’ve always been taught that it’s
important to give back,” Black said.
By partnering with Phil’s BBQ, event coordinators hope to raise $50,000 for “Operation Bigs”
during the second annual BBQ at the Ballpark campaign. Last year, Phil’s (3750 Sports Arena
Blvd.) helped raise about $40,000 for the program, said Chad Glidewell, sales director for Phil’s
BBQ.
“We’re hoping for the same [turnout] this year,” Glidewell said. “We give about 1,000 tickets to
the Big Brother’s and Big Sisters and Little Sisters ... we buy them all tickets to the game.”
For $25, participating Padres fans can dine on Phil’s barbecued ribs, chicken and side dishes
during the May 17 tailgate party at Qualcomm Stadium from 5 to 7 p.m. before watching the
Padres battle the San Francisco Giants. Glidewell said 100 percent of the proceeds will flow to
the Big Brothers, Big Sisters Operation Bigs program in support of Military Appreciation Month,
which falls during May.
Since the program to support military families was started in 2004, “Operation Bigs” has provided
350 children with a one-on-one adult mentor. Mentors spend up to an hour and a half a week at
various schools or facilities like the Point Loma Gateway Youth Recreation Center. Tickets for
the May 17 event can be purchased at Phil’s BBQ or through the Big Brothers, Big Sisters
website at www.bbbs.org.