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4 | September 13, 2018 | The frankfort station news
frankfortstation.com
Midwest BBQ for the Brave raises money for injured veterans
Megan Schuller
Freelance Reporter
The seventh annual Midwest
BBQ for the Brave fundraiser
celebrated another
successful year the evening
of Sept. 7, raising money
to build specialized handicap-accessible
homes for
wounded veterans.
The fundraiser that began
as a simple barbecue in Jim
and Gayla Smith’s backyard
several years ago has outgrown
its humble origins
and become a town-wide
sponsored event that brings
in more than 1,000 people
each year.
Members from across the
community banded together
at CD&ME in Frankfort to
raise more than $40,000 for
the Stephen Siller Tunnel to
Towers Foundation’s Smart
Home Program. In combination
with their fundraising
efforts throughout the year,
the Smiths have raised more
than $200,000 for the foundation.
“It means everything to
me,” Gayla Smith said about
the cause. “Doing this is the
greatest honor of my life because
I love taking care of
these young men. We need
to pull your resources and
take care of them.”
For the Smiths, who have
a son and son-in-law currently
serving in the military,
this cause hits close to home.
“When I see a veteran
wounded in a wheelchair,
I think that could me my
child,” Gayla Smith said.
The small gathering of
friends and family in their
backyard raised $2,000 in its
first year and doubled its donation
each year thereafter.
CD&ME donates the venue
for the night to accommodate
more people.
“I say God is in the business
of multiplying. He took
50 people and turned it into
almost 1,500 people,” Jim
said. “It has taken on a life
of its own.”
David Bray and the Beatles
tribute band American
English took to the stage in
the Gazebo to perform for
attendees. American English
member Eric Michaels, who
takes on the role of Paul Mc-
Cartney, said that performing
for this cause means a
lot for him since his father
fought in World War II and
returned home with back injuries.
“I’m proud to be apart of
it,” Michaels said. “These
guys did everything, put everything
on the line and so
many didn’t come back.”
Raffles and live auctions
were held between performances
to raise additional
money.
Orland Park Mayor Keith
Pekau said that he enjoys
attending the annual fundraiser.
“Gayla started this event
in her backyard and now
it’s huge,” Pekau said. “It’s
just a phenomenal event for
veterans. I was happy to support
her cause.”
Army Specialist Terrance
“Bo” Jones is one of the
many injured veterans on
the list to receive a house
designed specifically for his
needs. He was injured in
2012 after stepping on an
IED that not only took both
of his legs, but also injured
his left arm and pelvis.
He said he appreciates the
support of communities like
Frankfort that give their time
and effort to raise money towards
the cause. Two companies
even pledged money
to go specifically towards
building Jones’ house.
“It means a lot,” Jones
said about the donations and
fundraiser. “To get a house,
I can start a new life and not
worry.”
RIGHT: Beatles tribute band
American English members
(left to right) Tom Gable,
Eric Michaels, James Paul
Lynch and Jim Irizzary
perform.
Steven (left) and Marguerite Dorn purchase raffle tickets on Friday, Sept. 7, at the seventh annual Midwest BBQ for the
Brave held at CD&ME in Frankfort. Photos by Megan Schuller/22nd Century Media