Ribs, Glen Campbell serve up record attendance at fundraising barbecue

Saturday night, Hal Hansen was enjoying the tongue-tempting ribs and concert by Glen Campbell at the Pony Express Pavilion in Carson City.

Monday morning, the chief professional officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Nevada was sweeping up the pavilion with the rest of the staff, jubilant about raising about $325,000 for the organization.

The 13th annual Kids Auction and World's Greatest Barbecue saw more than 850 people chow down on ribs and take in some tunes.

"This was a tough year because there were a couple of other events going on, but people stepped up and really helped out," Hansen said.

The event featured ribs, silent and live auctions, and a performance by country music star Glen Campbell.

"That was our largest event ever attended," Hansen said. "I think that tells us that people believe in the need to have a Boys & Girls Club and to keep the doors open."

The barbecue is the biggest fundraiser for the organization.

"This is just for our ongoing day-to-day expenses. We do a separate campaign to raise money for capital projects," Hansen said.

The organization's annual operating budget is $1.4 million, with 25 percent coming from the barbecue and the remainder from grants and other fundraising efforts.

"Only 1 percent of our funding comes from fees. We aren't going to balance our books on the backs of the kids or their parents," Hansen said. "We have a tremendous board and staff that dedicates themselves to raising the money we need."

Because of sponsorships, only 10 percent of the funds raised is needed to pay the expenses of the event.

"People know that when they come and spend money, it goes right back to serve the kids," Hansen said.

While Hansen knows that supporting the club is a big draw to the event, he suspects there may be another reason it's so popular.

"People know it's a good cause, but the ribs also bring people out," he said.

• Contact reporter Jarid Shipley at jshipley@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1217.