An annual Jefferson City barbecue Thursday will help change lives of many with a life-changing disease.
The 24th annual Boost Barbecue will be 4:30-7 p.m. at the Jaycees Fairgrounds; dinner tickets cost $15 with carry-out available.
The Boost Barbecue's mission is to ensure all cancer patients have what they need to stay healthy, said chairwoman Marla Riley.
"It's just a wonderful evening that helps so many cancer patients who are in need," Riley said.
Proceeds are going to cancer patients who need wigs and Boost, a nutritional supplement that helps maintain strength.
While serving an expected 1,200 people, the goal is $35,000 in donations.
"I know we can make that amount," said Barb Kalberloh, chairwoman of the event's silent auction. "We've always been able to achieve our goal, but I hope we exceed it."
The barbecue allows patients to get wigs and the supplement for free from the Goldschmidt Cancer Center, no matter where they are receiving treatment. The center serves a 19-county area.
There will also be a silent auction at the dinner. Split into categories based on interests, the auction will sell donated items from various restaurants and the public, along with coupons for goods and services.
Mayor Carrie Tergin, for example, is offering a photo inside the City Council chambers and a tour of City Hall. Sharon Keating, owner of the local RE/MAX, is offering to be job-shadowed for a full day. Lorelei Schwartz, a local accountant, offered to be job-shadowed for four hours.
"It takes a lot of organizations to help run this," Kalberloh said. "It's just amazing how the community comes together for this event."
Other auction items include a pass to watch the Fourth of July fireworks show from the third-floor atrium of the new Capital Region Medical Center expansion; a two-hour limo ride looking at Christmas lights; and a week-long, all-expenses-paid trip to Lake of the Ozarks.
"These are just some really interesting, special items for the whole family to enjoy," Riley said.
In addition to a $1,000 raffle drawing, there will be a slide show in honor of or in memory of anyone who has had cancer. There will be pictures and small messages for various patients in the slide show for $5 per person.
"Let's defeat cancer and raise money," Kalberloh said. "When someone gets cancer, it's never just one life affected, it's a whole family. It's their friends' lives; it's their community. So we need to find a cure."
Sponsors are Naught-Naught Agency, Capital Region Medical Center and the American Cancer Society.