By Dee Longfellow
Sunday, Sept. 1 couldn’t have been better in terms of the weather for a giant, glorious outdoor barbecue—and that’s exactly what took place at York and Vallette when competitors rolled out their grills for the 10th annual ‘Cue for a Cause to benefit the Elmhurst Walk-in Assistance Network (EWAN).
While teams work to prove they are the masters of the backyard grill, attendees at this family friendly event cheer them on, enjoy live music, raffles, entertainment, kids activities, good food and drink.
There was a silent auction, a root beer float stand, a giant slide for the kids along with face-painting and craft projects, live music all day long and Jim Lawshe’s Barbecue available for purchase. Judges from the community sat inside the Knights of Columbus, where they were presented with rib portions that they judged on appearance, flavor, sauce and overall deliciousness.
This year’s ‘Cue for a Cause, the annual fundraiser for the Elmhurst Walk-in Assistance Network (EWAN), included a contest to “out-grill” the man considered the best in town—Jim Lawshe of Barbecue Jim’s. Special celebrity judges of the event were (from left): Dan Gibbons of the Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot and Foundation; Jack Island, former owner of Silverado Grill; Elmhurst Alderman Brian Cahill and Elmhurst resident Jim Capannari, owner of Capannari’s ice cream and catering. Standing is EWAN executive director Jackie Crnkovich, who not only directed the judging, but oversaw the entire event from start to finish. In another photo, this youngster plays Jenga, which was just one of the many games and activities for kids at ‘Cue for a Cause. It was a bright sunny day with reasonable summer temperatures, which brought out the crowds who love barbecue.
Part of this year’s festivities included a contest to “out-grill” the man considered the best in town—Jim Lawshe of Jim’s Barbecue.
Competitors were invited to participate, and those who did were judged by four outstanding citizens who knew their way around a rib! Judges of the event were Dan Gibbons of the Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot; Jack Island, former owner of Silverado Grill; Elmhurst Alderman Brian Cahill and Elmhurst resident Jim Capannari, owner of Capannari’s ice cream and catering.
Winners
The top winner of the Beat Barbeque Jim’s Contest was the Smokin’ Tailgators team led by Steve Deboer. Also beating Jim was Haber ‘Cue led by Joel Haberkorn; tying with Jim was Big Ten BBQ led by Joey Calcagno.
Grand champion:
The grand champion winner of the 2024 ‘Cue for a Cause was Hall Hog BBQ, led by Mike Hall. Grand Champion runner-up was 2 K’s and a Q, led by Moira Kinsella.
Other winners were:
Best ribs:
First place: Hall Hog BBQ led by Mike Hall
Second place: Champion Oaks led by John Malysiak
Third place: Smoke. Eat. Repeat led by Jonathon Rowe
Best sauce (chosen by judges):
First place: Hall Hog BBQ led by Mike Hall
Second place: 2 K’s and a Q led by Moira Kinsella
Third place: Smokin’ Tailgators led by Steve Deboer
Best sauce People’s Choice:
First place: Sweet William led by Bill Steber
Second place: 2 K’s and a Q led by Moira Kinsella
Third place: Champion Oaks led by John Malysiak
Best chicken
First place: Smokin’ Tailgators led by Steve Deboer
Second place: 2 K’s and a Q led by Moira Kinsella
Third place: Armstrong BBQ led by Dan Armstrong
Sponsors
Top sponsors of EWAN’s ‘Cue for a Cause included Full Boar: C&C Power; Bos Hog: Explore Elmhurst, Elmhurst Bank, Endeavor Health, Jeanne & John Kett, Kelly Stetler/Compass; Whole Hog: Lakeside Bank, Golf Group & Friends, Larry Roesch Volkswagen, Mehta Motors, Star Pro Shop, Elmhurst Living magazine, Duly Health and Care, Mike & Desi Gawne, Darley, Hauert Law Office, The Dan Gibbons Foundation; Full Slab: ICI, Tony & Mary Pierotti, AMS Industries, Inc., Bob & Mary Mallon, Don & Joan Hoff, Rob & Cheryl Kopecky, Community Bank of Elmhurst, Rich & Jan Edgley, Marilyn Arado, Mary Hallman, JDog Junk Removal & Hauling, and SignArtistUSA. A full list of sponsors is available at elmhurstwalkin.org.
