ARLINGTON, Va (press release) – The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association will join up with Operation BBQ Relief to provide a hot BBQ lunch for military veterans at the New Orleans VA Medical Center on March 11 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Volunteers from HPBA’s membership will help serve meals prepared by Operation BBQ Relief’s legendary pitmasters.
Operation BBQ Relief was named HPBA’s charity of choice several years ago and it provides both financial support and in-kind contributions during each year’s Expo, as well as throughout the year. “We wanted to find a way to get more involved with Operation BBQ Relief’s mission during Expo and this lunch is a great way to give back to the community,” stated Jack Goldman, president and CEO of HPBA. “Our members are excited to be able to do some hands-on work to help others.”
In 2019, Operation BBQ Relief expanded its mission beyond disaster relief with its Always Serving Project. This project focuses on feeding veterans, the homeless, and anyone else who suffers from hunger.
“Doing a veteran’s lunch in New Orleans fits in perfectly with our expanded mission. HPBA is a long-time friend and supporter of Operation BBQ Relief, so when they reached out about this, we knew it would be a great fit,” commented Stan Hays, co-founder and CEO of Operation BBQ Relief. “We’re very grateful to the New Orleans VA Medical Center for hosting us and are looking forward to a successful event.”
