The Mesquite Boxing club and the Elks Lodge proved big winners following the second annual Smokin’ in Mesquite BBQ Championship. Both organizations received checks for $1,400 from the event.
During the Smokin’ in Mesquite BBQ Championship held Labor Day Weekend at the CasaBlanca Resort, fans had the chance to raise funds for the two groups while critiquing the world’s finest BBQ competitors during the first People’s Choice and Rib Off competitions.
On Saturday of the BBQ weekend People’s Choice participants purchased sample cups of BBQ pulled pork with the proceeds being donated to the Mesquite Elks Lodge. On Sunday the masses got a chance to vote on their favorite BBQ rib in the first annual Ribs Off Competition with proceeds going to the Mesquite Boxing Club.
“It was very cool to get the money,” said Matt McCulloch, the manager for the Mesquite Boxing Club. “We had about eight kids work the event and the money absolutely goes to a good cause.”
McCulloch said about half of the money will be used to operate the club’s nutrition program. The other half will help purchase boxing shoes; while also paying for the USA Boxing Passbook registration fee.
The Mesquite Boxing Club includes about 35 young male and female boxers ages 8-18.
Geno Withelder, who doubles as a Mesquite City Councilman along with being a long-time member of the Elks Lodge, lauded the $1,400 donation.
“A large portion of the money given to the Elks will be donated directly to our scholarship program,” explained Withelder, who has lived in Mesquite for eight years. “The remainder of that will be directed in some fashion to Cris Crotz who is our current reigning Miss Nevada from Mesquite.”
