It was a beautiful day for the fourth annual Jessie’s Wish BBQ Cook-off & Benefit last Saturday in Clearwater, with people from all over gathering for food, fun, and remembering victims of domestic violence.

Jessie’s Wish was begun after founder Gary Grant’s daughter, Jessica Ludenia, was killed by her abusive boyfriend in 2017. Wanting to help other victims of domestic violence, Grant held the first Jessie’s Wish Benefit the next year, donating the money raised to Anna Marie’s Women’s Shelter.

Once again held at Sam and Candy Samuelson’s home outside Clearwater, people began arriving in the early afternoon and kept on coming, everyone eager to enjoy the wide variety of mouthwatering ribs and other food, try their chance at winning great prizes, catch up with their neighbors, and just have fun.

On hand was award-winning leather artist and saddle maker Mike Bray, who brought his handmade tribute saddles; Honor the Badge, Freedom Isn’t Free, Saddle of Hope, and Tribute to the Troops for attendees to enjoy. Also featured was his Tribute to President Trump saddle and Please Stand for the Flag leather art picture.

Along with the food, attendees had a chance to win great prizes by purchasing raffle tickets and bidding on silent auction items. All prizes were donated, and included a Jägermeister cooler and fridge, metal art, gift cards, flat top grill, homemade Jeep table, a free tattoo, guitar, and two Traeger grills. There was also a 50/50 drawing and the always popular chicken bingo. Live music entertained the crowd throughout the day.

The day’s main event was, of course, the ribs. After all the votes were cast in the cook-off a triple crown winner emerged, with Team 1 “I’m With Steve” winning Best Ribs, People’s Choice, and new this year, Best of Show, the award for best decorated food tent.

“My heart goes out to all of you for all you’ve done today,” Grant said to the assembled crowd before he presented the cook-off trophies. “There isn’t a better community than right here in this United States.”

He and his family extended special thanks to family members, friends, sponsors, attendees, and the Samuelsons for hosting the event. 

Anna Marie’s Alliance is a domestic violence center and private non-profit corporation dedicated to providing safe shelter, support, and referral services for battered women and their children. They also work with the community on systems change and violence prevention in Central Minnesota.

Anna Marie’s has sheltered nearly 16,500 battered women and their children since 1979. Advocates are available 24/7 by calling 320-253-6900. For more information visit www.AnnaMaries.org.