Clearwater was the place to be last Saturday, with people from all over gathering for fun and food at the third annual Jessie’s Wish BBQ Cook-off and Benefit.
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.
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.
The first Jessie’s Wish BBQ Cook-off and Benefit was such a success Grant decided to hold the event every year.
Held at Sam and Candy Samuelson’s home outside Clearwater, people kept arriving throughout the afternoon and evening, all ready to enjoy mouthwatering ribs, try their chance at winning great prizes, and just have fun.
With a number of events going on throughout the day, including a bean bag tournament, chicken bingo, and games for the kids, the main event was, of course, the food. Seventeen teams came out to share their best ribs, all hoping to be crowned this year’s champion.
After all the votes were cast, ‘Best in Show’ went to Doug and Karen Schneider, Barry and Sharon Anderson brought home ‘People’s Choice’, and for the second year in a row, Duck-It’s Famous Ribs by Team Schindele won the award for ‘Best Ribs’.
“It’s kind-of surprising to win two years in a row with that many great cookers out there,” said Bud Schindele, who, along with his two sons, made up the team. “For people to try our ribs and say ‘wow’ is just great, amazing to hear.”
Schindele loves to cook and has been doing so for years. Part of the appeal for him is the teamwork, working together with his sons as a family.
“I love doing it every year,” he said. “It’s an amazing event for a great cause.”
Along with the food, attendees had a chance to win some great prizes by purchasing tickets for the drawings, which included pellet grills, a smoker, and coolers.
The large crowd was also entertained by live music throughout the day, kicked off by Todd Updahl and ending with The Rollie Show.
“It was a day I will never forget,” said Grant. “The support was overwhelming. I am blessed to be surrounded by such a great community.”
He and his family extended special thanks to family members, friends, sponsors, and the Samuelsons for hosting the event.
Sponsors for this year’s Jessie’s Wish included Keller Williams Heart of the Lakes; Clearwater Legion Riders; Clearwater Sons of American Legion; Clearwater Auxiliary; Three of a Kind; Eagle’s Healing Nest; The Rollie Show; Coborn’s Liquor; Clearwater Travel Plaza; Crawford Sales; G.E. Selle Painting; Clearwater Saddle Club; Steve ‘O’ Septic; Performance Foods; Sam and Candy Samuelson; Todd Updahl; Dale and Karen Ergen; Gary and Barb Grant; Joe and Gina Poppema; and Doug and Karen Schneider.
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.
