Over a span of 72 hours, a joint effort by the Buckeye Barbeque Qlub, Alpha Epsilon Pi and Buckeyes Give Back resulted in a three-day cookout known as the World’s Longest BBQ.
From 11 a.m. on Thursday to 11 a.m. Sunday, customers could stop by the Wexner Center Plaza at 15th Avenue and High Street and order up some grilled food, such as hot dogs, hamburgers and grilled cheese.
Ross Butters, the co-president of the Buckeye Barbeque Qlub and a fourth-year in political science, said he enjoys the event and its philanthropy.
“The fact that we can raise so much money by just selling food is amazing,” he said. “We all love making food, so doing what we love and helping others makes for a great event.”
In past years, the World’s Longest BBQ has raised thousands of dollars through food sales and donations to the James Cancer Hospital and Mid-Ohio Foodbank. One year, since the event started in 2009, it raised more than $20,000.
How much money was raised this year was not immediately available Sunday evening.
Zach Singerman, a second-year in history and political science and a member of Alpha Epsilon Pi, worked the barbecue and enjoyed the experience.
“I really enjoyed (it), especially hanging out with my friends and getting to know the members of the Barbecue Qlub grill team,” he said. “Everyone got along really well and had fun in supporting a good cause.”
Singerman credits good advertisement, organization and prime location as components that make the event a success.
“I look forward to the barbecue every year,” Singerman said. “The food is delicious, and the campus comes together to support this good cause.”
Butters also looks forward to the event every year and said he thinks the rest of the community does too.
“People look forward to the event now that we’ve been around for a few years,” Butters said. “The feedback is always very positive, especially about our gourmet grilled cheese and other specials.”
Annelise Wittenberg, a second-year in computer science and engineering, stopped by the barbecue for a few hot dogs Saturday morning.
“It was for a good cause and it was a really chill atmosphere,” Wittenberg said. “Plus it smelled really good.”
This year, the World’s Longest BBQ featured special items such as pulled pork and various deep-fried foods.
The event was sponsored by Specialty Gas House, Huntington Bank, City BBQ and Ohio State Undergraduate Student Government, Butters said.
“Raising any amount of money for charity feels great,” Butters said. “When things fall into place and an event runs (as) smoothly as this one does, it’s a great feeling.”
The World’s Longest BBQ will be moving to the fall and will take place again this October over the span of a week. It is being moved to the fall in the hopes of avoiding unpredicatable weather in the spring.