Everyday is a great day for BBQ and Saturday, October 12th was no exception. The weather was perfect for the Iowa Barbeque Society's seventh annual Senior Que at Sunny View Care Center in Ankeny, Iowa. Mike Tucker with help from Iowa Barbeque Society volunteers and generous donations from Smokey D's BBQ and Catering, TNT Landscaping and Russ and Frank's BBQ Sauce put out a huge spread of smoked pork, turkey and brisket along with barbeque baked beans and coleslaw. The center provided an incredible assortment of deserts that were also enjoyed by all.
Due to the perfect weather the staff and volunteers from Sunny View were able to set up tables and service outside so the residents and their families could enjoy a delicious picnic complete with live music out in the Center's courtyard. This event is always a big hit and combining a beautiful fall day with anticipation of some great barbeque once again attracted a large crowd. Approximately 300 residents and their families along with Sunny View staff and volunteers were fed from 11:00 until 2:00. The combined dedication of staff and volunteers kept everything running smoothly. After the meal was served, the residents and their families enjoyed making S'mores around the fire pit.
This is a special event every year, but this was the first time I was able to experience it when the weather was nice enough to be able to move the event outside to the courtyard. That allowed the residents and their families to have a picnic and enjoy the food in the sunshine. Senior Que is always very popular but you could really feel the extra excitement and see the smiles on the residents faces as we began to get things set up outside. Many of the residents were outside early just enjoying a fall day and some conversation with their families. This is an event that makes the Iowa Barbeque Society volunteers as happy as the residents just by watching the fun everyone is having.
It is obvious to me after volunteering for this event the past three years that Sunny View Care Center is a place that really cares about their residents. Director (??? I am not sure what his name is or what his real title is) makes a point to be there for the event and you can tell he really has a connection with his staff and residents. It is great to see people in roles such as his interact on a personal level with the residents. The dedication of management and staff shows through in the appearance of the facility and events like Senior Que that really brighten up the resident's day.
If you have never participated in a Senior Que, I think I speak for all of the Iowa Barbeque Society volunteers when I say "just do it". If you don't have a program already going, get one started. The rewards for the residents and the volunteers far outweigh the efforts.
IA BBQ Volunteers:
Back Row L-R
Steve Bryant, Bob Wenner, Gene ???, Andy Cleghorn, Brett Wram
Front Row L-R
Mike Tucker, Gene Thompson, Lew Miller, BJ Hoffman, Darren Warth
