Mary Nelson started organizing the Back-to-School
Barbeque 11 years ago as part of an effort to reduce violence in her neighborhood.
Besides the school supplies, she treated children and their families to
a barbeque, which consisted of all condiments you would have for a barbeque.
Mary stated that she woke up one morning and decided that she wanted to
do something about the violence affecting children in the community. In
2002, the first year the event was held we had in attendance 850 youths
and their parents, Each and every year thereafter the event has grown in
record numbers. In 2011, over 21,000 youths and their
families attended our Annual Youth Day BBQ. The Youth Day BBQ attendance by
our youths and their families is expected to increase in record numbers this year,
we will be able to give away school supplies, back packs and clothing to all
youths who attend from grade levels Pre-K to College.
As you know, our youths look to us as role models I feel this support should start from the home. You may think they are not paying attention, but they do model our behavior. Therefore, my goal is to help our youth understand the importance of a good education.