More To The Story with Staley: Union Gospel Barbeque

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – Jon Rector has been the executive director of the Union Gospel Mission for 19 years.

He and his staff are getting ready for one of their big events! The 8th annual Labor Day Free Barbeque. Held on Labor Day.

It IS a fundraiser for the organization. However, a donation is not required. Because Rector says our community comes together every year and pours out its heart.

“I have local people and businesses that I call. I ask can you help. And they give. So all of the barbeque is paid for. If we don’t make a dime it simply doesn’t hurt us. That’s what we do. We give it away.”

Rector says the summer months are always tough for organizations such as his.

In years past, this barbeque has raised as much as 8-thousand dollars.

Rector says that makes the free barbeque event well worth the effort. And there is a lot of work that goes into such a venture.

“We start paper planning about two months ahead. And we buy the items about a month ahead. We actually cook the barbeque right here at our office. Now, we’ve tried other options. But this has been the best option for us so far.”

The free barbeque starts at 11AM this Monday, the 5th. It’ll be in the Walmart Complex on Gunbarrel Road. There’ll be signs. You can’t miss it!
Dave Staley, News 12.