The Mission of Smoke-A-Palooza

Smoke-A-Palooza is more than just a barbeque competition.  The impact of the event is felt long after the smoke has cleared, impacting more people than just the barbeque masters or the patrons who leave with smiling faces after a plate full of ribs.  Money raised during this annual event is used throughout the year to provide practical help to the poor.  More than just a barbeque, Smoke-A-Palooza is an opportunity to contribute to something that can make a difference in our community and our world.

Smoke-A-Palooza is a St. Charles area community event dedicated to raising funds for the poor in St. Charles County and beyond.  All proceeds benefit the poor and homeless locally and internationally through Living Hope International, a local 501(c)(3) organization serving greater St. Louis, India and Africa.  It is the desire of the leaders of both Living Hope International and Smoke-A-Palooza to bring hope and refreshment to people in need through meals, clothing, shelter, and other practical areas of service.  The needs that are encountered can sometimes be staggering, but every need met and every act of compassion is another step in the right direction.

The idea behind Smoke-A-Palooza is rooted in the soup kitchens and shelters and food centers where ordinary people volunteer their time every day to help people in need.  But it is also coupled with a desire to get the whole community more involved in these efforts.  How appropriate that barbeque, once standard fare for the poor and migrant workers gathered around makeshift fires in our nation’s history, now serves as a focal point for gathering a community to help those that are less fortunate. 

Now that adds some spice that takes Smoke-A-Palooza out of the realm of ordinary barbeque.