John Clay Memorial BBQ Goes Green, And Raises Green, To Benefit Hospice Of Michigan For 14TH Consecutive Year

Event Hosted by Miller Welding Supply Has Raised More Than $500,000 Since Its Inception in 2002

GRAND RAPIDS – Since Miller Welding Supply began hosting the John Clay Memorial BBQ in 2002, it has raised more than $500,000 for Hospice of Michigan – not to mention serving some of the most amazing food and sides ever enjoyed in an industrial setting.

So what can the organizers do to make the 14th annual event, scheduled for Friday, May 8, different? They can go green as they raise more green. With the assistance of Lean Living LLC, the BBQ will for the first time become a near-zero waste event. It’s hard to imagine this event generating no trash, but Lean Living’s Brian Smith has developed a plan to make it happen.

We will, however, generate plenty of outstanding food – thanks to the outstanding skills of our five returning contestants:

  • Larry Hayden (the defending champion)
  • Mike Saladino
  • Patrick Newson
  • Ron Koehler
  • Bobby Duckworth

Anyone is free to attend, and can eat burgers, brats, pulled pork and sides (plus Pepsi) for $10. Those who would like to aid the judges can pay $20 for the privilege electronically via technology from Fleetwood Group. And $30 gets you the whole package!

In addition, the BBQ will host a return appearance of the competition-winning Hopkins Robotics Team, which competed last year in the world championship robotics competition in St. Louis.

All proceeds go to benefit Hospice of Michigan. The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Miller Welding Supply, which is located at 505 Grandville Ave. SW.

It is recommended that those who would like to attend RSVP by calling 459.9461 or by e-mailing lclay@millerweldingsupply.com.