BBQ Cookoff Raises $158,000 for Student Scholarships

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The EFSC Foundation celebrated its 10th Annual Backyard BBQ Cook-Off and Family Fest on Saturday, raising more than $158,000 for Eastern Florida State College student scholarships and bringing the event’s ten-year total to over $800,500.

Live music from local band Hot Pink set the tone as more than 2,000 attendees gathered on the EFSC Melbourne campus for the outdoor BBQ event. Families sampled BBQ, browsed offerings from local vendors and food trucks, and took part in a charity gift bag drawing. Younger guests enjoyed a variety of children’s activities, making it a full day of fun for all ages.

The Collegiate Veterans Society hosted its annual Red, White, and Wheels car show, raising funds to support student veterans completing classes at EFSC.

BBQ proceeds were increased thanks to the generosity of the numerous event sponsors which included Grand Champion Sponsor Community Credit Union; Signature Sponsors Glover, Orndorf & Flanagan Wealth Management and the Christie Family Foundation; Presenting Sponsors Orlando Health and AJAX Building Company; Titan Sponsors Progressive Cleaning, Wharton-Smith, Inc., Health First, Mel and Linda Mills, HM Williams Construction Group, and Boys Electrical Contractors; and BBQ Crew Sponsors Dane Contracting, Inc., Carroll Distributing Company, Appliance Warehouse & BBQ Supply, Leo's Concrete, Inc., and The Viera Company.

“This event would not have been possible without our amazing sponsors, dedicated volunteers, talented BBQ teams, and everyone who came out to support us,” said Victoria Jones, Interim Executive Director of the EFSC Foundation. “Because of your enthusiasm and generosity, students at EFSC will receive scholarships that can truly change the course of their futures.”

Congratulations to the 2026 winning BBQ Cook-Off teams, which took home bragging rights and cash prizes that ranged from $100 to $1,500 for the Grand Champion.

The coveted Corporate Challenge Golden Pig was won by MH Williams Construction Group.

Grand Champion (Sponsored by Community Credit Union): Smokin' Dreams
Corporate Challenge People's Choice (sponsored by Progressive Cleaning): MH Williams Construction Group
Backyard Team ​People's Choice (sponsored by Progressive Cleaning): Fantasy Q

1st Place Pork: Smoke Meat Every Day
2nd Place Pork: Smokin' Armadillo BBQ
3rd Place Pork: Fantasy Q

1st Place Ribs: Done Right Smokin'
2nd Place Ribs: Smoke Meat Every Day
3rd Place Ribs: Mike's C-7

1st Place Brisket: Fantasy Q
2nd Place Brisket: Smoke Meat Every Day
3rd Place Brisket: Mike's C-7

Congratulations to those honored in the Red, White and Wheels Car Show:

1989 Models and older: 
1st place: Kalvin Morin - 1941 Willys Coupe
2nd place: John Luzzi - 1957 Chevrolet Belair
3rd Place: Bolliq Kyle - 1967 Chevy Nova SS

1990 Models and newer:
1st place: Michael Moretti - Nissan Skyline R34
2nd place: Bernard Behlok - Chevy Corvette ZRI
3rd place: Ken O'Conner - 2005 Ford Mustang Cobra

President's Choice: Harry Oppenheimer - 1964 Chevy Corvette

Spectator's Choice: Bill Kinstler - COE (Cab Over Engine) Model

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