Mesquite groups receive big checks from the Mesquite Resort Association’s Smokin’ in Mesquite BBQ Championship

The Mesquite Boxing club and the Elks Lodge proved big winners following the second annual Smokin’ in Mesquite BBQ Championship presented Labor Day Weekend at the CasaBlanca Resort.
Both organizations received checks for $1,400 from the event.
During the Smokin’ in Mesquite BBQ Championship, fans had the chance to raise funds for the two groups while critiquing the world’s finest BBQ competitors during the first People’s Choice and Rib Off competitions.
On Saturday of the BBQ weekend People’s Choice participants purchased sample cups of BBQ pulled pork with the proceeds being donated to the Mesquite Elks Lodge. On Sunday the masses got a chance to vote on their favorite BBQ rib in the first annual Ribs Off Competition with proceeds going to the Mesquite Boxing Club.
“It was very cool to get the money,” said Matt McCulloch, the manager for the Mesquite Boxing Club. “We had about eight kids work the event and the money absolutely goes to a good cause.”
McCulloch said about half of the money will be used to operate the club’s nutrition program. The other half will help purchase boxing shoes; while also paying for the USA Boxing Passbook registration fee.
The Mesquite Boxing Club includes about 35 young male and female boxers ages 8-18.
Geno Withelder, who doubles as a Mesquite City Councilman along with being a long-time member of the Elks Lodge, lauded the $1,400 donation.
“A large portion of the money given to the Elks will be donated directly to our scholarship program,” explained Withelder, who has lived in Mesquite for eight years. “The remainder of that will be directed in some fashion to Cris Crotz who is our current reigning Miss Nevada from Mesquite.”
The Smokin’ in Mesquite BBQ competition featured a $40,000 purse. Sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS), the event offers a bonus to the top finishers from the Best Damn BBQ held on Memorial Day weekend in Boulder City along with the Mesquite event.
The husband and wife team of Jennifer and Tom Duncan of Gilbert, Ariz., captured the overall Smokin’ in Mesquite BBQ Championship which attracted more than 40 teams from all over the country.
Further information regarding the Mesquite BBQ Championship can be found by visiting www.mesquitebbqchampionship.com or by calling Christian Adderson at 702-346-7529, ext. 6981.
The never-ending promotional machine continues with the RE/Max World Long Drive Championship Oct. 27-Nov. 5; the Teacher Games in Mesquite Nov. 12-14; the Fall Pro Am Golf Tournament Nov. 14-16; the Southwest Invitational Golf Tournament Nov. 17-19 and the Mesquite Tri-State Marathon Nov. 20.
Rounding out the year will be the World Arm Wrestling Championship USA Dec. 5-11; the Nevada Senior Open Dec. 12-14 and the Nevada Open Dec. 15-17.

CAPTIONS:

Coaches Matt McCullouch, left, and Tom Brooks, right, are shown with the Mesquite Boxing Club after the group was given its $1,400 check from Black Gaming and the second annual Smokin’ in Mesquite BBQ Championships. About 35 male and female participants belong to the club.

Black Gaming Sporting Events Manager Christian Adderson, left, and General Sales Manager Darrell Edwards, right, present a check for $1,400 to Elks Club Treasurer Don Worley.

Contacts: Darrell Edwards, 888-711-4653, ext. 11, or email him at dedwards@casablancaresort.com; Christian Adderson at 702-346-7529, ext. 6981, or email him at cadderson@casablancaresort.com; or Mike Henle at 702-279-3483 or email mhenle@aol.com.