Fundraiser draws large crowd

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LISBON - The Columbiana County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities held its second annual Rib Smoke Off and Auction Saturday at Csonka's Sports Complex to raise funds for people with disabilities in the county.

Steve Kline, CCBMRDD public and community relations director, said this year's event drew about 1,000 people and, while final numbers had yet to be calculated, brought in more money than last year's, at which $17,000 was raised.

"It went very well. There was a very good crowd," said Kline. "It was just a really fun, family event that was very successful."

Local vendors, as well as those from as far away as Monaca and Niles, participated in the rib smoke off, and for the second year in a row, the East Liverpool Motor Lodge was selected as the people's choice award winner.

"We worked hard and changed a few things. We had a great team effort," said Motor Lodge head chef John Hale. "MRDD's a great thing to go out and work for ... We had a lot of local support."

Hale also thanked everyone, particularly friends and family, who helped the Motor Lodge team, who were also given the award for best ribs by a panel of seven judges, which included all three Columbiana County commissioners.

The event also featured a classic car show and, for the first time, a poker run. Kline said there were about 35 participants in the poker run, which he felt was a great turnout for the first year. The first place prize of the poker run was a Harley basket worth $250.

A live auction and silent auction were also held, with items such as autographed footballs from Lou Holtz, Larry Csonka, and Browns players, a replica Notre Dame football jersey from 1964 Heisman Trophy winner John Huarte, a picture of the Steelers Steel Curtain autographed by Mean Joe Greene, Ernie Holmes, L. C. Greenwood, and Dwight White, an autographed Bill Mazeroski baseball jersey, a Jerome Bettis autographed football card, and a variety of autographed NASCAR pieces up for bid.

Live entertainment was held throughout the day, including square dancing with Paul Lake, music and karaoke with Dan Bing, and a performance by the Route 45 Band.

Kline said that the CCBMRDD would meet to discuss requests for the funds raised Saturday, adding they typically go toward equipment not covered by Medicaid, such as talking devices for nonverbal people and certain wheelchair ramps. "There's a hole in the system with Medicaid dollars and tax dollars," said Kline.

Kline also said a special thanks to everyone who helped with the event, since "everything is done on a volunteer basis. Something of this magnitude is impossible to do without help."

Due to the success of the event's first two years, Kline said it was certain that it would continue to be held in future years. "This is very good for a very good cause," he said.