Hungry patrons looking to support a good cause can attend the upcoming “Stockwell-Wilcoxson Chicken Burn” barbecue and cancer fundraiser at Veterans Island.
Saratoga resident Steve Wilcoxson said this first-annual chicken barbecue is organized as a tribute to friend Richie Stockwell and his father Max Wilcoxson, both of whom died of cancer. Wilcoxson said the free Saturday event features home-cooked food and a horseshoe throw, and welcome donations to support the American Cancer Society.
“My dad passed away from cancer last October, and Richie used to do gatherings like this every year at the island for quite a while before he passed away from cancer a few years ago,” he said. “Richie was well-known among people my age and a friend I worked with at the mines for many years, so this event is kind of like a continuation of what he started many years ago. We’re trying to get some money raised for the American Cancer Society, a good reputable organization, and this event is a private function that hasn’t been organized by the Legion or anyone.”
Wilcoxson said food provided at the event will include barbecued chicken, side dishes and drinks for all who attend.
“The Women’s Auxiliary (from the Legion) is donating the side dishes, and myself and Suzie Cox are donating the chicken,” he said. “There are a number of us who will donate the food, and we may have some hot dogs for the kids.”
For the day’s entertainment, Wilcoxson said adults can participate in horseshoe tournaments, and there will be children’s games for the youn attendees. “We’ll have blind draw horseshoe tournaments going into the evening, and we should have a DJ, Mat Bruce, bring in a little music over there,” he said. “For the horseshoes we’ll probably charge $5 or $10 for an entry fee, and that will be divided up among the team. Prizes will be from the entry fees for the tournaments.”
As part of a community-wide event, Wilcoxson said he hopes as many people as possible can attend for the good food and fun. He said he hopes to make the barbecue a regular annual occurrence.
“I know it’s our first time, so we’ll be able to learn from this one and see what we need to do or provide for next year to make it better,” he said. “I’m hoping we can get as many donations as we can, since the cancer society needs all the money they can get. We feel that this serves as a good tribute for my dad and Richie.”
Wilcoxson said the Stockwell-Wilcoxson Chicken Burn begins 2 p.m. Saturday at Veterans Island, and all are welcome to come. The event and food are free of charge, but donations are greatly appreciated.
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