In celebration of its 40th anniversary last year, Florida-based Woody’s Bar-B-Q hosted an event to raise funds and awareness for Tim Tebow Foundation’s anti-human-trafficking ministry. Within a couple of hours, Woody’s raised $6,000 and helped bring the matter of human trafficking to the forefront for everyone in attendance.
One year later, the classic Southern BBQ chain will host a repeat of the event with the hope of doubling the amount of funds raised. This year’s event will be hosted at Woody’s Bar-B-Q of Ponte Vedra Beach, 226 Solana Road, from 2 to 4 p.m. Oct. 2.
The event will include an art show featuring the works of Diana Patterson, as well as a silent auction, entertainment and food, which has been the hallmark of the company for 41 years.
“Even for those who can’t be in attendance at the event, they can still help us make an impact on this very serious issue in our country,” said Yolanda Mills-Mawman, president, COO and co-founder of Woody’s Bar-B-Q. “A portion of the proceeds from all dine-in and take-out orders that day at all four corporate locations – Ponte Vedra Beach, University Boulevard in Jacksonville, Green Cove Springs and Fernandina Beach – will benefit the Tim Tebow Foundation’s anti-human-trafficking ministry. With thousands of victims of human trafficking in the U.S. alone each year, my co-founder, Woody Mills, and I believe this is not only a very worthy cause, but also an incredibly serious matter that so few people truly know about. We hope to help the Tim Tebow Foundation change that.”
In addition to funds raised through dine-in and takeout orders, the event will raise funds through its silent auction, featuring the donation of goods and services from other local businesses and corporations. Included among those auction items are a 16-person suite at 121 Financial Ballpark during a future Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp game, a foursome at Marsh Landing Country Club, tickets for four for a Jacksonville Jaguars game, family photo shoot with Steph Owens Photography, one-year family membership at Basics Range & Gun, a beautifully crafted bracelet from Pavlos Jewelry Design and more. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of artwork by St. Augustine-based artist, Diana Patterson – which will be on display throughout the event – will also benefit the cause.
The Tim Tebow Foundation’s anti-human-trafficking ministry website indicates that human trafficking generates $150 billion worldwide, with the United States leading all other countries in consumption. Roughly 70% of victims are female and 25% are children.
It is estimated that as many as 40 million people in the world today are being bought and sold as modern-day slaves, and victims of human trafficking have been identified in every single state in the U.S.
The foundation believes in taking action to confront this global atrocity – to rescue victims and provide a way out of a life of violence and exploitation to a new life of freedom found in Christ.
To learn more about the impactful ministries of the Tim Tebow Foundation and make a donation directly to the cause, go to www.timtebowfoundation.org.
For more information about Woody’s Bar-B-Q, go to www.woodys.com. If you would like to donate an item to be featured during the 41st Anniversary Celebration silent auction, email your information to admin@woodys.com.
