• CHRISTINA BURKE - VICTORIA ADVOCATE
• Originally published July 19, 2008 at 11:08 p.m., updated July 19, 2008 at 11:08 p.m.

QUAIL CREEK- What started out as a small event with a handful of participants has quickly turned into a smoking hot fundraiser.

Twenty eight teams competed in the 3rd Annual Quail Creek Volunteer Fire Department Barbecue Cook-Off. The volunteer firefighters and the community worked together to raise an expected $12,000 to help cover the fire department’s roughly $30,000 operating cost said Joe Rainosek, secretary/treasurer of the organization.

The 20 member volunteer fire department responds to 250 to 300 calls a year helping out with mutual aid to Goliad, DeWitt, Refugio and Victoria counties said Ron Kramer, fire chief.

Proceeds from the event will help pay for operating capital, bunker gear, personal protective equipment such as coats, boots, hoods, fire protectant clothes, air packs and fuel said Kramer.

Many of the participants love to travel the circuit of cook-offs knowing the money they pay in entry fees is going to a worthwhile cause.

First time participant at the event Yoli Dueñez, who lives in Bloomington was there with friends who made up Team Yoli. "We like to help people. Helping others is my motto," said Dueñez.

If the event keeps growing in years to come, they’ll soon be needing more space to accommodate participant’s custom crafted mobile barbecue pits said organizers.

Christina Burke is a reporter for the Advocate. Contact her at 361-580-6516 or cburke@vicad.com, or to comment on this story go to www.VictoriaAdvocate.com.

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