BBQ Cookoff Raises $150,000 for Student Scholarships

The EFSC Foundation's 9th Annual Backyard BBQ Cook-Off and Family Fest held Saturday raised more than $150,000 for Eastern Florida State College student scholarships, achieving a total of over $700,000 raised since the event's inception eight years ago.

More than 2,000 people attended the outdoor BBQ event, which took place on EFSC's Melbourne campus. Attendees enjoyed live music performed by local band "Hot Pink" while sampling BBQ, shopping with local vendors/food trucks, and participating in a gift bag charity raffle. A variety of children's activities provided fun for the youngest members of the family.

The Collegiate Veterans Society hosted its annual Red, White, and Wheels car show, raising funds to support student veterans completing classes at EFSC thanks to the record-setting 104 car owners who took part this year.

BBQ proceeds were increased thanks to the generosity of the numerous event sponsors which included Grand Champion Sponsor Community Credit Union; Signature Sponsor Glover, Orndorf & Flanagan Wealth Management; Presenting Sponsors Ajax Building Company and Am-Ko Building Maintenance, Inc; Titan Sponsors MH Williams Construction Group, HKS Architects & Designers, Health First Foundation, Mel & Linda Mills, Florida Power & Light Company, Progressive Cleaning, Boys Electrical Contractors, and Rotary Club of Cocoa; and BBQ Sponsors Dane Contracting Inc., The Viera Company, Carroll Distributing Company, Appliance Warehouse & BBQ Supply, Craig Technologies, and K&Y Carpet One Floor & Home.

"We are grateful to our generous sponsors, hardworking volunteers, talented BBQ cook-off teams, and  everyone who attended,” said Tonya Cherry, EFSC Foundation, Executive Director.

“Because of you, students will have access to life-changing scholarships as they pursue their degrees at EFSC."

Congratulations to the 2025 winning BBQ Cook-Off teams, which took home bragging rights and cash prizes that ranged from $100 to $1,500 for the Grand Champion.

The coveted Corporate Challenge Golden Pig was won by Space Station BBQ.

Grand Champion (Sponsored by Community Credit Union): Smokin' Armadillo
Corporate Challenge People's Choice (sponsored by FPL): Space Station BBQ
Backyard Team ​People's Choice (sponsored by Progressive Cleaning): A1 Jerk and Soul Food

1st Place Pork: Fantasy Q
2nd Place Pork: Done Right Smokin'
3rd Place Pork: 2 Guys BBQ

1st Place Ribs: Space Station BBQ
2nd Place Ribs: Countdown Q
3rd Place Ribs: Smokin' Armadillo

1st Place Brisket: Fantasy Q
2nd Place Brisket: Space Station BBQ
3rd Place Brisket: Done Right Smokin'

Congratulations to those honored in the Red, White and Wheels Car Show:

1988 Models and older: 
1st Place: Bill Kinstler - 1947 Ford COE
2nd Place: Lawrence Hyland - 1980 Corvette
3rd Place:  Steve Hirtzel - 1955 Chevy Bel Air

1989 Models and newer
1st Place: James Tyler - 1993 Ford Mustang GT
2nd Place: Francisco Ramos - 2005 Dodge Viper
3rd Place: Kevin Moore - 2007 Shelby GT 500

President's Choice: John Lozzi - 1957 Chevy Bel Air

Spectator's Choice: Steven Roeske - 1930 Buick 46 Special Coupe

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