Generous restaurateur puts $5,000 into BBQ Throw Down
We often hear about large companies helping out the Island’s community, but some small businesses are being just as generous despite the tough economic times.To celebrate the Labour Day weekend, and simply to give back to her community, businesswoman Selena Minors is holding her third annual BBQ Throw Down and Block Party on Sunday, starting at 11am.While several sponsors are lined up, the long-time St George’s restaurant owner spends nearly $5,000 of her own money to put on the event off Kindley Field Road near Swing Bridge, which is free to the public.And this year, with the hard times we are seeing in Bermuda, Ms Minors decided to also provide the meat for the BBQ competition.“In the past our competitors have brought their own meats,” she said, “but due to the recession and the help of the people and companies in Bermuda it was easy for us to provide the meats and other items, to which we are very thankful.”Ms Minors, who owns Selena’s with partner Prince Fubler, says her father the late Joe Thompson was her inspiration for the community event.“When we had a free Thank u Feast and Block Party at Mullet Bay playground in 2010, the attendance was overwhelming and people said we should do more of these events,” Ms Minors said. “So in that same year the BBQ Throw Down competition was born and this is now our third year.”She adds: “Giving back to those that have supported us for 15 years is easy.”This Sunday’s event will see the public competing for trophies for the best hamburger, chicken, ribs and picnic plate.“We have a team of judges who will be deciding the meats categories,” Ms Minors said. “And the spectators, who we have asked to bring tents and chairs to get comfortable, will pick the peoples choice award.“There is also a pie-eating and watermelon eating contest and Bermuda’s biggest fun castles and waterparks, which will be free to all to use.”The event will also once again have a crowd-pleaser — the mechanical bull.“Our goal is to bring Bermudians together in a different atmosphere,” Ms Minors said.