SE Illinois News

At its Jan. 9 meeting, the city council of Mount Carmel welcomed Chris and Tina Howton, representatives from the fundraising organization Smokin’ for Garrett. 

The Howtons were requesting a date to hold the organization's annual barbecue and though a date could not be agreed on at the meeting, Mayor Joe Judge asked them to contact City Administrative Assistant Ryan Turner with the dates they are considering and to move forward from there.

According to its website, Smokin’ for Garrett is a nonprofit organization that hosts an annual Kansas City Barbeque Society-sanctioned barbeque contest as a fundraiser for local charities and organizations as well as students pursuing post secondary education.

The organization was founded in honor of Garrett Ward who passed away in a boating accident in June of 2004 when he was 19.

“Last year in September turned out to be a great event," said Tina Howton, representative of Smokin' For Garrett. "We were able to get a $200 scholarship to a senior, and then donate $2,000 to the AG mechanic class at the high school. We never had it on the street before, so I didn't know what to expect. And I think we had some snags in the beginning, but it ended up being a great event and the teams loved it here.” 

Garrett was known as a kind and loving person who loved everything outdoors, his truck, and had so many random talents. His uncle started the competition that same summer in his name, and the first year had 11 competitors. This summer will see the 10th annual competition and organizers expect to have over 70 competitors. 

This fund has been able to give scholarships to many local students, as well as welding supplies to high schools around the area, and other donations to organizations like Operation BBQ Relief, Autism Awareness, Hearts of Hope Orphanage in Guatemala, The River Church, Imagination Library.