Rib Cook-off raises more than $60,000 for Seneca’s new hospital

Submitted by By Katherine Sansone

The Almanor Foundation

The second annual Rib Cook-off held Oct. 1, hosted by Plumas Pines and joined by The Almanor Foundation, was met with rave reviews by all who gathered for a day of fun and good eats. With over 400 people soaking up Lake Almanor’s spectacular fall weather, the event raised over $60,000 to build Seneca’s new state-of-the art hospital.

 “We had an amazing fundraiser after the Dixie Fire, which is why we wanted to do a second annual Rib Cook-off,” explains Todd Geer, owner of Plumas Pines. “We knew we could count on the support and generosity of this community to help raise funds for the much-needed new hospital . . . and we did,” he adds with a smile.

Nine rib vendors, who fired-up their BBQs and smokers at 6 a.m., participated in the competition. The Judge’s Choice, first, second and third, respectfully, went to Bald B Q, Jack Sutton; Big Valley Divers, John and Tess Eggleston; and Elegant Farmer, Joe Barnes. In the People’s Choice category winners from first to third were Almanor Fishing Association, John Crotty; Two Old Dudes, Bruce Hughes and John Merriman; and Hoondogs, David Aguire. Though these were the winners, it was unanimous by those licking their fingers and grinning through BBQ sauce smiles, that all were enjoyed.

“This fundraiser is one of the reasons The Almanor Foundation was founded,” explains Executive Director Susan Bryner. “We are here to support the growth, economic development and quality of life for the community.  With monies raised for ‘back-the-build, it will bring the reality of the new hospital that much closer.”

Other generous vendors and entertainment that joined the day of music, silent auction and raffle, included Plumas Pines General Store, Lassen Ale Works, Farmers Brewing, Lake Almanor Lake Life, T-Mobile, Little Pink Box Bakery, Canyon Dam Dogs and Luxury Loo.

Also making the event possible financial sponsors:

Gold Sponsors/Donors $5,000

The Foor Foundation ($6,000)

Glenn Geer

Silver Sponsor/Donors $1,000

The Full Circle Charitable Foundation ($2,000)

Coldwell Banker Kehr/O’Brien Real Estate

Lake Almanor Ace Hardware

MJ Shelton General Engineering

Mike & Margaret Daly

Tom & Debbie Garcia

Advanced Geologic

Todd & Anne Gilligan

Forsythe Enterprises

Bronze Sponsor/Donors $500

Il Lago Pizza & Pasta

Olah Construction

Sage Creek Insurance

Lake Almanor Community Foundation

McKenzie Mobile Notaries

Slusher Heating, Cooling, Electric

Antlers Motel

Tom & Carol Swingle

Rouland Insurance

B&B Booksellers

Mark & Penny Leinwander