Best Special Event/PromotionMARKETING
Builder/Remodeler
Russell’s Barbecue is a biannual, invitation-only event that blends culinary tradition with community impact—an expression of our purpose: We Build Better Lives for our Team, our Clients, and our Community. What began in 2011 as a way to support a staff member in need has evolved into a signature philanthropic event, raising tens of thousands of dollars for local nonprofits while showcasing creativity, collaboration, and purpose-driven promotion. This entry reflects the October 2024 and April 2025 events.
Development & Creativity: Entirely developed and executed by internal staff and volunteers, Russell’s Barbecue involves a three-day meat-smoking process and transforms a corporate parking lot into a welcoming venue. The menu evolves each season—Spring 2025 introduced “Budd’s Burnt Ends”—and the event’s name, branding, and storytelling are rooted in authenticity and community connection.
Cost & Effectiveness: A zero-cost event for attendees, all food is donated or company-supplied and prepared by staff. 100% of donations go to the selected nonprofit. In Fall 2024, over $29,000 was raised for St. Matthew’s House to replace a critical transport van. In Spring 2025, more than $10,000 was raised for Grace Place for Children and Families. These results were achieved without paid advertising—only curated invitations and word-of-mouth among clients, partners, and community leaders.
Design & Promotional Materials: Promotional efforts include custom invitations, branded signage, social media stories, and a dedicated photo gallery. The event’s visual identity is consistent and recognizable, reinforcing its exclusivity and community value. Press releases and blog posts extend reach and impact, while nonprofit testimonials validate success.
Target Market: The event targets current clients, project partners, and community stakeholders—those actively engaged with the host organization. This curated guest list ensures alignment between attendees and the event’s mission, fostering deeper relationships and shared purpose.
Unique Features & Constraints:
• Hosted on-site, requiring full transformation of a working office into an event venue and back again.
• Staff step away from desks to serve, greet, and engage with guests.
• Nonprofit beneficiaries are selected based on active involvement through projects or volunteerism, ensuring authentic alignment and impact.
• Its grassroots nature and hands-on execution distinguish it from traditional fundraisers.
Marketing Objectives & Outcomes: The primary objective is to cultivate authentic connections by bringing together clients, partners, and community members in a relaxed, meaningful setting. The event strengthens relationships, celebrates shared values, and creates space for collaboration. Its philanthropic impact is a natural extension—each event supports a local nonprofit, with 100% of donations going directly to the beneficiary. These dual goals are consistently achieved, with each season bringing increased attendance, deeper engagement, and growing recognition as a signature event blending hospitality, purpose, and community spirit.
Outstanding Features:
• A 14-year tradition rooted in community service
• Entirely volunteer-run with 100% of proceeds donated
• Recognized with past industry awards for Best Event
• A model of how creativity, culture, and community converge in a single afternoon for a cause