Smoke Justis is excited to announce its new signature event, Q4A Cure, benefiting The ALS Association that will take place 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, June 1 at Smoke Justis (302 Court St, Covington, KY 41011). Q4A Cure will honor those battling the disease and raise funds for ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) research and patient care.
Named after a local baseball urban legend, Walter “Smoke” Justis, Smoke Justis features smoked meat and smooth bourbon. So, it seemed to be a natural fit to build this event around three very important B’s: Baseball, BBQ, and bourbon. Hosted the same weekend as MLB’s ALS Awareness Game, the goal of Q4A Cure is to bring people together to raise money and awareness of this progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, which currently, does not have a cure.
Smoke Justis founder, Richard Dickmann’s personal connection to ALS was the driving force behind this event.
“In 2005, after a seven-year-long battle with ALS, I lost a good friend to the disease and another close friend is battling it right now, so for me, this cause is near and dear to me,” says Dickmann. “Over the past 30 years, I have had countless friends, relatives and customers that have had loved ones also fight this horrible disease, so, this is why we decided to host Q4A Cure. We want to bring as many people together as we can to support the mission of The ALS Association.”
Online reservations for a BBQ meal will be the key component of this event. Guests will enjoy an expertly crafted BBQ feast that will pair beautifully with the amazing view of the Cincinnati Skyline and the Roebling Bridge, “family picnic style,” as checkered print tables will line the streets. Meals will be provided with a minimum donation of $25 for adults and $12 for children and will include pork BBQ with a collection of classic sides and desserts. With live music throughout the day, Q4A Cure will also be celebrating the tenth anniversary of the Ice Bucket Challenge.
Made famous in 2014, the Ice Bucket Challenge invites the community to pour ice water over a person’s head to promote awareness of the disease. During Q4A Cure, members of the Greater Cincinnati business community will raise funds and potentially get soaked, live at the event. The three top fundraisers in the categories of Bars/Breweries, Corporate, Media and Local Celebrity will receive a shower of ice-cold water on stage throughout the program.
“On behalf of The ALS Association, I would like to express sincere gratitude to the Northern Kentucky community, and everyone at Smoke Justis who have made this event possible,” said Drew Keelin, Development Manager of The ALS Association Kentucky Chapter. “This groundbreaking event, the first of its kind, will not only elevate awareness but will generate substantial funds for individuals bravely battling ALS.”
Proceeds from Q4A Cure will be presented to The ALS Association on Sunday, June 9 during the Cincinnati Reds’ ALS Awareness Game against the Chicago Cubs. Reservations for Q4A Cure can be booked online at www.smokejustis.com/q4a-cure-2024. For event questions or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Richard Dickmann by emailing richard@smokejustis.com OR call (859) 814-8858.
###
About Smoke Justis
Located in the historic Citizens Telephone Building in Covington Kentucky, Smoke Justis is an urban sports bar named after an urban legend, Walter “Smoke” Justis. This unique blend of casual and lounge space has created a vibe for everyone. Designed as a place to bring people together, Smoke Justis features smoked meat, bourbon, and craft beer in a warm and inviting setting at the foot of the Roebling Bridge. Visitors and locals alike can be found cheering on their favorite team or just meeting with friends to enjoy America’s native spirit at this locally owned tavern.
About The ALS Association
Every 90 minutes someone in the United States is diagnosed with ALS. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Eventually, people with ALS lose the ability to initiate and control muscle movement, which often leads to total paralysis and death within two to five years of diagnosis. For unknown reasons, veterans are more likely to develop ALS than the general population. There is currently no known cause or cure.
The ALS Association is the only national nonprofit organization fighting ALS on every front. By integrating local care services, cutting-edge global research, and nationwide advocacy on behalf of those living with ALS, the Association builds hope and enhances quality of life while aggressively searching for new treatments and a cure.
The ALS Association provides patients and caregivers — at no cost — with respite care, equipment loan, augmentative communication, and assistive technology programs, as well as nutritional supplements, transportation, and emergency assistance.
