For the third year in a row, Smoke Justis is stepping up to the plate to support those impacted by ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). Throughout the month of May, a series of fundraising initiatives will bring together barbecue lovers, baseball fans and bourbon connoisseurs to raise vital funds for ALS care, equipment and advocacy.
Events will benefit the Triple Play Initiative – Always Lifting Spirits, Chair Force 1 Foundation and Operation Ramp It Up – three local organizations providing mobility support and emotional encouragement for ALS patients and caregivers.
“I’ve seen firsthand the toll ALS takes not just on those diagnosed, but on the families and friends who stand beside those impacted,” said Richard Dickmann, founder of Smoke Justis. “Having watched close friends battle this disease, this cause is deeply personal to me. Through the fundraiser and its surrounding events, our goal is to support the organizations providing critical resources to ALS patients while also fostering a strong, compassionate community where those affected can connect, find support and resources, and feel less alone.”
Named after a local baseball urban legend, Walter “Smoke” Justis, Smoke Justis’ menu is built around smoked meat and a large variety of bourbon. So, it seemed to be a natural fit to build the series of events around three very important B’s: Baseball, BBQ and bourbon. Hosted the week leading up to MLB’s Lou Gehrig Day on Monday, June 2, the goal of Que4Care is to bring people together to raise awareness of the disease and vital funds to purchase equipment and mobility modifications. Que4Care also hopes to provide essential resources that empower ALS patients and their families. Events for the month include:
Round Up 4 ALS Patients
May 1 – May 31 | Ongoing
Beginning May 1, Smoke Justis is asking customers to round up to help raise additional funds to support those impacted by ALS through the Triple Play Initiative. When customers receive their checks, they’ll have the option to round up the amount to the next dollar. Along with rounding up a general QR code will be available to donate any amount towards the cause as well.
Sippin’ 4 Lou Happy Hour in the Bourbon Lounge
May 26 – May 29 | 4-7 p.m.
Each evening in the Bourbon Lounge, guests are invited to raise a glass to the Triple Play Initiative, raising awareness and money for local ALS patients. While supplies last, 100 commemoratives bottles of a special barrel pick New Riff bourbon will be sold with all proceeds going to benefit the three organizations.
– Sippin’ 4 Lou Opening Night
– Wednesday: Proceeds benefit Chair Force 1 Foundation
– Thursday: Donations support Operation Ramp It Up
– Friday: Toast to Always Lifting Spirits
Que4Care Street Picnic
Saturday, May 30 | 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Enjoy some mouthwatering barbecue, delicious drinks, and live music, at checkered tables lining the street outside of Smoke Justis. Please make reservations online at Que4Care.com.
– Tickets: $25 or $30 options for adult, $12 per child
– Enjoy live music all day
– Participate in Ice Bucket Challenges at 1, 3, 5, and 7 p.m.
– Take in the view of the Roebling Bridge and the Cincinnati skyline while supporting a meaningful cause
Walk4ALS & Lou Gehrig Day at Great American Ball Park
Tuesday, June 2 | Check in at Smoke Justis begins at 5:30 p.m. | Honor Walk 4 ALS at 6:00 p.m. | First pitch at 7:10 p.m.
To conclude the Que4Care initiative, ALS families, friends and supporters will unite for a powerful Walk4ALS from Smoke Justis to Great American Ball Park, in celebration of MLB’s Lou Gehrig Day. Participants are encouraged to arrive early at Smoke Justis to decorate signs to honor their loved ones impacted by the disease and prepare for the walk to the stadium. Reserve your ticket at Que4Care.com while supplies last.
Additional Details:
– Specially priced Reds tickets are available through Smoke Justis for $30.
– Tickets can be picked up ahead of time during the Sippin’ 4 Lou Happy Hours or at 5:30 p.m. on the day of the game (June 2).
– Commemorative sign decoration station to honor the name of the ALS patient you’re walking for.
– The entire walk from Court Street to the Great American Ballpark is handicap-accessible, so everyone can participate!
– Cheer on TJ Friedl, the Reds’ nominee for the Lou Gehrig Award.
Whether you’re coming to enjoy bourbon, share a meal in memory of a loved one or plan to walk in solidarity, Que4Care has something for everyone. For more information about Que4Care and to purchase tickets, please visit Que4Care.com.
