Jessamine cattlemen cookout to benefit Alabama, western Ky. victims

The Jessamine County Beef Cattlemen Association is well known for raising money to help out local charities. Last year, the group raised more than $15,000 for Jessamine charities, and this year, the association has more cookouts planned that will benefit more local groups.

But on May 21 and 22, the association’s fundraising efforts will branch out from the local scene as members are on a mission to raise money for tornado victims in Alabama and flood victims in western Kentucky.

Next weekend’s venture was the brainchild of beef cattlemen member David Bain, organizer Charles Miller said.

“It was his suggestion that we have a cookout to try to raise some funds to help these people, and it was a good (idea), I thought,” Miller said.

The cookout will take place in the Tractor Supply parking lot off North Main Street with the usual fare.

“It will be burgers and rib-eye sandwiches, and beef hot-dogs, like we always have,” Miller said. “Hopefully everyone will come out and support this deal.”

The cattlemen will start serving around 10 a.m. on both days and ending at 9 p.m.

The beef cattlemen association typically has four to six cookouts a year to raise money, and next week’s cookout wasn’t on the schedule.

“Our next (cookout) wasn’t scheduled until June, which is our (Relay for Life) cookout, but we felt we needed to help out now and have an extra one to help some of those folks out,” Miller said. “It will only be a drop in the bucket, I’m sure, but still, every little bit helps.”

Miller said the Jessamine County Beef Cattlemen are working with an Alabama beef cattlemen association and the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association to coordinate where the funds go.

“All of the proceeds from the event will go toward those farm families that need some help,” Miller said. “We’ve committed to send $5,000 down there from the association. We’re also trying to get some donations from the public. At a good cookout, we can usually raise $9,000 to $10,000, and that’s what we’re hoping to do with this one. If we can raise more, that will certainly be good.”

Miller said the association will will divide the proceeds between Alabama and western Kentucky.