A barbeque competition organized by students at Seminary of the Southwest in Austin has raised over $5000 for Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD). Now in its third year, the March 7th fundraiser, Southwest Showdown, brought friends and neighbors, alumni and trustees and a panel of judges, including ERD staff member Chad Brinkman to the seminary campus for the event.
Fourteen teams competing for a prize for best brisket or best ribs came from the Austin area, Oklahoma, Mississippi, West Texas, Houston and the neighboring Austin Presbyterian Seminary. First place prizes went to Holy Smokes (All Saints', Austin team) for the best brisket and to the team from Posse East sports bar in the seminary's neighborhood for the best ribs.
Sean Ekberg, MDiv ’15, from the Diocese of Oklahoma, chaired the event with a team of seminarians who organized attractions like the petting zoo and jump house for the younger guests and music by Rosie and the Ramblers for all to enjoy. “This great event takes many hands to pull off. We had a great time, and welcoming over 300 guests and raising the funds for ERD made our hard work totally worth it. I appreciate everyone’s part in making it a success,” said Sean.
Sponsors for the event included the seminary’s Alumni Association, the dioceses of Texas and West Texas, the seminary’s board of trustees and the student council.
Student organizers pictured above are (l-r back row) Christi Chapman, Christian Rabone, Frank Samuelson; (l-r front row) Carrie Duncan, Sean Ekberg, Tom Dahlman, John Tober and Lecia Brannon. Team member not pictured is Brian Tarver.
