In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Pinnacle Search and Rescue (Cajun Navy 2016) is teaming up with United by BBQ to show their appreciation for the hard work of staff at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. On Saturday, March 19th, from 11 am to 2 pm; both organizations will be cooking pulled pork outside of the hospital for all staff to enjoy.
“We wanted to do something special to show our appreciation for the amazing work that OLOL staff is doing during this difficult time,” said Jon Bridgers, founder, and CEO of Pinnacle Search and Rescue (Cajun Navy 2016). “We hope that this small gesture will help to brighten their day.”
“We’re excited to team up with Pinnacle Search and Rescue for this event,” said Jeff Petkevicius, executive director of United by BBQ. “The pulled pork will be delicious, and it’ll be great to get to know the staff at OLOL a little better.”
And Jeff should know.
Jeff began his professional BBQ career in 2010, competing for eight years and winning sixteen Grand and Reserve titles. He was chosen to appear on the television show BBQ Pitmasters has assisted in the opening and operation of several barbecue restaurants, including Salty Joe’s, BRQ, and the Real Deal.
It was in Oregon that God (Jeff’s competitive BBQ team) allowed him to work with Mission BBQ (a Portland Rescue Mission affiliate), where he saw firsthand how great barbecue could provide a much-needed boost to those in need.
Jeff is excited to bring his love of BBQ and helping others to this event in Baton Rouge.
About Pinnacle Search and Rescue (Cajun Navy 2016)
Pinnacle Search and Rescue is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides search and rescue services free of charge to those in need. The organization comprises highly skilled volunteers who are passionate about helping others.
The name Cajun Navy first came about in August 2005.
During the catastrophic flooding caused by Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans and surrounding communities, local officials appealed for volunteers with boats to assist in the rescue operations of thousands of stranded people.
“Hurricane Katrina hurt Louisiana pretty bad, and the people here really rallied together to help each other out,” Bridgers said.
A loosely organized group of recreational boaters from New Orleans and the surrounding area responded and quickly became known as the Cajun Navy.
These volunteers assisted in subsequent storms, including Hurricanes Rita and Ike.
“It doesn’t matter whether an emergency takes place on land in Baton Rouge, on the water in Lake Pontchartrain, or anywhere in the Southern United States,” Bridgers said. “We’ll be there to help.”
About United by BBQ
United by BBQ is a group of people who understand that BBQ comforts the soul. They provide BBQ in disaster relief, appreciation events, relationship building, and fundraising needs.
Their values are simple: servant hearts, teamwork, open communication, transparency, honesty, compassion, friendship, hard work, and respect for others. And everything that they do is based on those values.
For more information about United by BBQ, please visit their website at unitedbybbq.com
For more information about Pinnacle Search and Rescue (Cajun Navy 2016), please visit their website at pinnaclesearchandrescue.org
