Fundraiser produces rib champion

Plumas Lake resident Jeff Phinney and the PL3 for the Cure, a group of six local women, collaborated to offer the community a little fun and a little fundraising at the same time this past weekend with a carnival and rib cook-off.

Money raised at the event went to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

"Thanks to the PL3 and Jeff Phinney for organizing the event," said Gary Bradford, a resident and dunk tank volunteer. "It was a great time with lots to do for everyone. Another great opportunity to come together as a community, and this time it was even for a good cause."

The event started off as a friendly rib competition but soon expanded when the PL3 - which includes Cynthia Braxton, Kate Cordell, Mary Jane Kelley, Monica Moreno, Marjorie Telly and Christie Villa - saw it as a great opportunity to host something larger. The carnival included face painting, a dunk tank, bounce house and several games such as the ring toss.

Tickets could be purchased by residents for all the games as well as the drinks and refreshments, with all proceeds going toward the PL3 and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. In addition to the games, Big Daddy's Frankfurters and a local shaved ice company came out to support the cause and offer up some yummy food.

Residents could also buy a ticket to be tasters in the first Plumas Lake Rib Cook-off. The morning and afternoon air was filled with the scent of barbeques as the three contestants used a five-hour time frame to present their best ribs to the judges.

The winner, Ben Salo, was announced at the end of the carnival.

"Many thanks to all the hard work put in by all. Cynthia Braxton and team are amazing for pulling off such a great event in such a short time," said Shelley Sands. "I'm looking forward to next year for sure."

The day was also a success for the PL3 for the Cure team with a total fundraising profit of $1,582, which is a great kick-off to their $10,000 goal they hope to reach by early September. The team will be training and running in the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Sacramento Core-Logic Cow Town Marathon in October.

"Thank you to all those who came out to help and to those that helped that didn't expect to help and a huge thanks to those who sat in the dunk tank for us," said Braxton, the event coordinator. "You all helped make our carnival a success."

Plumas Lake Life correspondent Michele Perrault can be reached at 483-3664 or e-mail her at mperrault@plumaslakelife.com