Grilling for Good

Delivering for Dollars

Marcia (far right in front row) delivered Johnsonville Brats from the Big Taste Grill to offices who couldn't get away during the workday to support the Brats for a Cure event.

Partners for Pink

Johnsonville member (left) strikes a pose with Susan G. Komen Memorial Affiliate Katie during the Brats for a Cure event that raised more than $20,000 over three days.

Working and Winning as a Team

Johnsonville sales managers join Marcia in Peoria each year to help out during the Brats for a Cure fundraiser for the Susan G. Komen Memorial Affiliate in Peoria.

Partners for Pink

Johnsonville retiree Sharon (left) and member Marcia have helped organize the 3-day Brats for a Cure event over the last several years with Schnucks and the Susan G. Komen teams in Peoria.

Celebrating Volunteerism

Dozens of volunteers from the Susan G. Komen Memorial Affiliate, local fire department and other community members grilled and served over 5,000 brats during the 3-day Brats for a Cure event this spring.

Tossing for a Cure

Cornhole matches were also part of the fun during the Brats for a Cure event in Peoria.

What happens when you bring together a passionate community volunteer, 5,000 Johnsonville brats and the 65-foot traveling grill?

Good times and good money raised for a great cause.

Marcia, one of our business managers based in St. Louis, helps bring this all to life each spring in Peoria, Illinois – home of the Susan G. Komen Memorial Affiliate. The non-profit resides in the city where it originated and serves 36 counties in central Illinois, working hard to save lives and support research that aims to find a cure for breast cancer.

Marcia – a breast-cancer survivor herself – was eager to get involved in joining her co-worker Sharon, who began organizing the “Brats for a Cure” fundraiser in Peoria several years ago. Sharon and Marcia work with their retail partner, Schnucks, and the Susan G. Komen team to plan this – which has grown to raise more than $20,000 each year for the local chapter. What helps draw visitors to this annual fundraiser? The smell of Johnsonville brats cooking on the Johnsonville Big Taste Grill. This year's event grilled 5,000 brats and raised more than $20,000.

“It’s my favorite week to work,” said Marcia, a 25-year Johnsonville member. Each spring, she makes the 170-mile drive north of her home and puts the 3-day grilling event into action at one of the Peoria-based Schnucks stores. She’s organized the event after Sharon retired a few years ago. “Sharon continues to join me and we enjoy building upon this each year,” adding that she works closely with the Komen and Schnucks teams based in Peoria months in advance.

Marcia and Sharon were honored to help deliver pre-orders to the Peoria Cancer Center and the Illinois Eye Institute. “Pre-orders are a big part of this event, as we make deliveries to local car dealerships, medical offices and many other businesses who can’t get out to the grill but want to support the cause,” said Marcia.

Looking to 2019, Marcia is ready to get started on the next event. She enjoys the partnership with the Schnucks and Komen staff, and dozens of volunteers who all come together to make a great event for the greater Peoria community. “It is a lot of work, but so rewarding when you’re doing your small part to give back to something so meaningful.”