Cops Against Cancer to Host BBQ Fundraiser This Weekend in Bondurant

Your love of barbecue could serve a good purpose this weekend.

The Five-O Barbecue Classic will be held Saturday at Geisler's Farm & Corn Maze, located at 5251 N.E. 94th Ave. in Bondurant, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Eight barbecue enthusiasts are competing in the cookoff and for $25 per ticket, you can enjoy the results while supporting Cops Against Cancer, .

"We’re gonna have a lot of fun that day and we don’t think the people who attend will be disappointed," Phinney said.

Phinney and his wife, Shirley, founded Cops Against Cancer, an organization that provides both emotional and financial support to individuals and families who are battling cancer, after he fought and survived colon cancer.

Ankeny Patch first started following Phinney and his mission to spread awareness about the organization and its mission back in January. and raised $6,500 for Cops Against Cancer.

Since then, the response he's received from families and individuals needing financial assistance while going through cancer treatments has been "overwhelming," Phinney said.

"We're close to helping 100 families since March and the numbers have grown — we're averaging five to seven phone calls per week," Phinney said. "Right now we’re the number one contact on the list for financial assistance."

In order to keep up with the need, planning a second fundraiser was necessary, Phinney said.

"We're getting to the point where we need to replenish," he said. "We don't receive any funding from federal or state money, nor do we receive anything from national organizations. All our funding comes from local donations."

The BBQ Classic will pit eight smoking and barbecue enthusiasts against one another. Each will bring their own unique recipes and culinary style to the competition.

Those who attend the event can eat their fill, which includes barbecue, potato salad and beverages. Tickets can be purchased by contacting Phinney directly by email, or phone at 515-783-9833.

Celebrity judging will begin at 5:30 p.m. The competition will then be opened up to popular vote. A silent auction also will be held at the event.

Aside from the fundraiser, Phinney said he's looking to expand the reach of Cops Against Cancer beyond Iowa.

"The need has been so much we just have to keep this rolling," Phinney said. "When we first started doing this, we said baby steps. Now, everyone’s had enough and they want to start running."