Ribs for Kids, a fundraiser hosted by McGonigle’s Market, benefits local foster families.
Every spring, Mike McGonigle and the team at McGonigle’s Market sell thousands of baby-back ribs to raise money for foster families. This year’s Ribs for Kids fundraiser is set to run Friday and Saturday in the store’s parking lot at 79th Street and Ward Parkway in Kansas City, Mo.
McGonigle talked with Thinking Bigger Business about Ribs for Kids’ origins and how fundraisers can be an effective way for small businesses to give back.
How Did Ribs for Kids Get Started?
Several years ago, McGonigle’s Market hired Randy Ross, who with his wife, Lori, has fostered more than 400 children. Lori is the CEO and president of the Midwest Foster Care and Adoption Association, an organization that provides support and training to foster families.
McGonigle knew that families like the Rosses are tackling a huge responsibility without much public support.
“The reality is the money they are provided by the government doesn’t come close to the cost of taking care of these foster kids,” McGonigle said.
He wanted to see if there was anything his business could do. “I said to them, ‘How can I help?’”
Why Hold a Fundraiser?
It might have been easier, arguably, to simply cut a check. But McGonigle felt that his business could raise more money by hosting an event. Last year, Ribs for Kids made about $30,000 for MFCAA. This year’s event will be used to pay for training, a food pantry, clothing and other needs.
And funds aren’t the only thing being raised. For a smaller nonprofit, a popular event can increase awareness, leading to more people supporting its cause.
How Much Work Goes Into Ribs for Kids?
This weekend will be the 12th time that McGonigle’s Market and MFCAA have collaborated on Ribs for Kids, so they’ve got experience on their side. “We’re getting pretty good at it,” McGonigle said.
In a typical year, they sell about 4,000 slabs of ribs, up from 800 the first year, which “does have an effect on our storage and our cooking capacity,” McGonigle said. The cooking starts on Thursday for the event, which runs Friday through Saturday.
Luckily, they have extra help from volunteers, who will direct traffic and assist with cleanup.
Any Other Keys to Success?
McGonigle’s and MFCAA make it easy to give. Customers don’t have to pick up their ribs that day. They can make a donation and get a token that lets them order a slab of ribs some other day.
It’s also important to get the word out, McGonigle said. You might be surprised at your ability to get local TV stations and other media outlets to help publicize your fundraiser.
“Let people know what you’re doing and why you’re doing it,” he said.
