BackStoppers BBQ Returns Sept. 19 to Support Families of Fallen and Injured First Responders
CEDAR HILL — For more than a decade, Jefferson County residents have gathered around barbecue, music, first responders, and a shared purpose: making sure the families of those who protect the community are supported when tragedy strikes.
That tradition returns Saturday, Sept. 19, when the BackStoppers of Jefferson County BBQ takes over Big River VFW Post 5331, 1 Lynn Lane in Cedar Hill, beginning at 11 a.m. and continuing through the evening.
The event will feature barbecue by the Screaming Eagle Grill Team, live music, and a fireworks display after dark. It will also serve as the drawing site for one of BackStoppers of Jefferson County's largest annual raffles. (The BackStoppers, Inc.)
But behind the food, music, and celebration is a mission built around some of the most difficult days a first responder's family may ever face.
Standing Behind Those Who Serve
BackStoppers provides assistance to the families of police officers, firefighters, and paramedics who are killed or catastrophically injured in the line of duty.
During an earlier interview with The Jefferson Review, Jamie Guinn with BackStoppers of Jefferson County explained that the help can begin soon after a qualifying tragedy and continue long after the immediate crisis has passed.
Financial assistance is only one part of that support. BackStoppers can help qualifying families with medical, dental, and vision insurance, out-of-pocket medical costs, tuition, education expenses, and other needs that can arise after a family's life changes suddenly. The Jefferson County organization says all proceeds it raises are ultimately transferred to The BackStoppers, Inc. to carry out that mission. (Backstoppers)
For Guinn, who has spent decades in public safety, the mission is personal.
First responders spend their careers walking into other people's worst moments, he explained. When tragedy suddenly makes it the responder's own family facing that moment, BackStoppers is intended to be there for them.
“When something like this happens, we want to make sure they're taken care of.”
Guinn described the organization as more than a source of financial assistance. Over time, he has watched children of fallen first responders grow up, graduate from college, and even return to BackStoppers events to help support other families.
“It’s a family that cares about everybody that does what we do,” Guinn said.
A Jefferson County Tradition
BackStoppers of Jefferson County was established in 2009, and the local organization became its own nonprofit in 2024 while continuing its relationship with The BackStoppers, Inc.
The September barbecue has since grown into one of the organization’s signature fundraisers and an important annual tradition in Jefferson County.
Guinn told The Jefferson Review earlier this summer that this year marks the 11th year of the barbecue, which was started by Chuck Gerding and Gerding Enterprises. After years of helping organize and build the event, Gerding has stepped away from the day-to-day planning, but he remains a strong supporter of BackStoppers and the fundraiser.
BackStoppers of Jefferson County leaders have expressed their appreciation for the years of work Gerding put into making the barbecue successful and are committed to continuing the tradition he helped establish. As one of the organization’s largest annual fundraisers, the event remains an important part of its efforts to support the families of fallen and catastrophically injured first responders.
This year, organizers have continued building on that foundation by focusing on sponsorships, raffle sales, volunteers, and community participation to help make the 2026 barbecue another strong year for the organization.
The purpose remains the same: bringing the community together while raising support for the first responder families BackStoppers serves.
A Truck, Cash Prizes, and a $10 Ticket
One of the biggest attractions this year is the raffle.
The first-place winner will choose between a 2026 Maverick truck or $15,000 cash. The vehicle prize is sponsored by Reuther Ford.
Additional prizes include:
- Second place: $2,500
- Third place: $1,500
- Fourth place: $1,000
Raffle tickets are $10 each, with a buy 10, get one free offer. Tickets may also be purchased electronically through the QR code on the event flyer. Winners do not have to be present to win.
Guinn said earlier this summer that the raffle is one of the ways someone can support BackStoppers even if they cannot spend the day at the barbecue.
BBQ, Music, and Fireworks
For those who can attend, organizers are planning much more than a raffle drawing.
The event begins at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at Big River VFW Post 5331 in Cedar Hill.
Guests can expect barbecue, live music, and a fireworks display after dark.
The barbecue is designed as a community gathering as much as a fundraiser, bringing families and first responders together in an atmosphere that allows people to support the organization while simply spending a Saturday together.
That community participation has made an impression on Guinn.
“The community within Jefferson County is top notch. They’re one of the very best.”
He said seeing residents show up for first responders and their families remains one of the most meaningful parts of BackStoppers' work.
Want BBQ To Go? Order Ahead
Those who want to support the fundraiser but cannot stay for the festivities can also preorder food.
Carryout barbecue orders must be placed by 3 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17.
Orders can be placed by calling 636-274-9803 or by emailing [email protected] with the subject line “Carry Out for Benefit.”
Support Does Not Have to Mean Writing a Check
Organizers are also looking for people willing to give something other than money: their time.
During the BackStoppers meeting attended by The Jefferson Review, organizers discussed the need for volunteers throughout the barbecue and encouraged first responders, community organizations, students, and residents to help with events.
Guinn made the same point during his interview with The Jefferson Review.
“There’s more than just monetary ways to give back. A little bit of time helps tremendously.”
BackStoppers of Jefferson County accepts volunteers for its events throughout the year and encourages residents interested in helping to contact the organization.
For those who prefer to give financially, donations and memberships are also available. The organization says every contribution helps maintain the long-term support available to the families of fallen and catastrophically injured first responders.
Backing the Families Behind the Badge
For most people attending Sept. 19, the day will include good food, music, raffle tickets, conversation, and a fireworks show.
For BackStoppers, each of those things helps accomplish something larger.
The money raised becomes part of a support system intended to remain available long after a funeral ends, an injury leaves the headlines, or a family begins figuring out what life looks like next.
It is also a way for Jefferson County residents to tell the people who answer their calls for help, and the families waiting for them at home, that the community intends to stand behind them.
The BackStoppers of Jefferson County BBQ will be held Saturday, Sept. 19, beginning at 11 a.m. at Big River VFW Post 5331, 1 Lynn Lane, Cedar Hill. The event will feature barbecue, live music, the annual raffle, and fireworks after dark.
Event Information
Date: Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. through after dark
Location: Big River VFW Post 5331, 1 Lynn Lane, Cedar Hill, MO 63016
Raffle Tickets: $10 each, buy 10 and receive one free
First Prize: 2026 Maverick truck or $15,000 cash
Food Preorders: 636-274-9803 by 3 p.m. Sept. 17
Email Orders: [email protected], subject “Carry Out for Benefit”
Entertainment: Live music and fireworks after dark
Carryout barbecue orders must be placed by 3 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17.
Call to Preorder Email to PreorderEmail subject: “Carry Out for Benefit”
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