By Larry Atseff
Photos by Clark Maxwell

On a beautiful day in September, ‘Cue for a Cause raised a record $49,000+ for the Elmhurst Walk-In Assistance Network (EWAN), according to Executive Director Jackie Crnkovich.

Together, the teams competed for trophies for best sauce, best ribs, best chicken, and Grand Champion. Judges worked hard sampling the entries according to a strict regimen to eliminate any bias. Elmhurst Magazine’s Larry Atseff was honored to be one of the judges.

Winners of the 2023 ‘Cue for a Cause

People’s Choice for Sauce

3rd Meryl Streep led by Guido Nardini
2nd Smokin’ Tailgators led by Steve Deboer
1st Haber ‘Cue led by Joel Haberkorn

Judged Sauce Winners

3rd Haber ‘Cue led by Joel Haberkorn
2nd Sweet William’s BBQ led by Bill Steber|1st Hall Hog BBQ led by Mike Hall

Chicken Winners

3rd Champion Oaks led by John Malysiak
2nd Mike’s BBQ led by Mike Juneman
1st 2 K’s and a Q led by Moira Kinsella

Ribs

3rd Chambers BBQ led by Robert Chambers
2nd Big 10 BBQ led by Joe Calcagno
1st Smokin’ Tailgators led by Steve Deboer

Grand Champion

3rd Hall Hog BBQ led by Mike Hall
Runner Up: Big 10 BBQ led by Joe Calgano
Grand Champion: Smokin’ Tailgators led by Steve Deboer

The event helps support EWAN’s mission to provide compassionate assistance to those going through a difficult time in the community.

Naoko Ostermann, Sandy Maxwell and Diane Ontiveres at the event

Competitors rolled up their sleeves to deliver the best barbecue.