A feast of slow-cooked barbecue pork and chicken, green beans, rolls and other sides is motivation enough to get people to the Jim Rhoades Memorial Hog Roast.
But by attending the annual event, diners can help ensure the less fortunate have plenty of food themselves during the holiday season.
The Franklin Rotary Club is inviting the public to pig out at the hog roast, planned for 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday in Scott Hall at the Johnson County fairgrounds in Franklin.
People will dine in exchange for donations, with all of the proceeds going to feed the needy. Though Rotary doesn’t charge a set amount for the meal, all diners are asked to contribute. In the past, that has ranged from a few dollars to people giving $100 or more to the cause.
Half will go to the Good Cheer Fund, a countywide initiative to distribute food baskets to the needy at Christmas. The rest will go to the Interchurch Food Pantry in Franklin, which distributes food and household supplies to county residents in need, organizer John Auld said.
The Franklin Rotary Club has been in charge of the hog roast since 2005, when founder Jim Rhoades died.
Rhoades, a former county commissioner, owner of a Franklin hardware store and member of the Rotary Club, had the idea for the event after a grill vendor suggested a hog roast as a way to demonstrate his goods.
Instead, Rhoades wanted to do something that would benefit the community.
After his death, the Rotary Club decided to carry on the cause, Auld said.
Barbecue pork and chicken will be the main course, with sides and beverage included. Indian Creek High School FFA also will sell pork chops.
The food will be provided by Malone’s Catering, while drinks are being provided at no cost by Monarch Beverage Co.
The event typically raises between $12,000 and $20,000 each year, Auld said.
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What: Jim Rhoades Memorial Hog Roast, hosted by the Franklin Rotary Club
When: 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday
Where: Scott Hall at the Johnson County fairgrounds
Why: Proceeds benefit the Johnson County Good Cheer Fund and Interchurch Food Pantry
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