A volunteer committee organizes the Kelly Thronson Memorial Backyard BBQ competition to raise money to support the continuation of the event each year in memory of Kelly Thronson. All proceeds from the event are donated back into the community to support projects within Norman County, MN. Since 2016, the Kelly Thronson Memorial Backyard BBQ competition has donated more than $10,000 to cities, special projects, and organizations throughout Norman County, MN.
2023
Money was donated to the Norman County Sheriff's Office to support their Project Lifesaver program. This is the premier search and rescue program operated by public safety agencies and is strategically designed for “at risk” individuals who are prone to the life-threatening behavior of wandering. The primary mission of Project Lifesaver is to provide timely responses to save lives and reduce potential injury for adults and children with the propensity to wander due to a cognitive condition. The board also voted to donate to the local program that supports Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, which provides free books for children within the community.
2022
This year, KTMBBQ donated money to assist two organizations with ongoing projects. The organizations receiving donations included the Norman County Ag Society, which organizes community events each year, including the Norman County Fair and the Norman County Historical Society.
2021
The KTMBBQ committee presented Twin Valley Mayor Ben Fall with a donation of $1,000 to be used to enhance Twin Valley parks and also donated to the Flom Community Club.
2020
A donation was made to Kennedy's Park, located on the Norman County Fairgrounds, built in memory of Katie Brommenschenkel Vilmo. Funds this year also supported the installation of park benches in the community of Halstad and a donation to the Gary Pines project.
2019
The Ada Event Center renovation project was supported with a check for $1,250. Funds were also contributed to support the Orpheum Theater in hosting a free movie for students, the North Country Food Bank, and the Hendrum Civic Center.
2018
A donation was made for the community Thanksgiving meal hosted at Grace Lutheran that year.
2017
Proceeds from the event were used to provide $2,000 in scholarships in memory of Kelly Thronson.
