Grinnell Rotary Chicken BBQ was a hit

​      Todd Hanold, left, and Rod Rosburg, right, carry several racks of freshly cooked chicken BBQ at the annual Grinnell Rotary Chicken BBQ on Thursday, June 9. Members of the Rotary Club cook around 1,300 chickens in large open charcoal pits. Volunteers then package the meals and serve them to drive up customers along Park Street by the Grinnell United Methodist Church. Joining them are Todd Rolfes and Brent Nickel.

      Wearing his customary chicken hat, Jim White, a long-time former Grinnell business owner, city council member, Rotary member and community supporter, is ready to sell another meal ticket at the Grinnell Rotary Chicken BBQ on Thursday, June 9. Started in 1962, Rotary’s chicken barbecue fundraiser has provided the funds for many of Rotary’s ongoing community projects, such as annual scholarships for college-bound Grinnell High School Students; sponsorships of international exchange students; attendance of two GHS students at the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards program, and donation requests from community organizations and projects.

     Chad Nath with the Grinnell Rotary Club prepares to hand a chicken BBQ meal with drink to a drive up customer in front of the United Methodist Church on Park Street on Thursday, June 9. Rotary Club members and volunteers cook, prepare and serve the meals. The club cooks around 1,300 chickens at the event.