By Bob Strohm
bstrohm@wbcowqel.com
An estimated 1,200 visitors to the Woodlawn Methodist Church had a good time for a good cause at the second Benefit BBQ and Concert on the Green.
An estimated 1,200 people turned out to dine on BBQ beef, pulled pork and hot dog dinners with baked beans, potato salad, and pie while listening to the John Glenn High School Steel Drum Band, and United in Harmony taking stage at the Concert on the Green.
The second Concert on the Green was organized once again by Bill Denton who put together the event to help out the community’s Alpha Recovery 12 Step Program. Last year the event brought in over $7,000 for the program, and Denton was very optimistic that this year would exceed those numbers.
Denton thanked the community for coming out to the event and supporting the recovery program.
“The people in this community are just unbelievable. They all turn out at this event to help the Alpha program, and they know what it’s all about and they are here to help.” Denton said.
Playing a mix of traditional calypso and reggae music with a little bit of rock and roll mixed in, the John Glenn High School Steel Drum Band took the stage at 6:30.
Ty Burris who is entering his final year at John Glenn explained that this was one of the more unique events that the steel drum band has played.
“It may sound cliché and say that this is the most unique, but this is the farthest we have traveled and it is definitely the most people we have played in front of before,” Burris said.
Former Cleveland Brown Kicker Don Cockroft was on hand to sign autographs of his book The 1980 Kardiac Kids: Our Untold Stories. Cockroft explained how he became involved with the event.
“Bill Denton with Woodlawn United Methodist Church contacted me and told me about the event several weeks ago, and when he said that the proceeds would go towards would be going to help those who have addictions it grabbed my heart and my interest because some of my teammates went through addictions, so I was anxious to come out and looking forward to talking to the folks,” Cockroft said.
For information on Cockroft and his book on the 1980 Cleveland Browns football team, visit www.thekardiackids.com.
A silent auction was also held during the event featuring autographed items from Archie Griffith and former Cleveland Browns quarterback Brian Hoyer, and other items.
Regarding a third year, Denton said that it is possible that the Concert on the Green will return next year.
“There is a very good possibility, but I won’t comment on that because right now I am numb. I have been working on this for a year, but I have to thank the Bucyrus business community because they have opened up and they have given and given to make this event possible,” Denton said.