Foundation Newsletter
Page 2
4th Annual
Backyard BBQ
a beautiful Saturday for a family-friendly event with incredible barbeque. Over 2,000 guests came to sample pork barbeque
I from t was 23 different
vendors. The event, held in conjunction with the Red, White and Wheels Car Show, raised nearly $105,000 for student
and veteran scholarships.
Teams from all over the state competed in three categories: ribs, pork butt and brisket, while Corporate Challenge teams competed for
the coveted golden pig statue (and bragging rights). Selected via a People’s Choice vote, the Corporate Challenge winner for the second
year in a row was The Viera Company, Blazing BBQ. With a throw-down challenge from Viera President Todd Poykrwa, other corporations
were eager to steal the coveted golden pig, but it was not to be. Viera Blazing BBQ held on by just a few votes!
This year, the Grand Champion of the backyard competitors was Appliance Warehouse. Not too shabby for their first Backyard BBQ
Competition! In addition to barbecue, those in attendance were treated to the sounds of the Penny Creek Band, a Kid’s Zone (complete
with expert face painting), food trucks and merchandise vendors.
The Foundation called on the help of over 60 volunteers and 20 judges including EFSC President Dr. Jim Richey and four judges from the
Florida BBQ Association. “We are overwhelmed by the generosity of all our volunteers, judges, cook-off teams, sponsors and guests. Your
contribution to this event helps make our students dreams come true,” said Jennie Kriete, Director of the EFSC Foundation.
Please save the date for the 5th Annual Backyard BBQ: Saturday, February 20, 2021. Contact the Foundation at 321-433-7055 if you
would like to be involved next year.
SPECIAL RECOGNITION
One of EFSC’s Biggest Champions
R
ich Laird has been championing students at Eastern Florida State College since 2008, first as Chief Financial
Officer, and currently as Vice President of Operations. He oversees the operations of the EFSC Foundation,
which provides him the opportunity to directly address the financial needs of students, and he is a regular
volunteer at Foundation events.
With an impressive background in the private sector, where he spent 25
years starting and running high technology companies, Laird lends his
leadership and financial expertise to the Foundation. He is a graduate of
Heidelberg College in Tiffin, Ohio, where he received a B.A. in Economics. He
then earned an M.B.A. from Monmouth University in West Long Branch, N.J.,
later serving as a member of the Monmouth University Board of Trustees. EFSC
and its Foundation are fortunate to have Laird, who is committed to recruiting,
retaining and supporting students at every level of their journey toward success.
Always smiling, Rich Laird helps
at the EFSC Foundation’s 4th Annual
Backyard BBQ.
Rich Laird welcomes golfers at the annual
Foundation Golf Tournament, which supports
student scholarships, College programs and
other College initiatives.
Laird has four grown children and lives with his wife, Karen, in Indialantic. Thank you, VP Laird, for all your support.