The air has gone out of the inflatables, the vendor trucks have gone and the bleachers have been swept clean. All that’s left of United Way of King County’s June 18 Community BBQ at Renton Memorial Stadium are memories of a grand time. And as we pen our final thoughts on the first annual event—and look toward making next year’s even better—we have a few words of thanks in order.

Did you attend the BBQ? You should know that the four-hour BBQ went from idea to planning to execution in two months! It drew 1,700 attendees and featured more than two dozen vendors, performers and activities. You should also know that an event of that magnitude would not have been possible without generous partners, all of whom ensured that the BBQ would serve as a great way to kick off the summer of 2022.

A special thanks to Microsoft and all other funders who bought community plates, ensuring that everyone who visited Renton Memorial Stadium for the BBQ received a hearty helping of BBQ. Thanks to other corporate partners as well, including GeekWire, Safeway, Harborstone Credit Union, Nordstrom, Costco, Delta Dental, Uwajimaya, Alphagraphics, Boon Boona Coffee, Davis Wright Tremaine, Perkins Coie, Seattle Seahawks, Seattle Kraken, Coca Cola, Seattle’s Network of Giving and Google.

And thanks to all individuals who purchased community plates and volunteers who helped the event run smoothly from start to finish.

The second Annual Community BBQ will be held during the summer of 2023 at a date and site to be determined. We hope you can join us again in our efforts to make this the can’t miss, fun-filled outdoor event each year!