NMC Barbecue serves 500,000th patron; awards scholarship

TRAVERSE CITY - The Northwestern Michigan College Barbecue served more than 9,000 people on Sunday, bringing the total number of people served in the event's 53-year history to more than half a million.

Those dining on campus totaled 8,721. Another 335 meals were delivered to those who are homebound, thanks to the Grand Traverse County Commission on Aging. That brings the total served during the 53rd NMC Barbecue to 9,056.

More than 500 volunteers helped with set-up, serving, children's games, entertainment and cleanup.

The late Gerald W. Oleson and his wife Frances, founders of Oleson's Food Stores in Traverse City, started the annual fundraiser picnic in 1956. Oleson's Food Stores continues to donate the food; Coca-cola donates the beverages.

At the conclusion of the Barbecue, one ticket was selected to receive a full-tuition scholarship to NMC, courtesy of the NMC Foundation. The winner will be announced after the recipient has been notified.

The event has raised more than $1.4 million for the college over the years. Proceeds from this year's event will benefit the following NMC programs and activities:

• Automotive Technology Dept. - new anti-lock brake traction control training system
• Heath Occupations Dept. - new IV pumps for nursing lab
• Communications Dept. - English language wrap-around program for adult immigrants
• Music Dept. - Hardware to link classrooms to digital recording studio, expanding recording capacity
• Student Services - Student Engagement Incubator Fund
• Science and Math Dept. - Data collection sensors for biology labs
• Milliken Auditorium - stage lighting improvements
• Campus Services - Planting trees to replace those lost to emerald ash borer disease
• Art Dept. - New film drying cabinet for photography classes

The NMC Barbecue is held the third Sunday in May each year. Next year's Barbecue will be May 17, 2009.