Ep: 357 - Barbecue Beyond Disasters: OBR's Dual Mission of Crisis Response and Community Support

The Decision Hour

Welcome back to The Decision Hour! In this episode, we're serving up a hearty helping of inspiration with Stan Hays, founder of Operation Barbecue Relief. Stan takes us on a mouthwatering journey from competition barbecue to large-scale disaster relief, sharing how a simple idea born from the Joplin tornado grew into a nationwide movement of hope and hot meals.

Listen in as Stan recounts heartwarming stories of impact, from elderly tornado survivors to struggling veterans finding solace in culinary therapy. You'll hear about OBR's impressive growth — 12 million disaster meals served across 42 states! — and their expansion into non-disaster programs like Camp OBR, a 190-acre slice of heaven offering healing and community to those who've served.

Stick around for Stan's masterclass in crisis leadership during COVID-19. His decision to pivot OBR's mission not only kept the organization cooking but also became a lifeline for struggling restaurants. It's a testament to the power of adaptability and problem-solving in the face of adversity.

Whether you're a barbecue enthusiast, a budding philanthropist, or simply hungry for inspiration, this episode is packed with flavor. Tune in and learn how a pulled pork sandwich can become so much more than just a meal — it's a beacon of hope in times of darkness.

https://obr.org