'A whole lot of fun': BBQ fundraiser to benefit Alaska Family Services this weekend

As families gear up for a big summer holiday weekend, the Alaska Family Services Board of Directors will be hosting the Big Lake BBQ and Summer Concert Fundraiser.

“This is the first event we’ve been able to do since COVID,” says Vanessa White, one of the hosts of the event, “and it’s such an important organization.”

White says this is the first time they have held such an event as the BBQ and concert and are excited by the response so far.

Alaska Family Services (AKFS) was founded as Valley Women’s Resource Center (VWRC) in 1979 in response to the need for domestic violence support services in Mat-Su Borough. In 1982, VWRC opened Margaret’s House, a shelter for women and their children needing safety from domestic violence and sexual assault.

Over the next 10 years, AKFS was able to expand the services offered to include childcare assistance, WIC assistance, and an emergency food bank, among other services. Today, AKFS helps Alaskan families and communities in need of parenting classes, behavioral health and substance abuse treatment, supervised family contact, and advocacy for domestic violence and sexual assault, along with maintaining a shelter for women and children in need.

“They cover a lot of services for women and children with services to meet the needs of the community,” says White.

The picnic will feature an all-you-can-eat Pulled Pork BBQ, horseshoes, water activities, boat rides, silent auction, raffle with prizes including 2 Lifetime Kayaks and a handmade quilt graciously donated by Valley Quilters Guild.

And live music and entertainment will be provided by local band, the Icy Grooves.

The BBQ and concert will be held Saturday, July 2 from 1 to 7 p.m. at 15815 S. Hibbard Lane Street, located on Big Lake, with parking and shuttle bus rides available from Big Lake Elementary.

“This is going to be a whole lot of fun!” says White.

“And to be benefitting an organization that is such a mainstay in the Valley is

Tickets are $50 per person with proceeds benefitting Alaska Family Services.

For more information, and to purchase tickets, visit akafs.org, or the Alaska Family Services on Facebook, or call 907-746-4080.