Submitted photo
Aubree Skinner is shown with Dad Tim Tuell.
Columbus resident Aubree Skinner feels both wistfulness and excitement this time of year.
Wistful because she misses her dad who died three years ago. And excited because she is keeping his memory and philanthropic spirit alive via the Third Annual Tim Tuell Benefit Cookout from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Sandy Hook United Methodist Church, 1610 Taylor Road in Columbus. Tuell was a lifelong Sandy Hook member.
He died on Aug. 21, 2021, 11 days after a COVID-19 diagnosis.
Days ago, Skinner posted a reminder of the event’s background on the Facebook feed for the Annual Tim Tuell Benefit Cookout page.
“Dad loved volunteering at church events, and some of my most cherished memories of Dad were summer hamburger fries (cookouts) raising funds for those in need. So naturally, a hamburger fry is the perfect event for Dad.
“I can’t think of anything better than grilling out, socializing, reminiscing about Dad, and blessing others. This annual benefit cookout is so my Dad!”
Years ago, one church benefit that he cooked for at a local shopping center attracted an estimated 1,000 people throughout the day.
The “blessing others” part that Skinner referenced includes the beneficiaries of the event: the Love Chapel food pantry, Beloved, and REACH Columbus. Love Chapel is the largest pantry in Bartholomew County, Beloved supports vulnerable area children in crisis, and REACH Columbus helps adults with disabilities.
The first event in 2022 attracted about 300 people and raised $8,000, including a few large donations, for three nonprofits.
“I think part of that was that this was so new,” she said. “It was one of the best things to happen since Dad died.”
While Skinner hardly expects to easily hit that fundraising number this year — “But I am ready for an absolute miracle to take place” — she is indeed hoping for a considerable turnout for $5 meals (hot dog or burger, along with chips and bottled water). Plus, baked goods will be available, including Skinner’s own banana bread coffee cake.
“It seems like things are falling into place a little more now that we’ve done this a couple times,” Skinner said.
When she completed a round of publicity-related media interviews last week, she quipped “Dad is definitely smiling (from heaven) today.”
About the event
What: Annual Tim Tuell Benefit Cookout.
When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday (Aug. 24)
Where: Sandy Hook United Methodist Church, 1610 Taylor Road in Columbus.
Why: To raise money for three local nonprofits: Love Chapel food pantry, Beloved and REACH Columbus.
About the event
What: Annual Tim Tuell Benefit Cookout.
When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
Where: Sandy Hook United Methodist Church, 1610 Taylor Road in Columbus.
Why: To raise money for three local nonprofits: Love Chapel food pantry, Beloved and REACH Columbus.
