HARLINGEN — The Harlingen Police Department is hosting the 2nd Annual IBCA BBQ Cook-Off Saturday June 24.
The event will be held at Bass Pro Shops here. Proceeds will go to benefit Monica’s and Maggie’s Houses and Children’s Advocacy Centers of Texas.
Bass Pro Shops will be sponsoring kid friendly activities, such as “Kid Fish” and bowling specials.
The entry fee for brisket, chicken and ribs competition is $150 per team. The cost for each jackpot entry (beans, fajitas and dessert) is $25 for each entry.
Monica’s House opened in Brownsville in October of 1998. Monica’s House is named after a little girl named Monica Castillo who died at the age of 4 due to severe physical and sexual abuse at the hands of a caregiver.
Maggie’s House opened its doors in October of 2001, after seeing the need to expand services to the children of northern Cameron County. Maggie’s House is named after Maggie Dittman, a little girl from Harlingen who died from head trauma at the hands of a babysitter.
Both houses specialize in conducting videotaped forensic interviews of children ages 2 to 17 who have been physically or sexually abused, or have witnessed violent crimes.
These non-leading, non-suggestive interviews are conducted in a child friendly environment. The center’s mission is to serve and advocate for child victims of abuse through prevention, intervention and treatment.
The CCCAC offers free therapy services for these children and their non-offending family members. A community educator speaks at community events and educates children in school to speak out if they are victims or witnesses of abuse.
They also have Maggie’s and Monica’s Closet to assist clients when children have needs such as clothing items, school supplies and food items.
Over the years, thousands of children have benefited from the work both houses do.
Levels of prizes
Grand champion: $750
Reserve champion: $500
First place: $400
Second place: $300
Third place: $250
Fourth place: $150
Fifth place: $100
For more information contact Harlingen Police Sergeants E. Weaver at 956-245-6764 or J. Palafox at 956-873-0380.
