GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - Sutter Buttes Manufacturing’s Welcome BBQ for the FEMA villagers and Camp Fire survivors living in our area was such a hit that many would like to see it happen again. As the FEMA park continues to license in families that are just finding a stable place after almost a year of displacement, many are in desperate need of a welcoming embrace from the community.

Among some of the parties that would like to see the BBQ become a monthly event, is the Gridley Relief Group. The GRG has been working with community groups and FEMA to get resources to the FEMA villagers and encourage local businesses, like SBM, to reach out and befriend our new neighbors. The group whole-heartedly supported SBM’s vision.

Putting on an event of such magnitude is not easily done. Speaking with Robert Mankins, SBM director of sales about the possibility of another BBQ welcome party, it sounds like it was a one-time deal. “We knew we wanted to do this but didn’t know what we were doing – how to go about it,” he says, stressing it was a lot of work. Reaching out to the community for donations, networking with the Gridley Area Chamber of Commerce and local volunteers, SBM found that their idea of a simple BBQ quickly turned into a grand block-party-style event.

Nevada Smith, owner of SBM was overwhelmed with the outpouring of support. Local dignitaries such as Congressman Doug LaMalfa praised the Smith family and SBM on the organization of the event to honor and welcome Camp Fire survivors into the community. Gridley’s Mayor Bruce Johnson said, “This was all Nevada. He made this happen,” stressing that SBM deserved recognition for their compassionate and heartfelt welcome to their new neighbors. Thank you SBM for your efforts to make our new neighbors feel at home.