Welcome back to Unmasking the Heart for Change, where we dive into real stories behind transformation, one, heart to heart at a time. I'm your host, Tammy Winstead, and I'm so thankful you're here today.
On this episode, we're spotlighting one of Mississippi County's most heartfelt events, Cooking for a Cure.
What started as a barbecue competition has grown into a two day celebration that raises funds to meet real needs, like fuel cards, scholarships, and even special dreams. Those items bring joy to families walking through some of the hardest battles that life has thrown their way. Unlike many fundraisers, every dollar raised here stays here. That's right. This event helps our neighbors right here in Mississippi County and the Missouri Boot Heel. I think it's so important to highlight that what makes this event an organization so special is that every single dollar raised go straight back into helping cancer patients and their families right here at home.
While many nonprofits distribute funds broadly, this one is rooted in keeping support local -neighbors, helping neighbors. Joining me today are two of the powerhouses at the heart of it all. Laura Fletcher, the namesake, whose story sparked a movement. And Bryce Hicks, the original founder, whose vision brought this event to life.
Before we dive into the story behind Cooking for a Cure and what's coming up this year, let's get to know our guests a little better. Thank you both for joining me today. Would you each introduce yourself and share a little bit about who you are?
Hi, I'm Laura
Fletcher. You are. Welcome back.
Thank you. Second time, guess am I The first, second time.
Guess You're ding, ding, Welcome. Ding, ding, ding, ding. Sorry, Bryce. My name is Laura Fletcher. I'm the, namesake of Laura Fletcher Cooking for a Cure. live in Leach ville my and we've got a daughter, Katie and some fur babies.
I'm so happy to have you back.
Thank you.
Hey, my name is Bryce, Hicks. i'm from Blytheville.
Been here all my life.
Many of you know Bryce as someone who is always positive in our community, who helps bring change. And Bryce, I, we were talking earlier, I remember being with you the day that we first had this meeting about this event, and you're, this was your dream come to life, and now you're on what year four.
four. Mm-hmm.
That's, and it just keeps growing bigger and bigger. That's amazing. Like most people die out after a couple events and you have done, you've carried the torch. Well, my friend. So every movement begins with a spark, an idea that grows when others rally around it. Let's go back to the very beginning. Bryce, can you share the story of that very first Cooking for a Cure event? What sparked the idea and how did that rally the community to make it happen?
So our first event was actually with coordinated with Relay for Life. It was, it was in conjunction with them on a fundraiser, to try to raise some more money. So we'd done that the first, year. I think we started out with like 11 barbecue teams that year. As matter of fact, it was down on Broadway when we'd done it down there. Since then, it's grown and we're fighting to keep it going and without our board and our community backing, it would be possible.
Right, and I think it's great how you started out as a team and you turned into a movement that's incredibly powerful. You turned it into a whole event on your own and that, that's great. At what point did you realize this was more than just a fundraiser? It was something the community wanted to rally behind?
After year one, we had a lot of interest that that sparked up. One Of the things I think that helped take it off is, normally, when we have local town stuff, we have local town judges. After the first year we, joined with the Memphis barbecue Network. We would have blind judging come in, once at that point. There's two divisions on that and our pro division teams, they travel to get points for the end of the year award and it just kind of blowed up from there. Mm-hmm.
That. To take it and partner with Memphis is amazing because we all know Memphis Barbecue is very competitive. They're very well known. And to get those judges here, that's, that's really cool. So Laura, we spoke before about how much it meant for the Cooking for a Cure team to add your name to the event, but share with us again, what was the day like for you and what has it meant to join forces with this amazing team?
Well, I told you before that day, it was like a day I'll never forget. Like, I can't remember yesterday, but I'll remember that day And like being called up called up on stage and the surprise that they'd come up with that day about, you know, changing it, put my name in front of it And involving me. Was amazing because why would somebody wanna do that? with Me? Like, why? All I could do was cry and make him cry more. or her Cry more. We were all just crying. I mean, it was a. Wonderful day. but then actually, then the next year, like they asked me to join the board and then actually truly seeing what they were doing. As an organization and seeing that everything was local and seeing how Everybody was so into it. The communities coming in, it like You know, getting involved in it and what a wonderful organization or what wonderful people were in charge of it. mm-hmm. Best decision I ever made.
yes. And local, local people helping local neighbors, helping neighbors, communities coming together. I think that's just what makes it shine.
Mississippi County. is a very
That's what we're known for.
Especially when it comes to local and I feel like cancer. Is something that the community likes to go into, especially here. Mm-hmm. Somebody at some point in your life, everybody has had, I mean, some kind of connection to cancer, whether it be yourself, a friend, a family, member, somebody you know, you hear. And the need right here. with us in Mississippi. County with no cancer center or anything like that. Like the need is here. for what we do.
Let's take a second to talk about what sets Cooking for a Cure apart, why this is so important to you Both. To keep this local nonprofit that serves cancer patients in our own community, rather than funds being pulled into a national organization.
Well, I've now done both. I've been involved with Relay, which is national, now involved with Cooking for Cure, which is all local. The national thing is great. I loved it. I'll never take anything back that I did. I learned how to raise money. I learned what to do. I met people. It was very fulfilling for me. But then coming to the local and realizing that need and because like I've been in this place before and my local communities would come together and help me, and There are some people that can't get through cancer. without it. And seeing the need here. Is just,
Yeah,
it's um, it's very special.
yeah, I was telling you guys earlier, but I think it's good to capture that. I don't wanna disclose any names, but I was talking on a conversation this morning with someone and they mentioned how happy and Chipper was and I said, I'm gonna get to talk to Laura. So I'm happy about that, but also Cooking for a Cure, and it was someone that you guys have helped and she just raved about what a difference that made. To her, and I had no idea that she had been supported. You know? And you got, I love that you guys keep that, so you keep the integrity, you know, but the help is really there and the impact is felt. And she was so excited that you guys were going to come on and talk about this event because it changed for, it helped her. It helped her in one of the most desperate. Times of her life, the most vulnerable time of her life. So the real heart of cooking for your cure isn't just in the competition, it's in the impact that happens afterward. Why is it so important to both of you that these funds stay local?
Local support helps local people? I remember when when we was in the early stages of this, I battled, you know, my parents battled cancer. We was in the, we was Actually in the cancer center here in Blytheville. They announced that it was closing the day that we were there. There was a younger lady in there with her husband. you get to talk to people there, you develop relationships. And we were sitting there talking and she started crying. And she looked at her husband and was like, how are we gonna make it back and forth to Jonesboro? Oh they they had a small child at home and, right then, it just set my heart, you know? Yeah. And I was like, this is something that we can take a hold of and, and help people. Yes.
Yes.
Right here,
People that you know, people that you're making impacts in your neighbors, in your community.
You know, it's people that you know that we don't know, We've had numerous reach out to us. Some are embarrassed, that's the big thing. Don't be embarrassed. Let us help you. That's, that's what we do. That's why we raise the money,
Don't be scared to ask for help. Yes. Don't be scared to do that. He also is being, very like modest, but he started this event alongside his parents, both battling cancer as well. Right, right.
So can you share stories of how Cooking For a Cure has been able to show up for families in practical ways?
So we'll refer back to The Fuel cards. It was that day that I was sitting in the cancer treatment and, that conversation took place. I felt that it's something that we could do. We've done our second year, I believe it was our second year we decided that we wanted to roll out a scholarship fund. So the second would be our scholarship program the first year we done it to year two was $1,500. That's grown to 4,000. this year. Wow. I've always had, I've always had a philosophy either go big or go you have sometimes the board says otherwise and Bryce pump your brakes.
But I don't wanna skip past that $1500 to $4,000. Think about two, $2,000 scholarships to a child whose parents are battling. Correct.
They have to be impacted by cancer. So like their parents or like a guardian, something very close to them that has, them and it can even be themselves. Or, but has to be, they have to be impacted by like that close family member, like guardian or parents.
I know people who have personally gone through cancer and their kids didn't go to college. Because they didn't wanna take the resources that were already limited the money. So the fact that you guys are giving two, $2,000 scholarships is amazing. It's a testament to how this event has grown. I know both of you're very modest and they're not gonna give their props to themselves. I'm gonna do that part for them. It's a testament to how much it's grown and how much it's gonna keep growing because it's making impact. You're doing something that matters. So do you wanna talk about the scholarship?
The scholarships thing is really special to me because when Katie was. senior and we were searching for scholarships and stuff. There weren't any kind of scholarships that were for a senior graduating that a family member or a parent like a family, mom, dad, grandparents, or what, there's all kinds of scholarships out there for kids that had cancer. And I had never even talked to him about that. And it was right after. The event that, he said he was gonna change it and all that. And we all had dinner one night at the Mexican place and. He gives me like this laminated thing and a scholarship And I was like, you've got to be kidding me. And that was the first time I had ever told him about. And so for us to be able to increase that and move a little bit into the Missouri Boot heel, get a little bit of that boot heel in there. For me to be able to do that and to do one for Mississippi County and for that to do two. $2,000 scholarships, who can do that, right? We're doing that. Yes, we are helping. these kids. And The scholarship thing is just very, very special. To me, and it's just an honor to be involved
Yes. It, like we said, it could make the difference and a child make difference actually going to college or not.
Their applications, they have to send in like a three minute video and then their application and we all sit, we watch their videos, cry. Cry. Yes. We home we watch 'em or wherever by ourselves and, because it's emotional. A lot of 'em are emotional. And then we go through those and their applications and we decide. And it's hard to decide 'cause you, we've been fortunate. Well, I mean, I say fortunate, unfortunately, they're in this position. But that they at least have somewhere to apply to. yes. a
That narrows the pool a little bit because we know that pool can get great out there. Very. So this event has also granted special moments, almost like local wishes fulfilled. Can you share about one of those and why it matters so much to bring joy and relief right here at home?
So, I think it was last year, like, Amy Riston is our, our vice president. She's my right hand. She's actually what drives everything.
We know she's in control. You can say it. That's right. It's fine.
So we got to talking about partnering with Make-A-Wish. Mm-hmm. So last year we was able to grant three wishes through with Make-A-Wish all those three wishes benefited Local. Kids in our community.
Wow.
Wow. That's great. That is amazing. I think that people don't know. How, what a jewel, what a absolute treasure this program is. And I, I cannot thank you enough for letting me be the one that helps get the story out there. Like this means so much to me. So what do families tell you afterwards about what this support means to them?
Well, like talking about the Make a Wish thing, like this past April, we were lucky enough to be able to give a wish party and, at the end of that party. The parents and the family, they were all, everybody had such a good time. They wanted to stay and help us. clean up. They were so like, thankful and it's that part and then the kids and the families that have gotten these scholarships, like they're very thankful. They wanna tell you thank you. People around you tell you thank you. The gas cards and the money we give to help people are so appreciative. Yeah. They're very, very appreciative. And we can do that. We can help and hopefully we can just continue to grow and be able to help more. 'cause that's what we need and that's our mission. That's what we wanna do.
Being a family member of someone who passed with cancer that, in those vulnerable times you don't wanna ask for anything else. So you put yourself less and you don't wanna ask for anything. You don't want to put the burden on that, on the family. And the fact that you guys are seeing that you're making children, you're making the whole family feel seen that is so special. That is very incredible. So beyond the mission and impact, cooking for our cure is also a celebration. The music, the laughter, the competition, and the togetherness that showcase what Mississippi County is truly all about. So walk us through what people can expect on September 12th and 13th this year, including the competition, music, and even the brand new demolition derby.
So Friday, September the 12th. It'll start off. At the Mississippi County Fairgrounds. It's gonna Be a little different this year, uh, Friday evening. It will be a $10 charge to get in. You will enter at the main gate, at the park into the fairgrounds. We'll start with a demolition derby. This year we're all excited about that. Wrecking for wishes. The proceeds from that will go to make a wish. Mm-hmm. Then Saturday will be our barbecue competition. It'll actually start Friday night as well, to roll into Saturday, with our competition. And then I think judging and announcing we should be done around five or so on Saturday afternoon.
Cool. I think it's awesome that you added another event, the Demolition Derby. That helps bring, we know who one we know. That was all a Brice thing. Yes. But it helps bring another aspect of fun and. Barbecue events are just always fun anyway because barbecue people know how to party, they know how to hang out, they know how to commun have community, so,
so Saturday we'll actually have a people's choice, where the community can come out and purchase a sampling cup, and then they can be, determine who the winner of that will be.
awesome,
awesome,
admission on Saturday is free. We'll have vendors as well.
cool. So what's your favorite part of the weekend? The moment that makes you say, this is why we do this.
For
go ahead.
for me last year 'cause last year was my like first full year of being involved. In it and really didn't have a clue what was going on? The barbecue stuff I got to learn a lot of stuff. But I think last year for me is like when we were done, we'd put the weekend on with a hurricane. And we were on all up there on stage about to do awards and stuff. Music's playing. We're all just happy all the people, the barbecue teams down there, like people gathered for the awards, the sun finally came out When it's time for awards. Barbecue teams, some of 'em give their money back
right
there. Aw.
they know why they're there. They know all those teams know why they're there, what causes they're there. for. They love it. But some of 'em are so generous that they give their thing their checks back. But just being there and seeing those people out there, that's, that, makes me, think, this is why we do this.
yeah. Oh, I love that.
Yeah, I'm, I'm gonna reiterate that. When you're, when you're on the stage and you look out there and, and you've got, I think last year we had 37 teams and, you know, you multiply that by, we probably had over a hundred out there at the stage doing awards. And then after that, we was able to use our, I'm gonna call it a happy Gilmore. Give more check. To where we wrote out three wishes to make a wish Midsouth, we were able to give to Team Laura last year. So, you know that that's when it's rewarding.
Yes, yes. And I will say I walked by the trophies coming in. Those are impressive trophies. Like, go big or go hunt, go home. It's definitely your motto. That's a, who wouldn't want that? Yeah. So that's the,
So that's the that's the derby. Like I'm actually gonna drive in the derby, so like
oh
one
God, help us all, God.
help
that? Who? Where's the adult or your adult?
That didn
currently accepting donations for bubble wrap. And we're
are looking for an adult here or adult to do. Wow. Okay. Oh, okay. So everyone who's ever been a part of a barbecue event will tell you that barbecue community is one of the best. What role does the community play in making this event so fun and, meaningful?
Well, like I, said like you know, last year was my first four year being, but they're just, they're a giving community. They're Fun. They're all happy to meet you. Not that I'm anybody, but like the ones that didn't know that, Oh, your Laura fletcher. You know, I mean, they were happy to meet me. I was happy to meet them. It was just a big camaraderie thing. Like they're just So nice. They're happy to be there. They're having fun, like they're doing their thing, They know what they're doing. It's, it's just a. It's almost like a little community out there all weekend. Like, you know, it's, so much fun. It's so rewarding to be a part of and everybody should come out.
of. Yeah. We've gained some, some relationships that be replaceable through the circuit You know, we've had teams from Texas, Alabama, the boot heel, Mississippi. Tennessee. So it is growing
Wow, that is great. That is right here. Coming to Mississippi County, guys, literally staying in a motels. That's awesome. Big impact takes many hands, and this event thrives when neighbors step in to help. So how can the local community support the event this weekend?
Like everybody can come out, on Friday night and Saturday. Be a lot of fun. Come out, participate. Visit the vendors, through the People's Choice Cups. those sort of things. But also like to support us, we. The community has to support us through sponsorships and such like that. And It kind of came to my attention in the past month that maybe the local people really don't know that we really are local. And maybe confused, that we might be. Associated with another like national organization or anything like that. We are not, We are local. And we need local Mississippi County, boot heel of Missouri. Come out, support us. if you wanna do a sponsorship? donation, come out and buy people's choice Card, come out to the Demolition Derby, Anything like that. Like everything we do is local. And that's why it's so important for the local community to support us because everything we do goes back into our local community where it's needed.
Yes.
So let's talk about that. Let me lemme piggyback off that. So we're going into our fourth year this year. Mm-hmm. In three years We've put $75,000 back into our community here. Wow. I think with this fourth year we'll be well over a hundred thousand. We're not a big corporation. We're a nonprofit. And to Be able to do that in three years. Like you know, it can't be done, first of all, without our board. and our community support. Yes,
$75,000 helping people right here in Mississippi County and the boot heel. That is as astounding. That's the people that you're passing in the grocery store. That's the people that you're passing on the road, those people you're passing in the grocery store. Who's battling this? I can speak on this because my dad battled and we lost greatly when he passed that we rationed how we spent our grocery money. My brother was 16 at the time. What kind of vehicle he, didn't get. Because of what was going on this money, I'm sorry, I keep saying this over and over and over, please forgive me, but this is what matters most to me is that it stays right here in Mississippi County and it's really helping the people right here in Mississippi County. Not to discredit any other thing, because I too are, have participated in all the other ones. No, absolutely not. It would never take away from them because it's a national pot and it's a national problem. But right here, being able to. Help our local people. Mm-hmm.
Mm-hmm.
that are living next door to you. Right? Yeah. That's what matters the most. So what are the biggest needs right now to make this year's event successful?
Participation last year, we got caught in a, I'm gonna use the word we got caught in a monsoon last year. Yeah. We like almost running around. With our snorkels and fence. There was so much rain. Literally. So, so this year it looks, like we may have some good weather and. That's what it takes. Is for excessive event is, members of the community to come out and support.
Yeah. Showing up and being apart. And I'm telling you, barbecue competitions, that's where people hang out. There's music, there's like people barbecue. People are crazy, let's be honest. Has their own, they're fun. Yeah.
Their own music going Food go by, Hey. you wanna try this?
Yeah,
yeah, yeah. It's a lot.
If you haven't, if you haven't experienced it yet, I would highly recommend it. You'll be addicted. So for someone listening who hasn't been to a Cooking for a Cure event yet, what's your message to that person come
Come out and experience with us. Give us a chance. See what we do. See how much fun you have. See some friends. 'cause everybody's gonna be out there. Just come and experience. Just come and just sit back and people watch. See what we do. Stay with us all day, all Friday night. Come out and join us. See what kind of fun we have, see what we're doing. See how hard we work. I mean, we, ain't me. They don't love me. they don't let me do much. They all work hard all year long. I mean, you know, sorry. Talk about stuff for next year. like. Come out, see what we do. I promise you'll be hooked and you won't be able to wait till next year.
right. And the event Friday night, it don't stop.
to. No, it don't.
Definitely not.
So before we close, I love to ask each of our guests this final question. It's a reminder of how powerful little things can be. Can you share a moment when a small act of kindness, whether something you gave or received left a lasting impact on you?
respect, I mean, I guess that would be just one word, you know, that, that impacts me the most. From everyone that we've been able to help. And it was that simple, thank you from the Bottom of their heart. that's that's really been appreciated.
That my, number one is gonna be like what I told you last time. It's like the moment that decided to put my name on there and like still today. seeing the science of my name and stuff on it, like it's something you just,
it's a powerful
it, it's a very powerful. Thing. Yeah. Very powerful. Yeah.
I love that. So today reminds us that impact doesn't have to come from a national program or distant dollars. Sometimes the most life changing support comes from your own neighbors.
So here's my reflection challenge for you this week. What one small way can you bring hope right here at home? Maybe it's giving your time, your resources, or your encouragement, write it down and then do it.
Bryce and Laura, thank you so much for unmasking the story behind Cooking For a Cure with us today. It's inspiring to see how an idea for a barbecue event has grown into a lifeline of support for families in our area. As always, you already know here on I'm asking the heart for change. We love to. Give a gift to every guest that comes to leave a little lasting impact on them. So as a token of gratitude, we'd like to give you a piece of our heart to remind you that your story matters and your impact is important.
So the gift,
Oh, I love it.
The gift
is a key chain, interactive key chain that when you click hold it to your phone, it will immediately take you to the website. So
Amy would probably be wishing that I had this last week when I spoke at Lions Club, I could just have held this up and my thing. Is like when I'm talking, like it's just how I've always been like, you can gimme your money. Like whatever, you know? and Amy's like, I can't ask for money like that, but I was like, no. I'm I'll get your money afterwards if you, I mean, we raised what, 1100? at, Lion's Club.
Yeah.
Wow. Well, if you'd like to support or follow along with Cooking for a Cure, all the details and links are waiting for you on our show notes.
In true Cooking for a Cure fashion, all about Mississippi County on top of the event. The barbecue competition and the derby they're doing this weekend, they're also running a raffle, and that's why I'm saying please lean into this group. Please support this group. This amazing group is taking on Mississippi County and making a difference, and you can really get behind them make a difference right here at home. So let me just take a minute and highlight that as well. Many of us know that the Hinson family was involved in a bad wreck last week, and the community is rallying together. Several in the community are rallying together to do fundraisers, and I think it's just a true testament to what Mississippi County's like. We have a jewel of a community. We support one another. When one of us hurts, we all hurt. And so I just wanna take a minute and let's talk about this raffle that they have going on. You can see a team member or you can get your raffle tickets at the event. So they have two raffles that will be raffled off this weekend. One will be a pellet grill and the second one, Blytheville, Country Club Golf Shop donated a Turtle Ranch speaker. So both of those will be raffled off at Saturday's event, and then they have a third raffle that they are working on a fur coat that was donated by the New York store. Very, lovely coat. That that raffle will be held on October the 18th. You can also get your raffles tickets at the event This weekend. So just really take the time. I hope you heard something in today's episode that you didn't know. And I truly hope that our community joins together and supports this group because every dollar that is given to this group stays right here at home people.
Do you or someone you know have a powerful story of change to share? Apply through our Facebook page or click the link in our show notes to be a guest. If you found value in today's episode, please subscribe. Share it with a friend and leave a review. It helps more hearts find this space. And remember, change begins within and it starts one heart to the heart at a time.
Thank you so much guys.
