by Clay Adamczyk
There’s something to be said about a local business that seizes the responsibility and opportunity to really give back to the community in which it operates. It’s commendable, for one, but it’s also a necessity and a reality that sometimes goes unnoticed. It’s something that Redbones owner Robert Gregory calls a real “win-win.” For nine years now, Gregory has offered his Davis Square barbecue restaurant to fill the street with good food, good music, good people, and all for a great cause.
The sound of the SAPS fills the streets.
One August Monday a year, Gregory and Redbones play host to a traditional southern pig pickin’. The smoke pits are fired up, corn bread is baked, watermelon sliced, bluegrass a blazing, and the masses of locals & families gather for the fun. And all of this is to support the Somerville Homeless Coalition (SHC). Mark Alston-Follansbee, the Executive Director of the SHC, describes Redbones as “just incredible community partners.” Each year, the SHC is responsible for raising $600,000 of their $3million budget annually, which Alston-Follansbee points out isn’t easy. 100% of all proceeds generated from the Pig Pickin’ go directly to the SHC, and on top of that, Redbones donates the food costs–most of which comes from local farms. Last year’s barbecue raised over $6,000 for the organization, but as Redbones’ head of marketing a PR, Anne Cushman, said, “[the amount] pretty much goes up every year.” On August 2nd of this year’s roast, Redbones raised the bar, donating over $9,000 to the cause.
Seasoned Pit Master, Bobby “Pie” Curry adds the sauce.
“A lot of people talk about being helpful to the community, Redbones does it.” said Alston-Follansbee. “We’re really grateful. Any time anybody needs something, and they ask for it, [Gregory] gives it freely.” In additional to the annual pig pickin’, the SHC holds a fundraiser dinner in April, with all food donated by, who else, Redbones.
Though everyone asked only had the highest remarks for Gregory and his work, the pit master himself is on the modest side responding with a simple “I think it’s great,” when asked about this years results. “We were trying to think of an event to do to benefit the Somerville Homeless Coalition,” Gregory added when describing the Pig Pickin’s origin. “We just thought this would be fun.”
Robert Gregory picks the first pig to the delight of hungry onlookers.
The fun is what it all comes down to in the end, and is almost as important as the benefit itself. Eyes lit up when the first pig was lifted from the smoker where it has been slow cooking since the night before. The people dance and clap along with the music, in which each band–the Good Time String Band, the SAPS, and the Spring Hill Rounders–has generously donated their time to perform. And by the end, when everyone is happy and fed, a dribble of bbq sauce can be seen at the corner of every smile.
Somerville children Andy, age 5 (left), and Christopher, age 7 (right) enjoy their food and a souvenir.
