CLAY HILL – There will be a sweet smell of smoky success wafting from the northwest corner of the county on Saturday, Nov. 15, as 30 of the best pitmasters compete for prize money – and the satisfaction of helping the Healing Hearts Project. 

Jason Wheeler’s BBQ Rib and Wing Cookoff will not only crown a championship ribs and wings barbecuer, but it will also support Bryce Bagley, who is affected by a congenital heart defect. 

Bryce’s family will host the fundraiser at 6234 County Road 218. Wheeler said the gates will open at 11 a.m.; individual BBQ dinners will be sold ($13 if purchased in advance by texting 904-496-8806 or $15 at the event) at 11:30 a.m.; wings turn-in will be at 1 p.m.; ribs turn-in will be at 3 p.m.; the final dinner will be served about 4 p.m.; and the gates will close at 6 p.m. More than 75 dinners have already been sold in advance, Wheeler said. 

“Certified” judges, including Sheriff Michelle Cook, will pick the top three cooks in both categories. The winner of the ribs will earn $500, with second place receiving $300 and third place earning $200. The payoffs in wings are $100, $50 and $25. 

Wheeler said he plans to compete. 

“We limited the competition to 30 teams,” he said. “I’ll be running around like a chicken with its head chopped off. The secret to good barbecue is putting a lot of love into it, putting a lot of love into what you're cooking, seasoning them up real good and trimming them up and making sure you put in the best product that you can for the judges.” 

Wheeler said Bryce has had successful surgeries to control his CHD, but he likely will need further procedures as he grows. 

Wheeler said he’s spent more than two or three months putting the cookoff together for The Healing Hearts Project. In fact, the 30-team limit was reached in September. 

“We will also have anywhere from 13 to 15 different vendors,” Wheeler said. “They will be selling different items, like cups, shirts, hats, face-painting, knife sharpening and things like that. 

“And all of the proceeds go back to the Healing Hearts Project in Jacksonville.” 

“Pour Your Heart Out” said Bryce has represented its support group program because his story led to other families finding a space where they talked openly to find comfort and support. 

“We’re also so grateful to Bryce’s family, who are hosting the Wheeler BBQ fundraiser benefiting the Healing Hearts,” Pour Your Heart Out posted on social media. “They are turning their gratitude into action to help other heart families thrive.” 

Wheeler summed the event in a simple slogan: “smoke, flavor and fun – all for a great cause!”