Introduction to White Rock Que
White Rock Que began more than a decade ago as a small backyard cookout among friends.
After a series of sexual assaults in the Lake Highlands area affected one of the founders, the group decided to turn the informal gathering into a fundraiser for Dallas Area Rape Crisis Center.
The annual event combines live music, craft beer, food and college football with a fundraising mission focused on prevention, advocacy and recovery.
The White Rock Que barbecue fundraiser will return for its 12th year on Saturday.
About the Event
“The support from this community is what keeps the event growing,” said Corie Pierce, one of the organizers of the event. “We have nine barbecue cook teams this year, many of them longtime participants, and their local involvement has helped the event grow each year,” she said.
The event, themed “Eat Well and Make a Difference,” will be from 4 to 8 p.m. at Oak Highlands Brewery’s new location, 500 Lockwood Drive in Richardson. Gates open at 3 p.m.
Since it began in 2013, the event has grown into one of the largest community-led efforts of its kind in the Dallas area, raising over $750,000 for survivor services and prevention programs.
Mission and Impact
All funds raised will go to DARCC, which provides counseling, advocacy and education programs to support survivors of sexual violence and their loved ones.
“The funds raised by WRQ are life-changing for survivors and give DARCC the chance to expand our services,” Amy Jones, CEO of DARCC, said in a news release. “But the biggest benefit is the awareness the event creates, helping to normalize conversations that bring healing and change.”
Pierce said this year’s event carries a deeper emotional weight for the White Rock Que team. The group lost one of its longtime members, Rob Legg, earlier this year. Legg wasn’t a founder, she said, but he had become a core part of the crew.
“Our team shirts have a small hat added to the top of the WRQ logo because he always wore one, and we’ll have photos of him placed around the event,” Pierce said.
This year’s team shirts have a hat added to the top of the WRQ logo in honor of Rob Legg and the type of hat he often wore.
Photo courtesy of Corie Pierce
Sexual Violence in Texas
In Texas, an estimated one in five women and one in five men will experience sexual violence in their lifetimes, according to a 2015 study by the University of Texas at Austin.
Oak Highlands Brewery has hosted the fundraiser since 2016 and continues its partnership with DARCC as the event moves to the brewery’s new Richardson site.
Getting Involved
“Even if you can’t be at the event, you can still donate online,” Pierce said.
Sponsorship opportunities are available for local organizations seeking community recognition.
Tickets went on sale Oct. 3. For more information, to sponsor or to buy tickets, visit whiterockque.com. Follow @whiterockque on Instagram for event updates.
Conclusion
The White Rock Que barbecue fundraiser is an important event that brings the community together to support survivors of sexual violence and their loved ones. With its unique combination of live music, craft beer, food, and college football, the event has grown into one of the largest community-led efforts of its kind in the Dallas area. By attending or donating to the event, individuals can help make a difference in the lives of those affected by sexual violence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the White Rock Que barbecue fundraiser?
A: The White Rock Que barbecue fundraiser is an annual event that combines live music, craft beer, food, and college football with a fundraising mission focused on prevention, advocacy, and recovery for survivors of sexual violence.
Q: When and where is the event?
A: The event will take place on Saturday from 4 to 8 p.m. at Oak Highlands Brewery’s new location, 500 Lockwood Drive in Richardson. Gates open at 3 p.m.
Q: How can I get involved?
A: You can attend the event, donate online, or sponsor the event as a local organization. Tickets are available for purchase on the White Rock Que website.
Q: What is the impact of the event?
A: The event has raised over $750,000 for survivor services and prevention programs since its inception in 2013. The funds raised help support counseling, advocacy, and education programs for survivors of sexual violence and their loved ones.
