The late Charles Brownley was well-known in Richmond County, in large part because of his 29 years as Richmond Senior High School’s school mascot.

The memories came back to his widow, Claudette, at the Richmond County Hospice’s barbecue fundraiser Friday afternoon at Browder Park in Rockingham.

Hospice assisted the couple until Mr. Brownley passed away in April of 2000.

“They came to our house, and they came to Palmer Hinson when he was there,” she said. “I was very appreciative of what they did for us. It gave me a chance to go out and have dinner with my goddaughter.”

Hospice Executive Director Susan Eason said the turnout was strong for Friday’s event.

“This year has been great,” she said. “We’ve had a lot of deliveries, and a lot of people are coming out and supporting us.”

After lunch was over on Friday, the need won’t go away, however, Eason said.

“There is a continual need throughout the year, because as many people know, we are the non-profit hospice here in Richmond County, and we depend heavily on the community for support through fundraisers like our barbecue drive.”

“I know of a number of things they do, and it’s good to be able to give help to patients who are terminal,” David Martin said over a barbecue plate. “From the things I’ve seen, just from their reactions, I can tell these are good-hearted, caring people.”

His wife Norma agreed.

“I think it’s a great organization, the way they help the county,” she said. “I know several people that have required their help, and I’ve never heard anything negative, so I praise them largely.”

Tommy Deese of Deese’s Barbecue and Karen Margolis of Fatz Cafe donated their food and time, and the time of their employees.

“I really enjoy it,” Deese said. “I was one of the first to get involved when they first started this over 20 years ago. I just enjoy the people, and helping a good cause.”

He said he and his crew started cooking 2,000 pounds of barbecue Thursday afternoon, and started chopping it at 7 a.m. Friday morning.

“This is something that is just awesome,” Margolis said. “I feel honored to be able to get involved with this.”

Hospice Director of Development and Volunteer Coordinator Lisa Ledford made her way from table-to-table sharing stories and smiles.

“The community really comes out for us because they know the quality of service we provide,” she said. “This is a small community, and a lot of these people have had a loved one who needed our help, so they know first-hand. It’s really a pleasure because we get to work with such wonderful people.”

A politician or two even made their way over to Browder Park.

“This is a hospice function, and I first became familiar with them years ago,” state Senator William Purcell said. “That is just a great organization that really provides a needed service to people in their greatest time of need. I’m just proud to be able to support them.”