Annual Big Stu's Family Barbecue Set For July 25 At Sketchbook Brewing

SKOKIE, IL — Big Stu’s Family Barbecue will return July 25 at Sketchbook Brewing, with proceeds going to Project Purple in honor of Stu Lapidus.

The public fundraiser began in 2019 after Lapidus died from pancreatic cancer in 2018.

Stu’s son, David, and his wife, Sara, started the tradition to honor his legacy and his battle with cancer. This year’s event will feature lawn games, an auction and barbecue from Smoque BBQ. The organization said the fundraiser is open to the public.

David’s connection to the event goes back to time spent grilling with his father.

“My dad and I used to BBQ in our backyard together all the time. It was something I looked forward to as a kid,” David said.

David decided to partner with Project Purple after learning about its Patient Financial Aid Program, which provides financial support to patients and families during treatment. According to the organization, his parents’ struggle with the disease motivated him to channel his grief into something productive and meaningful.

“We are looking to grow the fundraiser,” David said. “We want to reach out beyond our friends and family and get the community involved.”

Proceeds from Big Stu’s Family Barbecue will be donated to support Project Purple's Patient Financial Aid program and early detection research for pancreatic cancer. The organization said it was founded in 2010 and is focused on improving care and outcomes for patients and their families while working toward a world without pancreatic cancer.

Project Purple has invested more than $5.5 million in research since it began, with an emphasis on early detection initiatives.

People interested in donating to Big Stu’s BBQ can visit the event’s fundraising page.