NORDMAN — It started as a simple fundraiser to help raise funds for the Priest Lake Community Church’s youth center.

Since the first Priest Lake Annual Smoke Off was held four years ago, the event has turned into one of the summer’s hot ticket events at Priest Lake.

“Kyle and Beth Pettit are the youth group leaders and do amazing things for our youth up her,” said Desiree Benedict, who started the smoke off with her husband, Glen. “The first year we really didn’t expect much we where just hoping to raise enough money to finish the youth center.”

Everyone had so much fun and the event was such a success that the Benedicts knew they wanted to continue to hold the smoke off.

They wanted to keep helping the youth center, but knew there were a number of other groups in the community that also needed help, Desiree Benedict said.

“That’s when my husband and I decided to always donate half to the youth and the other half to someone struggling or an organization that we believe in,” she added.

This year, funds are being donated to PLCC’s youth group and the Priest Lake Elementary PTO to help fund a Missoula Children’s Theatre performance.

Held this year at the Nordman Resort, with the help of Ben and Brittany Votava, smoke off organizers hit the ground running and, by the time it was over, the Oct. 6 event raised $5,084.

“Thanks to our amazing community, Glen and I had the best support system ever,” Benedict said. “Priest Lake truly is the best. We had business up at the lake help sponsor the smoke off and we are so, so, so grateful to them”

This year’s smoke off attracted 16 entries, with all of the smokers donating their time and setting up the night before to ensure a smooth start the next day. After smoking all night long, the 400 pounds of meat — which was all donated by the competitors — was ready to go. With sides also donated by the community, the event kicked off at 5 p.m. — and a scant 40 minutes later — just shy of 250 plates had been sold and there wasn’t anything left.

In addition to the dinner, a couple in the community donated Gonzaga basketball tickets that were raffled off — helping add to the total the event was able to donate.

Helping make the event a success were judges Cindy, Sam, Margie and Doug, who judged the entries on texture, aroma, tenderness, presentation, creativity and taste. Claiming first-place honors was Glen Benedict, second-place honors went to Cindy Grosbusch, and third-place went honors were claimed by Kent Feldman.

Desiree Benedict said organizers wanted to give a shout out to the rest of the smokers, including Ray Lieske, Brian Ailor, Rob Ward, Sherii Ward, Katie Pettit, Shelby Priest, Taco, Kent Meeker, and Don Pettit.

“The amount of time and money these guys and their families donate is absolutely amazing,” she said.

Ailor, Katie Pettit and Don Pettit have been with the smoke off since the beginning and Ward has been helping out since the second year, Benedict said.

Not only is Grosbusch the first female winner, she also was an amazing DJ after the smoke off with Backwoods Beats. Ward also deserves kudos for staying all night long to help make sure the smoke off went smoothly, she added.

Also deserving kudos are Cody and Morgan Nelson, who donated their time with Cody Nelson serving as the event’s emcee and Morgan Nelson helping sell tickets; Katie Ailor, who helped sell tickets; all of the sponsors, smokers, judges, the DJ, and all those who brought side dishes to the event.

“Without all of you this event would never be possible,” she said. “We are so blessed and grateful for everyone.”

And if you missed the event, don’t worry — just make sure to put it on your calendar for the first Saturday in October.