BONNERS FERRY — Good food, homemade pies and a strong sense of community brought hundreds of people together Saturday for the annual Restorium Community Barbecue to celebrate residents and raise funds for the facility. 

According to event organizer Judy Dirks, about 400 meals were served during this year’s event, an increase from the roughly 330 people who attended last year. 

“From my perspective, it went really well,” Dirks said of the fundraiser organized by the Friends of the Restorium. “A lot of nice things happened.” 

While the barbecue raises funds to support projects and programs that benefit Restorium residents, Dirks said the event has become much more than a fundraiser over the years. 

“I think it draws the community together,” she said. “It draws neighbors, it draws friends, but it draws families of the residents, of course.” 

One memory in particular has stayed with her. 

At one of the early barbecues, a father brought his children to the event and explained why he wanted them there. 

“He said he wanted to bring his children to the event to show them what community is all about,” Dirks recalled. “Those were his words, and I thought that was so well put.” 

For Dirks, that sentiment continues to capture the spirit of the annual gathering. 

“The community comes together,” she said. “People come from all different walks of life, different places in the community, different churches and no church. It’s just a place for everybody to be together and enjoy one another.” 

The event also relies heavily on volunteers. In addition to members of Friends of the Restorium, community members stepped forward to help with serving food, organizing activities and keeping the event running smoothly. 

“There were people that just came and volunteered and pitched in,” Dirks said. “People are just eager to help out and work for the residents’ party.” 

Community support extended beyond volunteering time. The Church of God in Christ Mennonite congregations donated 70 pies for the event, providing desserts for attendees and popular items for the pie auction. 

“It takes the volunteers and the Friends and the staff all working together to pull it off,” Dirks said. “We really appreciate everything that everybody does.” 

Funds raised through the barbecue, memberships, memorial donations, basket raffles and other contributions help support projects that enhance life for Restorium residents. One of the organization’s most significant recent accomplishments was helping purchase an accessible van for resident transportation. 

Looking ahead, Friends of the Restorium hopes to develop an outdoor patio area for memory care residents, giving them a safe space to spend more time outdoors. The patio project is still in the vision stage. 

For now, however, organizers are celebrating another successful event and the continued support shown by the Boundary County community. 

“The residents know we do it for them,” Dirks said. “They are very appreciative. We receive so many thank yous, and they tell us how much they enjoyed the party. That’s what makes it worthwhile.” 

Friends of the Restorium welcomes new members. Dues are $5 per year. Checks may be mailed to Friends of the Restorium, P.O. Box 1362, Bonners Ferry, ID 83805. 

Community members are also invited to attend the group’s monthly lunch meeting at noon on the third Thursday of each month at Chic-N-Chop. 

    Volunteers at the annual Restorium Community Barbecue.  

    Homemade pies at the 2026 annual Restorium Community Barbeque.