Barbecue, live music and a bright pink firetruck brought a crowd to Gator Harley-Davidson in Leesburg Saturday for the inaugural Boots & BBQ for Boobies fundraiser.

Presented by Firefighter Charity of Central Florida, the event raised money to provide mammogram grants for women who can’t afford the potentially lifesaving screening. The charity says money raised will allow the program to continue providing grants every month for another year.

The centerpiece was a Florida BBQ Association-sanctioned competition featuring teams battling for top honors in chicken, ribs, pork and brisket. Guests joined the judging during a People’s Choice tasting while vendors, raffles, food and live music kept the event going throughout the afternoon.

Mike’s Backyard BBQ was named overall champion, followed by Superlins BBQ in second place and Powered by Smoke in third. Mike’s Backyard BBQ also won chicken and brisket, while Superlins BBQ took first in ribs and pork.

Superlins won People’s Choice Pork, while Professional Firefighters of Leesburg earned the People’s Choice Sauce award.

Several competitors turned their winnings into another donation, giving their prize money back to the cause. Superlins returned $1,059; Gopher Hole BBQ, with Wayne Ray, donated $200; and Parrothead Porkers gave $150. Leesburg Professional Firefighters Local 2957 donated $100, while Dobber Q, Smoke Showing and Smoking Problems each returned $50.

The day also carried a deeply personal meaning with the dedication of the charity’s pink firetruck in honor of April Dawn Ray, who sadly passed away on July 9, 2025.

April and her husband, Wayne, had been part of the Gator Harley-Davidson community for years. Wayne served as director of the HOG chapter, while April helped organize and plan events with him.

“She loved and supported Gator Harley and any event they did,” April’s close friend and neighbor Melissa Browne says. “Her and Wayne were ‘family’ at Gator. But this event would have hit home for sure and we are beaming with pride for this.”

Family and friends gathered for the dedication wearing shirts honoring April. Then, during an extremely hot afternoon, rain unexpectedly began falling at the moment of the dedication.

“Pretty sure on that extremely HOT day she gave us a little ‘April Shower’ to cool us off at the very moment of the dedication,” Melissa says. “Surely she got a good laugh at my wet hair.”

Melissa remembers a friend who loved parties, travel, the beach, golf cart and boat rides and spending time with the people around her. April was also someone who rarely sat still and was always ready for the next adventure.

“She was my messy, beautiful, smart, loving and adventurous friend,” Melissa says. “The end came way too soon for each and every one of us.”

Gator Harley-Davidson and Jan Wilde Wideman were recognized by the charity for hosting the event. Carter’s ACE Hardware, Gator Harley-Davidson and American Legion Auxiliary Post 35 of Mount Dora sponsored the fundraiser. Vendors and community supporters included Purrfect Paws & Claws, Beverage Body & Trailer Service, On Scene Repairs & Maintenance, Clear Channel Outdoor and Advanced Wellness & Orthopedic Center, along with Professional Firefighters of Leesburg and other local organizations.

Firefighter Charity of Central Florida uses its pink firetruck throughout the community to promote breast cancer awareness and encourage women to stay current with screenings. Its mammogram grant program helps remove the financial barrier for women who otherwise might go without one.

Photos: Gina Horan