Angie’s BBQ Chicken 2026!

The aroma of chicken roasting on massive grills filtered throughout the lot hours prior to the official start of Able To Serve’s (ATS) BBQ chicken fundraiser at Angie’s Restaurant in Garner.

Long before the event took place, numerous ATS participants, volunteers, and staff worked behind the scenes. For instance, during their time at the Day Program, participants worked to place sponsor stickers on food and dessert containers.

Shortly after sunrise, volunteers and staff set up various stations to get ready for the day! Even before the 11:00 start time, cars were lined up in anticipation of mouth-watering barbequed chicken, roasted potatoes, seasoned green beans, a warm dinner roll, and a palm-sized chocolate chip cookie.

Inside the restaurant, the place bustled with activity as Angie’s staff, ATS staff, and lots of volunteers buzzed about in the kitchen cooking food and hauling loaded trays to awaiting steam tables. A production line on both sides of the tables ladled out the foods into containers. Red checkered tablecloths and cheerful centerpieces, featuring prayer and connection cards, created a welcoming setting.

Delivery Volunteers were organized to transport pre-ordered meals for 17 church groups or organizations. 812 meals were delivered to various locations around town! One Able to Serve participant, Dani, described her favorite part of the day when she and her mom dropped off 24 meals at a fire station, and she was able to pet their dog.

Able To Serve staff, participants, and volunteers working outside were just as busy. Colorful banners, pop-up tents, and posters were strategically placed to facilitate the smooth flow of cars picking up their food to-go.

When participant Patrick was asked what his favorite part of the day was, he couldn’t think of an answer; however, he greatly enjoyed helping Rachel and the others pack the food for those who came through the drive-thru pickup lane.

The pop-up tent, strategically placed between the ticket & food tents, hosted cheering participants waving posters and colorful pool noodles. Every vehicle was enthusiastically greeted with a chorus of thank you and gratitude. Able To Serve participant Karla reported that being able to cheer the cars on made her feel happy. ATS staff member, Sophia, also loved what she called the cheer squad. She enjoyed seeing the smiling faces on the drivers as they picked up their meals. Participant Becky was a passenger in a car that picked up their meal, and she loved waving to her friends and all the happy greetings.

95+ volunteers served the day of the event, with dozens working prior to the actual day and dozens serving at their local church. ATS Founder and Executive Director, Carlton McDaniel Jr., declared that his favorite part of the day was getting the opportunity to work in several different areas. Carlton wanted to share his great appreciation to everyone who helped make this a successful event!

With over 1600 meals served, the Able To Serve goal was met. It was a wonderful day, and much appreciation goes to Angie Mikus and her Angie’s restaurant team. Noted on the wall near the entrance hangs a sign that says it all: “Be Careful- Love is beyond this door.” We wholeheartedly agree!