Local groups will serve up the food and fun, with ribs from Ethyl's Smokehouse and Saloon in O'Fallon and Mannino's Market in Cottleville, extras from Quintessential Catering and beer from Krey Distributing Company. Guests will enjoy live music performed by “That ‘80s Band” and “The Smash Band” throughout the evening, a variety of games and a friendly rib eating contest among local officials. 

“Many of our neighbors have been affected by the downturn in the economy this past year and we're anticipating more scholarship applications than ever before,” said Kasey McKee, executive director of foundation and alumni relations at SCC. “The funds raised from the event will help us provide scholarships to students, easing the burden that many families face when paying for a college education.” 

General admission is $25 per person or $20 if purchased in a group of four. General admission includes two beverage tickets, seven food tickets and live entertainment. VIP tickets are available for $50 per person, which includes unlimited beverage tickets, 14 food tickets, VIP parking and indoor restroom facilities. Any college students with valid I.D. are eligible for a $10 entertainment pass, which includes one drink ticket and entertainment. 

“The spring event will draw families, neighbors and businesses outdoors to enjoy fabulous food and music - all while helping to fund much-needed scholarships and education programs for the students at SCC,” said Julie Zust, finance manager for Boeing Research and Technology and event co-chair. “The success of our students is directly linked to the success of our community, and this event is an excellent opportunity to show support.”

Rhythm and Ribs will take place on SCC's campus plaza, with the entrance located between SCC's Learning Resource Center and Student Center; and parking will be available in the blue and yellow lots. An after party will be held at the St. Charles Jive & Wail on Mid Rivers Mall Drive immediately following the event.

In addition to Zust, the Rhythm and Ribs event co-chairs are Jan Dunham, vice president of U.S. Bank Private Client Group, Cindy Elking, owner of Quintessential Catering and Brenda Lowder, broker/associate at Coldwell Banker Commercial. 

The three Main Stage sponsors are AmerenUE, Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital/Progress West HealthCare Center and SSM St. Joseph Health Center/SSM St. Joseph Hospital West. 

A complete list of event planning committee members and sponsors can be found at www.stchas.edu/rhythmandribs.

For event information and tickets, contact Elly Busick, special events coordinator, at 636-922-8278, ebusick@stchas.edu or visit www.stchas.edu/rhythmandribs. Event sponsorships are still available, with packages ranging from $150 to $10,000. 

The vision of the St. Charles Community College Foundation is to transform lives and strengthen communities. The independent, 501(c)3, not-for-profit corporation was formed to support student scholarships and educational purposes of the college. For more information, visit the Foundation Web site at www.stchas.edu/foundation. 

St. Charles Community College is a public, comprehensive two-year community college with associate degrees and certificate programs in the arts, business, sciences and career-technical fields. SCC provides workforce training and community-based personal and professional development as well as cultural, recreational and entertainment opportunities. For more information, visit www.stchas.edu.