Over five years ago when Bob and Cecily Marolf went in search of a way to reinvest in this community and provide great value they chose a newly available franchise with Smokin’ Oak Woodfired Pizza. Why pizza and why this brand?
After exploring several other companies, some sounded too good to be true and others just didn’t pass muster as good enough for their goal of quality, freshness and value. Bob mentioned the motto next to the front door “FRESH DIDN’T GET PREPARED A WEEK AGO.” Their food is prepared from scratch every day.
Beyond just being fresh, locally owned and operated is also very important to them. This community is home to their family and they wanted to bring that local caring and service into everything they do in business. This business model has given them all the tools to do just that.
Their passion for these two organizations and helping others like Special Olympics also stems from a deep commitment to keep good going the way they have experienced it with their own son participating in each of these programs, from a baseball player and eventually a coach to ongoing involvement with the mentoring he receives through Steppin' it Up.
March 14th each year since the Grand Junction Smokin' Oak opened, they have hosted Pi Day (3.14) as a fundraiser for Steppin' it Up and others. With the opening of their Clifton location which includes the one-of-a-kind TapWall, guests came out in droves for the Pi Day held there for the benefit of Challenger Baseball. New equipment and trophies for all 2024 season players were among the things the Challenger program was able to provide through this event.
Steppin' it Up and Challenger Baseball have a common connection, but are very separate.
If you have lived in Mesa County for any duration of time, you have probably heard of Challenger Baseball, which just had its 25th anniversary. A division of Little League Baseball, they provide opportunities for kids with disabilities to play.
Kelli Hamilton and Carma Brown are the directors. Every Spring, on Monday nights, kids ranging from 8-21 join Challenger baseball and play with a peer “buddy.” Those Buddies are CMU and area High School students who volunteer to help them enjoy a fun-filled season. Four of the teams coming to compete at JUCO also participate in this program each year.
So, how does this connect with Smokin’ Oak Pi Day? Well, Bob and Cecily‘s son Zach, played Challenger Baseball growing up and is now one of the assistant coaches! Because of his involvement, Bob and Cecily were very much involved with this organization before Pi Day came about. Kelli and Carma said this about this event, “Not only does Pi Day raise enough money to provide trophies for all the participants, it also helps with scholarships, so players who can’t afford the registration fee can play through donations such as this. The biggest benefit, however, is the huge end-of-season celebration/dinner that every player, their families, and all the JUCO players and coaches get to be a part of.”
Pi Day fundraising events have people lined out the door waiting to get their pizza to help support amazing causes in the community. The staff goes above and beyond with great customer service. They are happy and friendly and willing to take time out of their lives to help with this tasty event.
Which brings us to the original beneficiary... Steppin’ It Up is a nonprofit organization that the kids from Challenger Baseball can go to when they graduate from baseball as adults, or other adults in the community, who are wanting to make a change in their life. Stacey Thurlow has dedicated her time for the last 13 years to be a personal trainer and life coach for persons with developmental disabilities. They have an opportunity to meet with her twice a week to work out at Mesa Gym. This helps them build confidence and self-esteem as well as helps them to live a healthy lifestyle.
And what is the relationship with Pi Day you ask?? Well, like with Challenger Baseball, Bob and Cecily’s son Zach goes to Steppin’ It Up. He’s been there since Stacey started her organization.
For the past 5 years, Smokin’ Oak Pizza's Pi Day has funded field trips like hiking and 5K’s, as well as winter trips. Stacey commented “Pi Day is a huge help in providing funds for all the activities we go on. They aren't free and this annual fundraiser helps keep them going.” Stacey currently serves 38 clients. All of which have a special place in her heart.
"Bob and Cecily have not only provided a fun, delicious event we get to participate in once a year, they have provided a way to give back to the community they are so fully invested in."
If you are interested in contributing to either one, or both of these organizations, you can find Stacey at Steppin’ It Up Inc. P.O. Box 193 Grand Junction, CO 81502 or find her on Facebook with Steppin’ It Up Inc. page.
Challenger Baseball is also on Facebook and you can contact Kelli Hamilton or Carma Brown at Challenger Baseball P.O. Box 667 Grand Junction, CO 81502
In addition to Steppin' it Up and Challenger Baseball, Smokin' Oak's community outreach benefits:
Special Olympics * USA Games - supporting two local athletes to compete in Orlando, FL
* Colorado State Games - meals and support for staff and volunteers
CASA of Mesa County
Married to the Badge
Flying Hero Club
Toys for Tots
Various - athletic teams, Dance Clubs, School Clubs and Marching Bands, Parent-Teacher Organizations, Mesa County Seniors Club, We Care A Lot daycare - Playground Equipment Fundraiser, Military and First Responder Discount 20%, Senior Citizens - 10% Discount, veterans Day Free Pizza For Veterans, D-51 Schools - lunch specials and discounts for students and faculty.