The United Way BBQ fundraiser returns tomorrow as Rockdale Career Academy culinary arts students help serve up moutwatering plates of Jim N’ Nick’s BBQ at Rockdale Career Academy on Thursday August 23, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Plates of Jim N’ Nick's pulled pork, baked beans, coleslaw, pickles, bread, deli cookie, drink, and along with a $5 Jim 'N Nicks coupon will be available for $10 at RCA.

Dine in, pick up and delivery (for orders of 20 or more) are available. Order online at www.surveymokey.com/unitedwaybbq or contact United Way at 678-623-2890.

The BBQ sale is the biggest fundraising event for United Way, which is more in demand than ever.

“The community United Way BBQ sets the tone for the fall campaign,” said Claire Cline of Rockdale United Way. “The community barbecue is the base for going forward and meeting goal.”

This year’s goal is to sell 2,400 plates, the proceeds of which support United Way’s focus areas of education, income, health and homelessness. This year's event, the 12th year since it started, is expected to raise $22,000.

"Jim N' Nick's is a community player of the highest level - they truly understand giving back to community," Cline said this week. Companies such as Solo Cup, Kroger, Lowes and Publix are also donating supplies, such as boxes and cups, and food items. Individuals are also donating money, said Cline. The donations have enabled the United Way to keep costs down.

“After 12 years, we have held the price at $10 a plate, through the generosity of the community by making contributions of products,” Cline said.