Hundreds of plates of mouthwatering Jim N' Nick's barbecue, prepared with the help of Rockdale Career Academy Culinary Arts students, were served up for the 11th annual United Way BBQ fundraiser.

The signature event helps kick off the fundraising campaign season for the United Way, which supports efforts in alleviating homelessness, health, education and income difficulty. This year's fundraising goal is $313,214, a $6,300, increase, or 3 percent, over last year.