Uncommon Grounds Coffee Company is bringing more than just caffeine to the table this summer in Upshur County.
The local coffee company is organizing its first-ever West Virginia Cookout Festival from noon to 8 p.m. this Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025, at Camp Mahonegon in Ellamore. The event aims to unite residents from across West Virginia while raising awareness and funds for mental health and suicide prevention.
This free, family-friendly event promises a day full of great music, food, games, and connection, all for a good cause. But Uncommon Grounds is also pulling out all the stops to make this gathering both fun and meaningful.
“We are also offering VIP passes that include exclusive merchandise and a perks pack valued at over $1,000,” said Chris Beckinsale, managing partner of Uncommon Grounds. “We’re encouraging people to purchase a VIP pack even if they can’t attend. We’ll ship it to their home, and they’ll still be supporting a worthwhile event.”
The cookout serves as a major fundraiser for the West Virginia Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, or AFSP, a nonprofit working directly within the state to reduce suicide rates and expand access to mental health resources.
“We feel this event is important for people to attend for two reasons,” Beckinsale explained. “Primarily, we wanted to create an event for people of the state to come together when it seems like every group and political camp is trying to divide us. Because we’re stronger together.”
But the deeper goal is awareness and action.
“This event is to raise awareness for mental health and to be a major fundraiser for the AFSP,” Beckinsale said. “In West Virginia, the second leading cause of death for people aged 10 to 34 is suicide. That fact was so startling to me that I didn’t believe it at first — but once I fact-checked it, I was floored. We are also in the top 20 states for death by suicide, and that’s something no one should be proud of. It’s something all of us should care about.”
Alongside food and music, the event will feature:
- Games and activities for all ages
- Raffle prizes and giveaways
- Local vendor and small business booths
- A welcoming atmosphere to foster connection and conversation
The team is actively seeking sponsors and community donations to ensure the cookout’s success and to begin planning for an even bigger event in 2026.
Want to get involved or help spread the word? Visit the links below for more information:
- VIP Passes: signupgenius.com
- Sponsor Info: www.304coffee.com/sponsor
- Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/wvcookout
- Facebook Event: facebook.com/share/1G46mZ6ta5
- Event videos: TikTok @uncommongrounds_
Camp Mahonegon is located at 3017 Boy Scout Camp Rd., Ellamore, WV. From I-79, take Exit 99 to Corridor H, then follow the signs to Boy Scout Camp Rd.
“We’re doing everything we can to make this a success,” Beckinsale said. “This is our inaugural event, and we hope it grows into something truly special for years to come.”
