Someone attending the 14th annual Strimbu Memorial Fund Barbecue will have the chance to go from zero to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds.

To do that, though, he or she will have to be the winning bidder for the 50th Anniversary Corvette the nonprofit group is auctioning. The car is being provided by Mel Grata Chevrolet-Toyota in Hermitage.

As part of its festive fund-raising efforts, the fund is auctioning the sports car at the May 14 event. The Corvette has become an American icon, and this 50th Anniversary convertible edition is a 350-horsepower manual transmission powered by a V-8 engine.

"It's appropriate this year to have a 50th Anniversary Corvette,'' said John "Chip'' Mastrian, president of the fund. "It's American -- we just feel it should be there.''

Other merchandise set for auction are a BMW Mini Cooper, V-Rod Harley Davidson motorcycle, and tickets for the Pittsburgh Steelers' home opener.

Catered by Best Wings USA, the Texas-style barbecue is the major fund-raiser for the group, which was named after the Strimbu family of Brookfield. Held at Yankee Lake Ballroom, proceeds from the event go to local economic development activities, charities and for nine $1,000 scholarships and one $10,000 scholarship to seniors at local colleges.

While grades are a determining factor in scholarship winners, students' leadership abilities and their commitment to the community are also considered. A $500 scholarship for the best essay written by a student is given by the Angelo and Jennie Mastrian Fund.

Since its inception, the Strimbu Memorial Fund has donated more than $500,000 to the community. The Legacy Commons project along the Broadway corridor was among the better known projects that got help from the organization.

Attracting more than 1,200, among the delights served at the barbecue are ox roast, lamb, ribs and roast duck. In addition, this year's guests will be entertained by Menagerie II, a Chicago-style band.

"This function truly exhibits the spirit and generosity of the people in our area communities,'' said John Holliday, a member of the fund's board. "It's truly remarkable how we bond together for great causes, and the Strimbu Memorial Fund is one of those.''

A limited number of tickets are still available for the 14th annual Strimbu Memorial Fund Barbecue. Tickets can be bought by calling (724) 981-3213 or (724) 962-9981; ask for Strimbu barbecue tickets.