Hatch McCray, the co-owner of McCray Lumber and Millwork, is the board chairman for BeHeadStrong Inc., a local nonprofit that supports people diagnosed with brain cancer. McCray has volunteered with the group since 2010, after his father, Harry C. McCray Jr., died from the illness.

“I wanted to do something to give back to those who went through what we went through,” Hatch McCray said.

The group is gearing up for its annual Beer & BBQ fundraiser on March 8 at Boulevard Brewing Co. The event will feature Boulevard beer, barbecue from Joe’s Kansas City, live music and a silent auction. Tickets start at $75.

Though BeHeadStrong is a small outfit, it offers big help to patients and their families. The nonprofit can arrange for rides to chemo sessions, help pay for medicine and even supply some “wish list” items, like tickets to shows and sporting events.

All its board members are unpaid, so other than a few small overhead expenses, all funds raised through BeHeadStrong go to helping patients.

Like McCray, most board members have a loved one affected by brain tumors. Some actually have the illness themselves. BeHeadStrong volunteers often share advice and answer questions for patients and their families. “We’re all directly impacted by the disease.”

For information about Beer & BBQ, visit www.beheadstrong.org.