Family hosts BBQ picnic for the homeless - KMSP-TV

A lot of people enjoyed a three-day weekend this Labor Day, but one valley family used the holiday to honor a loved one who was killed in a drive-by shooting and hosted a barbecue for the homeless in downtown Phoenix near 10th Avenue and Van Buren Street.

University Park cleared out Monday evening, but earlier in the day, it was a different story.  Around 2 p.m., dozens of the city's homeless lined up to get something to eat.

This annual cookout was in honor of a murder victim who routinely gave back to those in need.

Hot dogs and hamburgers sizzled on the grill.  "We started out with 40 packs of hot dogs and 150 hamburgers and I tell you what, that lasted an hour," said Daniel Udave, the victim's brother.

But this isn't your typical Labor Day cookout.  This one's feeding the needy, like homeless veteran George Winfrey.

"These people are God's angels.  They are taking care of the lost, the left behind, the damaged and the broken," said Winfrey.

This is the second year for the cookout held by family and friends of Joelle Morgia.  Morgia was shot and killed during a drive-by at a family Christmas party in 2008.  The cookout is for his birthday, September 3.

His family says he always had a soft spot for the homeless.

"My brother was always one that would go up to them and give them something," said Katrina Cortez.

Udave said, "If he had five dollars in his pocket, three of them went to whoever was asking for it."

Fathers, sons, brothers, mothers, sisters -- all went through the line to get something to eat and something cold to drink.  For some, it may be the only meal they get for the day.

"I thank God for this family.  I'm sorry for their loss, I'm sure he was a great man, but what this family does is just incredible," said Winfrey.

No one has been arrested for Morgia's murder and his family doubts anyone will be.  Still, they're giving back, knowing that they'll never get back what they want most -- their brother.

"He'd be here helping us if he was still alive," said Cortez.

"Feels like he's right here with us," said Udave.

This year's cookout had a higher turnout than last year's and the family had to get more food to accommodate the attendees.  They look forward to holding another cookout on Morgia's birthday in 2013.