Service to others has been ingrained in Ray Bentley and his brothers since they were children growing up in northern Delaware.

Their father was an active member of the local Lions Club, and they learned from him the importance of helping those less fortunate.

Bentley, a longtime member of the Coventry Lions Club, will once again host the Chester County Blues Barbecue at his home, Wyndsor Farm, in Elverson on Saturday, June 4.

This year’s event marks the 11th edition the Blues Barbecue, the signature fundraiser of the Coventry Lions Club that annually attracts 1,500 visitors to hear great music and enjoy local barbecue. The funds raised enable the club to contribute to Lions International causes, ranging from vision programs to disaster relief, and to help other local organizations with their service missions.

“My father, Thomas Bentley, indoctrinated in all of us that you help out when you can,” said Bentley, the Executive Vice President of Bentley Systems, the renowned software company in Exton whose products advance the world’s infrastructure. “My brothers and I have always tried to follow in his footsteps.”

The gates at Wyndsor Farm open at noon, and Bentley’s band, Voodoo Deville, takes the stage at 1 PM in the beer tent. The SlideWinders Blues Band begins playing at 2 PM, followed by Nate Meyers and the Aces at 3:45 PM and Rick Estrin & The Nightcats at 5:30 PM.

“There’s nothing better than live music outdoors on a sunny day,” said Bentley. “We took a leap of faith all those years ago when we came up with the idea for the Blues Barbecue, and 600-700 people attended that initial event. It’s gotten better every year.”

Since the inception of Bentley Systems, the company and its colleagues have embraced a culture of being good neighbors and giving back to communities in need throughout the world. And its sponsorship of the Blues Barbecue is just one example of the company’s positive impact.

The Coventry Lions Club was founded in 1958 to serve the community in northern Chester County. It’s one of approximately 48,000 Lions Clubs around the world that all share the same mission.

“We try to be quick on our feet and a safety net in the community for those who need it,” said Bentley.

Learn more about the Chester County Blues Barbecue.