Oakland County, Michigan, week of June 16, 2008 -- Oakland County Clerk/Register Ruth Johnson joined other "guest grillers" at Mongolian Barbecue restaurant this week for a special event to raise money for the Rochester Area Youth Assistance.

The Clerk/Register of Deeds, who has a reputation for grilling others about government waste, was put in the hot seat herself - working behind a 500-600 degree grill. Joining her as a guest grillers were: County Treasurer Patrick Dohany; County Drain Commissioner John McCulloch; Oakland County Commissioners Sue Douglas and Tim Greimel; Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett; Rochester Schools Superintendent Dave Pruneau and Rochester Hills Councilmember Vern Pixley.

"It was hot, hard work - but it was really fun," Johnson said. "We were laughing. It's really an art for the guys that do it full-time. Finally I just said, 'Here, let me just kind of flip these shrimp around."

Sponsored by the city of Rochester, Rochester Hills, Oakland Township, the Rochester Community Schools, Oakland County Probate Court, RAYA provides short-term counseling, scholarships, summer recreation, family education as well as a youth recognition banquet and a mentoring program.

Shelley Sweier at the RAYA office said the event raised more than $2,000 for RAYA activities. For more information, contact Johnson at (248) 858-0168 or Sweier at (248) 656-3558.