The 2009 Barbeque and Pool Party was the third annual social gathering for profoundly gifted students held at the home of HEROES founder, Rita Ostrager. This year's event was attended by 300 people who enjoyed swimming, ping-pong, badminton, Wii and other games; not to mention the hickory smoked chicken, hamburgers, hot dogs and sausage with peppers and onions grilled up by her husband Robert Ostrager. Parents were able to network and socialize and kids were able to meet new friends and renew relationships with friends they met at the January Conference.

Guests were also able to talk to Dr. Michelle Muratori of Johns Hopkins University's Study of Exceptional Talent, Michael Goeller and Tisha Bender of Rutgers University's Writing Department and Dr. G. Boyd Swartz of Monmouth University's Math Department.  Donations received at the party are being used to file for non-profit status and to organize the January 2010 Conference.