Still trying to decide what to do….that’s the question. Here’s an answer. Build up karma points. Do something that benefits someone in need. A gumbo cook-off is happening next weekend that will help a family in Arnaudville. So not only will you get to taste gumbo prepared by teams of people but you are also helping a family with medical costs. If you have a teenager daughter, maybe you could sign her up for the Stand-out Project. It is an event for girls. This event teaches girls life skills and develop career opportunities. And she could possibly make new friends. Register now. Read on to find out more.
The 11th Annual Gumbo Cook-Off Benefit for Liam Williamson
The 11th Annual Gumbo Cook-Off is held each year at Frank’s Downtown and Doran & Cawthorne Law Firm in Downtown Opelousas, Louisiana. This year’s event is scheduled for Saturday, January 28th, 2017 and benefits eleven month old Liam Williamson. Liam, son of Amy and Matthew Williamson of Arnaudville, Louisiana, was diagnosed in January of 2016 with Biliary Atresia, a rare disease affecting the liver and bile ducts of infants. At two months, Liam underwent surgery to confirm the diagnosis and begin the lengthy treatment regimen. Liam has frequent visits to multiple local physicians, as well as at Ochsner Hospital in New Orleans. His treatment plan requires several medications, specialized feedings, procedures to drain excess fluid, ongoing lab and diagnostic studies, and frequent hospitalizations. Learn more about Biliary Atresia and follow Liam and his family on his Facebook page – Loving Liam.
The highlight of the event is The Gumbo Cook-Off and the event also features a Motorcycle Run, Kid’s Activity Area, Silent and Live Auctions, Food, Drinks, and lots of Music & Dancing. While there is no fee for admission, the entry fee to participate in the Cook-Off is $50. For a donation, spectators are invited to taste participants’ entries, once samples are turned in for judging. Prizes are awarded for First Place Champion, Second Place, and Third Place, in two categories – Chicken & Sausage Gumbo and Seafood Gumbo. A specially designed Gumbo Cook-Off Champion Paddle will be passed from prior year’s reigning champion to the new 2017 Gumbo Cook-Off Grand Champion with the best overall gumbo. Grounds open at 8AM, Kick Off Ceremony is at 10AM, and Auction begins at 2PM, immediately followed by the Winners Ceremony. Music will continue throughout the day, until 6PM.
Entry Forms are available on thegumbofoundation.org. Completed Entry Forms and Entry Fee can be turned in at Frank’s Poboys on E. Landry St. and Sebastien-Dupre Fine Jewelry on Main St., both in Opelousas, LA or at The Steamboat Warehouse Restaurant in Washington, LA.
All proceeds benefit Liam and his family to assist with medical and related expenses. Please make checks payable to Liam Williamson. Visit our Facebook page at Facebook: The Gumbo Cook Off, visit our site at The Gumbo Foundation, or contact Tim Marks at (337) 658-1108, Jason Huguet at (337) 331-2837, or Summer Le at (337) 351-8496.
The Stand Out Project, a Christian mentoring program for high school girls, invites all high school girls in Acadiana and the surrounding areas to participate in our great event, Out of the Box, on Saturday, January 28, from 1-5 PM, at the Baptist Collegiate Ministry, which is located at 1226 Johnston Street, Lafayette. Each event has a very unique theme where girls have the opportunity to improve their life skills, learn about possible career opportunities, and use their talents to create something to benefit their community. This is a free event, but registration on our website is required. Moms are welcome to attend, and more information can be found at our website: The Stand Out Project For this event, we will need new washcloths, specifically white, light green, light pink, or light blue, and we would appreciate any donations.
