The Rotary Club of Gonzales’ Food Fest Extravaganza provided a night of delicious Cajun food, sweet desserts and networking while helping four local charities Thursday at the Price LeBlanc PACE Center.
More than 400 tickets were sold for participants to taste 42 food vendors’ offerings, according to Tracy Browning, chair of the Food Fest Extravaganza.
The event, which took eight months to plan, is one of the ways the club provides help to area charities, Browning said.
“The rotary club’s motto is ‘service of self,’” Browning explained. “We provide opportunities to give back to the community and we wanted to grow and serve more charities.
“Gonzales is the Jambalaya Capitol of the World and food is a part of our culture. Tonight is a night of great fellowship and enjoyment for several great causes.”
The food fest helps raise money and awareness for four Ascension Parish charities:
• The St. Theresa Food Pantry serves low-income families, single parents, senior citizens, disabled veterans and others in Ascension Parish.
• Ascension Child Advocacy Services is a child and family services agency that manages Court Appointed Special Advocates, as well as providing education and awareness programs for children.
• Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office’s Community Outreach Unit includes programs such as Neighborhood Watch, Junior Deputy Program, SALT (seniors and law enforcement working together), as well as the Sheriff Bobby Webre Christmas Crusade.
• Volunteer Ascension is a Louisiana-based nonprofit organization that provides numerous services including community cleanups and beautification projects, as well as home repairs and renovations for low-income families.
Galvez Seafood Company Manager Dallas Jacks, along with owner Lauren Cappo, served their popular “After the Boil Soup” to attendees.
“We love being a part of community events,” Cappo said. “We try to help in any way we can. We are happy to be here tonight.”
St. Theresa of Avila Principal Micha Ballow said the event is a way for the community to network with each other.
“The event helps the parish have the ability to bring awareness to services that may need help,” Ballow said. “The pantry feeds a lot of parish residents, so a food event is a good pairing.”
Bakin’ Ya Crazy owners Eva Friedman and Kathy Hass’ table showcased their caramel crunch blondies and pecan pie bread pudding.
“This has been a way for the community to see what is out there in bakeries and restaurants in Ascension Parish,” Friedman said. “If you know your favorite business is supporting the community, you are likely to go back.”
The event also featured silent and live auctions with offerings from many local businesses.