Local guest chefs to participate in CADA Taste N’ Tell fundraiser

JENNINGS — Local guest chefs will take on the challenge of creating culinary delights as they showcase their signature dishes during the 18th annual Communities Against Domestic Abuse (CADA) Taste N’ Tell fundraiser.

The event teams area business leaders, elected officials and others with their favorite recipes to help raise money for the Billie Sue Thomas Well, a local shelter for victims of domestic abuse.

The fundraiser will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 16, at the Grand Marais Courtyard, 919 N. Lake Arthur Ave., Jennings.

“Fundraisers, like Taste N’ Tell, help raise money as matching funds to run the shelter,” bookkeeper Janice Esthay said. “We receive grants from the state, but we have to match those.”

Last year’s event raised $29,000 for the non-profit agency and its shelter, which provides 24-hour emergency care for battered women, men and children. This year’s goal is $30,000.

Dozens of teams will take on the challenge of creating culinary delights to please the palates of the ticket holders. The teams will compete in four categories: appetizers, side dishes, entrees and desserts.

The chefs vie for the public’s attention donning costumes and serving from elaborately themed booths.

Winners are selected by ticket voting.

New to this year’s event will be a Parade of Prizes. Participants will be able to buy raffle tickets for $1 each, or 6 for $5, for a chance to win an array of gifts donated by area businesses and individuals.

Other highlights include a silent and live auction and drawings for theme baskets. Entertainment will be provided by saxophonist Marcus Davis of Jennings.

Tickets are $20 and are available in advance or at the door.

The Billie Sue Thomas Well offers shelter, counseling, support groups, parenting skills, legal advocacy, education and job training for battered women, men and children.

“We offer anyone who is abused and their children to come stay at the shelter for 45 days,” Esthay said. “While they are here they get counseling on budgeting, child care, preparing resumes and help looking for jobs.”

Assistance with deposits are also available to those residents who are able to leave the shelter and find a new home.

Last year the shelter provided services to 108 women and 41 children. It also provided restraining orders for 212 people who did not stay at the shelter.

Persons wishing to donate auction items, volunteer or enter a team should contact Bernadine Daboval, 337-842-7902; Jody Clary, 337-842-3607 or Marilyn Watkins, 337-842-4652.

””CADA Taste N’ Tell fundraiserSpecial to the American Press

SportsPlus

Local News

Weekend thunderstorms followed by a mid-week cold front in the forecast

Local News

PHOTO GALLERY: Free Valentine’s Day dental care

Local News

Landry, Murrill target New Orleans sanctuary policies in federal court

McNeese Sports

Cowboys take on struggling UNO

Local News

Ann Lagneaux teaches students to turn negative thoughts into positive ones

Local News

Trump administration begins sweeping layoffs with probationary workers, warns of larger cuts to come

Local News

Unrestrained man killed in I-10 crash

McNeese Sports

Reyna, Chance lead Cowgirl comeback

Local News

Louisiana to end mass vaccine promotion

Business

Trump signs a plan for reciprocal tariffs on US trading partners

Local News

REAL ID enforcement date now just three months away

life

Several SW La. students honored at Northwestern State

Crime

Eight DeRidder High students arrested

Local News

Wicked weather this way comes on Saturday

Jim Gazzolo

Jim Gazzolo column: Garcia best Southland has to offer

McNeese Sports

Cowboys look for finishing kick

Crime

2/13: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff announces arrest list

Local News

 BREAKING: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. confirmed as Trump’s secretary after close Senate vote

Local News

At Oak Park Elementary, no one eats alone

Local News

Candidate Fondel airs his views at forum

life

Gettin’ jiggy wit it — Irish dance style

Local News

Family fabric: Quilting exhibition offers insight to generations of storytelling, culture and artistry

life

McNeese president’s honor list announced for fall 2024 semester

life

Walls can talk: Artist says art is essence of humanity