HAMMOND, La. — Saturday, Nov. 1, will be an important day for Tangi Animal Friends (TAF) as the organization hosts its 3rd Annual Gumbo Cook-Off Fundraiser from 1–4 p.m. The gates open at 12:30 p.m., with gumbo tasting beginning at 1 p.m.
The band Stone Mother will return this year to provide live music for attendees. While adults enjoy the food and entertainment, children can have fun in the Kids Tent, featuring games, prizes, face painting, crafts, and free refreshments.
The popular Parade of Prizes Raffle also returns, featuring even more great gift cards and baskets donated by local restaurants and retailers. Tickets are $1 each, and participants can choose which prizes they want to enter for a chance to win. So far, TAF has received over $2,200 in donated prizes, with more being added daily. An on-site 50/50 raffle will also be held, and winners do not need to be present to claim prizes.
Advance tickets are available through Eventbrite for $20, or can be purchased at the gate for $25. Each ticket includes a tasting bracelet, which allows guests to sample all competing gumbos and vote for their favorite to determine the People’s Choice Award. A panel of judges will also evaluate each entry and present trophies for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.
Children under 10 get in free and will receive a tasting bracelet, though they are not eligible to vote. Soft drinks, water, and dessert will be available for purchase, and free juice boxes will be provided for children at the Kids Tent. Payment options at the event include cash, credit/debit card, Venmo, PayPal, and Cash App.
Tangi Animal Friends is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that relies entirely on fundraisers and donations to support its mission:
“…to promote companion animal welfare in Tangipahoa, St. Helena, Washington, and Livingston parishes through spay/neuter efforts, humane education, pet food stability, microchipping, vaccinations, and additional programs.”
The Gumbo Cook-Off, along with the new 5K Race and 1-Mile Dog Walk Fundraiser scheduled for February, helps fund TAF’s Spay/Neuter Financial Assistance Program. The organization receives no local, state, or federal funding and operates solely through volunteer efforts and community support.
For more information on TAF programs, services, and fundraisers, visit facebook.com/TangiAnimalFriends.
