Friday, June 3, 2011

Joplin Cajun Seafood Celebration

We’re Jumpin’ for Joplin!
Joplin, Missouri that is. We’re on a mission to help the victims of the devastating tornado that took the lives of over 125 people and destroyed 37% of the city.

We leave for Missouri from the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans on Monday, to feed over 1000 people with fine, fresh Louisiana Seafood on Tuesday, June 7th, 2011, then return on Wednesday June 8th.

We know what they’re going through……we’ve been where they’ve been.
It’s been nearly six years since Hurricane Katrina devastated our city and the surrounding area. We realize the importance of starting the process of rebuilding – not just structures ….. but also lives, community and self. A little progress each day, a little bit of normalcy, a little bit of brightness are all things that ease the mind and help heal the body and soul.

We Want To Help
Our mission is a simple one – Bring a little bit of Louisiana food, music and spirit and a lot of Louisiana love to the people of Joplin, Missouri. Sharing great food and music provides much more than filling the bellies and ears of those in need. Even if just for a moment - but hopefully for a few hours - we’ll ease the minds and lift the spirits of your community. We are aware of the overwhelming donations of clothing and other goods from around the country, however our experience tells us that beyond the immediate needs of food and water, money is truly what the citizens of Joplin require. We’ll spearhead an initiative in the New Orleans community to provide further assistance long after the cameras and first responders are gone. We hope to be an ongoing partner part of the rebuilding process.

Our Partners
What do you do when the going gets rough and you’re facing difficult times? You call your friends – you call your buds! That’s exactly what we’ve done. We’ve partnered with some great, like-minded businesses and individuals. Jim “Superman” Besselman of Ernst Cafe provides the equipment and logistics. Dolph Federico of Pelican Events lines up the live music, provides the staging and coordinates the lighting and sound through Tim Kilbride of Sound Source. Transportation and support are spearheaded by Ed Renton of State Machinery. Refrigerated food transportation is provided by Nick Zaboukis with Sysco FoodService of New Orleans. World famous Crawfish Monica is provided by Kajun Kettle’s Pete Hilzim and Dudley Passman of legendary New Orleans Zatarain’s will prepare chicken and sausage jambalaya. The star of the show has to be the seafood. Ewel Smith and Harlon Pearce of the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board have fully committed their resources to our mission. Cliff Hall of New Orleans Fish House is donating fresh Louisiana oysters and black drum. Katy Casbarian of Arnaud’s Restaurant is providing her famous remoulade sauce to accompany our Jumbo Louisiana Boiled Shrimp And of course we rely heavily on the kindness and support our many volunteers to make this all come together. Our volunteers will arrive safely on a tour bus provided by Natalie Barranco of Calco Travel and Hotard Coaches fueled by Louisiana diesel donated by Waguespack Oil. Along the way they’ll enjoy liquid refreshments provided by Nick Hazard of Crescent Crown Distributors. Finally City of New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu has established the “Pay it Forward Fund” and committed resources to this venture.

Our Menu …. Our Plan
Our team of chef’s, business leaders and volunteers shall gather at the Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Convention Center on Monday June 6th. Our caravan of refrigerated trucks, trailers, cooking equipment, tents, generators, busses and a 40’ music stage shall begin the 12 hour journey to Joplin at 2:30 pm. Just prior to departure we shall coordinate a press conference to further highlight the needs of Joplin Missouri.

Upon arrival early Tuesday the 7th, we’ll get a few hours rest then begin preparation for the event. Tents, food stations, soft drink areas and the music stage will be erected for a 4 pm start time. This “open to all” gathering for hundreds of people shall go on until 7pm featuring great Louisiana Seafood and fine Louisiana Music. Energetic Amanda Shaw and her band are slated to perform throughout the event.

Before nightfall we’ll break down, clean the area and pack up our belongings. A good night’s rest is on the menu as well before we head back to New Orleans early Wednesday.

Contact Greg Reggio at (504) 931-4734 gregr@tbudsm.comfor more information.