A giant “thank you” to the Miss-Lou for making our sixth annual Jambalaya Cook-Off such a huge success, as local area businesses, organizations, restaurants and families came together to find out who makes the best and jambalaya while supporting United Way and its partnering agencies.

The event kicked off United Way’s three-month campaign, in which the goal is to raise $175,000 to help support much-needed public service programs. Many of our partnering agencies also receive matching grants which help provide emergency food and shelter for many abused and neglected children, meals and transportation for our community’s elderly, affordable counseling to families in need and youth programs which focus on educational achievement, job readiness and high self-efficiency.

Community support was heartfelt, and this year’s turnout was absolutely incredible. Our thanks to the 16 cooking teams who enthusiastically competed for the jambalaya champion trophy.

Excitement, team spirit and a little ego were strongly felt as the teams started setting up and getting down to business at 5:30 a.m.

As you walked through the Natchez Convention Center you actually felt as though you were in the “Big Easy.” Everyone really went all out with their booth decorations this year.

The band Bare Foot Tendencies rocked the house, and many area businesses donated spectacular desserts and soft drinks.

All of our local media did a great job of helping publicize and promote the event.

There is no doubt the toughest job fell on the tasting judges, which included Dr. Anthony Morris, Marsha Colson, Mayor Jake Middleton, Sen. Bob Dearing, Sheriff Chuck Mayfield, Mayor Hyram Copeland, Dr. Brenda Moore, Jeannie Slover, Nona Columbo and Jo Jo Eidt.

After tasting each team’s jambalaya in a blind tasting, then careful deliberating, they came to a unanimous decision making Natchez Community Hospital the first place winners, Carby & Carby second and right behind in third place Natchez Regional Medical Center.

Best decorated team booth went to Isle of Capri Casino and Natchez Senior Center won best agency booth. This year our first-ever People’s Choice award went to Natchez Regional Medical Center.

A very special thank you goes out to former United Way Executive Director Marsha Colson and former United Way Administrative Assistant Christine Brinegar for leaving us play-by-play instructions on how to organize this event.

Our United Way board members and many other countless volunteers were also amazing and much appreciated.

The Home Makers Association showed up in full force doing everything from decorating to serving Cokes and desserts.

Local photographer Mark Brockway donated his time and expertise ensuring the day would never be forgotten. Everyone pulled together and the outcome was a wonderfully spectacular day.

For more information about United Way of the Greater Miss-Lou, our partnering agencies, or the countless ways to get involved and make a difference, contact Carol Follmer or me at 601-442-1081 or log onto our Web site at unitedwaymisslou.org.

Tiffany Mascagni is the executive director of United Way of the Greater Miss-Lou.