Teams still needed for gumbo cook-off benefiting Special Angels of The Woodlands

THE WOODLANDS, Texas – The Special Angels of the Woodlands (SAW) is looking to the community for help with the group’s gumbo cook-off on Nov. 1 at Papa’s Ice House on Pruitt Road, to benefit the organization’s Adopt an Angel tuition assistance program.

There are two categories available for the gumbo cook-off - seafood and non-seafood. The last day to register is Oct. 18. The cook-off will also include a silent auction, raffle, face painting, photo booth and several other family-friendly activities.

“What we are really in need for is more gumbo teams – without teams we can’t have a cook-off and we can’t raise money for an Angel’s daily tuition,” said Evan Besong, executive director of SAW. “Gumbo will be judged based on color, aroma, consistency, taste and aftertaste. There will also be a bonus category called ‘from scratch’ that will serve as a tie breaker. It is going to be a fun and delicious event for the whole family!”

On average, it costs each Angel $25 a day to attend the center. Even at this low cost, many Angels cannot afford this daily amount. The Adopt an Angel Foundation was created as an opportunity for companies, organizations, families and individuals to financially donate to Special Angels with 100 percent of funds received go towards the scholarships of our Angels attendance in our program. All of the money raised at the gumbo cook-off will go toward the Angel’s daily tuition so SAW never has to turn anyone away due to financial reasons.

Special Angels of The Woodlands is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization that provides a day activity center for adults with mental and physical disabilities. Currently, there are 33 special-needs adults attending the SAW Center. These adults range in age from 22 to 71, live in or near Montgomery County, and who now enjoy a full and active life within their community.

Special Angels of The Woodlands is committed to enhancing the lives of adults with physical and mental disabilities. Their programs emphasize physical training, self-esteem and social competence within the home, community and recreational environments.

Cooks will check in at 7 a.m. and begin cooking immediately. Public tasting and voting starts at noon with official judging starting at 1 p.m. and awards presented at 4 p.m.

For more information about The Special Angels of the Woodlands and how you can participate in the gumbo cook- off, visit specialangelsofthewoodlands.org or call 281-292-2073.