Gumbo Foundation’s 13th Annual Cookoff To Benefit 14-Year-Old

The Gumbo Foundation's 13th Annual Gumbo Cook-Off will benefit a fourteen-year-old battling a rare genetic condition.

Scheduled for Saturday, January 26, 2019, in Downtown Opelousas, this year's gumbo cookoff will benefit Kylie Coulon. Kylie was born October 11, 2004, with a genetic disorder called Methylmalonic Acidemia, an inherited condition where her body is unable to process certain proteins and fats correctly. It can result in a number of issues including developmental delays, failure to thrive, long term feeding problems, and chronic kidney disease. Kylie had liver and kidney transplants in 2012 and had been doing well until last February when she began experiencing kidney-related complications. She has been at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston since July 16, 2018, with most of that time spent in ICU. Kylie’s treatment regimen requires a special diet, renal formula by a feeding tube, and a number of medications.

Although the highlight of the event is The Gumbo Cook-Off, also featured will be a Motorcycle & Jeep Run, Kid’s Activity Area, Silent and Live Auctions, Food, Drinks, and lots of Music & Dancing. While this is a free event, the entry fee to participate in the Cook-Off is $50. For a donation, spectators are invited to taste participant's’ entries, once samples are turned in for judging. Prizes are awarded for 1st Place Champion, 2nd Place, and 3rd Place, in two categories: Chicken & Sausage Gumbo and Seafood Gumbo. A specially designed Gumbo Cook-Off Paddle will be passed from the prior year’s reigning champion to a new Gumbo Cook-Off Grand Champion with the best overall gumbo.

Grounds open at 8 AM, Kick-Off Ceremony is at 10 AM, and Auction begins at 2 PM, immediately followed by the Winners Ceremony. Music will continue throughout the day, until 6 PM.

Please consider attending to help show Kylie and her family support, for they could really use it right now.

All proceeds benefit Kylie and her family to assist with medical and related expenses. Checks can be made payable to The Gumbo Foundation, P.O. Box 1478, Opelousas, LA 70571.

If you would like to form a team, please contact Tim Marks at (337) 658-1108.

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