The United Way of St. Charles has rescheduled its fourth annual Jambalaya & Gumbo Cook-off to Thursday, Nov. 10, 2005 at the West Bank Bridge Park in Luling.

The event, originally scheduled for Oct 6, helps the United Way of St. Charles to raise awareness about the organization and to help people understand how it serves the community.

Last year, more than 40 teams from the local area participated in the event.

During this time of recovering from the impact of Hurricane Katrina, United Way of St. Charles is sensitive to the community members…?ª needs of taking care of themselves, their families, their workplace and their community.

Denise Brodsky, Executive Director of United Way of St. Charles, said, “We believe families and companies need to concentrate and prioritize on getting themselves up and running. We hope that by rescheduling this event to Nov. 10, the community will see it as a meaningful event for everyone to come together for a much-needed fun day among friends and family. We hope to see you there.”

Local business and industry interested in competing in the “Battle for the Paddle” for best jambalaya and gumbo should round up their best cooks and register them for this event. The entrance fee per team is $50.

United Way will award prizes to the top three teams in both the Gumbo and Jambalaya competition, including the coveted grand prize – a beautifully engraved wooden paddle. All teams participating will receive participation prizes.

The Nov. 10 event will also be open to the public from 3pm to 6pm.

For a $5 admission fee, attendees can enjoy unlimited sampling of gumbo and jambalaya, along with live musical entertainment and local celebrity judges.

To receive a registration packet and more information about the event, please contact Liz Becnel at 504-739-6661or email ebecne1@entergy.com. The deadline for team registration is October 20, 2005. If teams had already registered, please call to confirm participation in the Nov. 10 event.