Cajunboyz brew up support for Autism Awareness
Published 12:14 am Saturday, May 5, 2018
- Cajunboyz Brewery co-owner Jason Delatte says his son, Wesley, inspires him to advocate for autism awareness, a passion that recently led to $900 for Organization for Autism Research.
RESERVE — The first Autos for Autism car show was a last minute venture that exceeded coordinators’ expectations, closing with more than $900 for Organization for Autism Research.
The April 28 event drew more than 50 people and was hosted by the owners of Cajunboyz Brewery, a business slated to open by August in Reserve.
Tim Delatte looks at some of the vehicles featured in a recent car show that raised money for Autism research.
Co-owner Jason Delatte said 14-year-old son Wesley inspires him to advocate for autism awareness year-round.
“I don’t think a lot of people know much about autism,” Delatte said. “It was an opportunity for them to come meet my son, talk to him and get a better understanding of what autism is.”
Vintage cars, delicious food and free specialty beer tastings highlighted the event.
Sarg’s Mobile Smoke House cooked food onsite and donated $300 to the cause, according to Delatte.
Other proceeds came from individual donations and autism awareness puzzle piece T-shirt sales, Delatte said.
Next year, he hopes to replicate the event on a larger scale and include categories and prizes for the car show.
Ronnie Newman, Delatte’s longtime friend, said the event was a success because it was for a good cause.
A view inside the serving room of Cajunboyz Brewery in Reserve.
“Autism is near and dear to Jason’s heart, so I think his passion played into it and made it successful,” Newman said. “The turnout was a lot better than what I expected and what he expected. I honestly think it has the potential to grow.”
Autos for Autism wasn’t the first charity venture for the Cajunboyz team, comprised of Delatte; his father, Tim Delatte; and his father-in-law, John Strickland.
After Hurricane Harvey struck Texas, the family raised $460 for storm victims through a jambalaya sale.
Delatte hopes to partner with the SPCA or local animal shelters and start an “Ales and Tails” campaign during adoption day events.
According to Tim Delatte, a St. John Firefighters Association Local 4784 representative reached out to Cajunboyz about creating and selling a new beer to benefit union employees.
Tim Delatte said the team strives to maintain a positive presence in the River Region.
“Any successful business should give back to the community,” Tim Delatte said. “They support us, so we should support them.”
Located at 114 Power Blvd. Suite C in Reserve, Cajunboyz Brewery has invited the community to come in, kick back and taste beers while permits are finalized. Popular flavors include Cajun Goddess, Poolside Ale and Gator’s Blood.
Word has spread about the up-and-coming family business in the past months, according to Tim Delatte.
“A larger percentage of people are just realizing we exist,” Tim Delatte said. “It looks to be getting more popular.”
For more information, call 504-208-1776.
