The Ragin' Cajun Crawfish Bash, a benefit for CARTI, just keeps getting bigger. April 20 was the 13th year of the popular event and the second year the fundraiser was at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock after outgrowing the River Market Pavilions.
More than 1,800 people attended, raising more than $148,000 -- both new records for the event, said Sabrina Frazier of the CARTI Foundation. About 6,600 pounds of crawfish, 528 pounds of red beans and rice, 420 pounds of dirty rice, 420 pounds of jambalaya and about 150 pounds of Petit Jean smoked sausage were consumed.
Organizers deemed the event the "Million Dollar Crawfish Boil," as proceeds from this and previous events have totaled more than $1.1 million.
Music by Drummerboyinfinity kept the crowd entertained as they feasted on more than Cajun delicacies. Corn-on-the-cob, potatoes, fried chicken strips and hush puppies were also served. Drinks included beer and a New Orleans tourist favorite -- hurricanes. Guests could also bid on rows of silent auction items. Phillip Jett and Phyllis Rogers were crowned king and queen of the Mardi Gras-style bash. Melinda Mayo of KATV and Adam "Poolboy" Dunaway of KLAL-FM, Alice 107.7, were the evening's masters of ceremonies.
CARTI is a nonprofit cancer-care provider offering medical and surgical oncology, diagnostic radiology and radiation oncology at locations throughout the state, according to its website. Money raised by the event will help provide services such as transportation, housing, prescription assistance, educational support programs and weekend retreats for cancer survivors and caregivers.
-- Story and photos by Cary Jenkins
High Profile on 04/30/2017