Longtime Shrimp Boil Committee Member Mark Meeker organizes volunteers from area cooking teams to take on the task of preparing 1,000 pounds of shrimp for the supporters of The Rose at the Annual Shrimp Boil scheduled for July 13. Last year’s crew (pictured here with Mark third from right) will be hard to beat!
For 24 of the 27 years, The Rose has been in existence, the Annual Shrimp Boil has served as a major event in the community.
Plates of shrimp and “all the fixin’s”will once again be served from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 13th, at the Pasadena Convention Center. Homemade desserts, a silent auction of more than 100 themed baskets, a live auction, a Kid’s Creative Zone, and music by The Slags along with dancing in “air-conditioned comfort” are among the highlights of the day.
Last year, for the first time in the more than two-decade history of the south Houston area event, the net collected exceeded $100,000. The gross income of almost $129,000 was a direct result of doubling the number of sponsors – including the addition of a never before utilized $10,000 level of sponsorship – and increasing the number of table sales. More than 1,000 participants filled the space including hundreds of volunteers who made the afternoon-long event possible.
According to Cheryl Cochran, the new chair of the Shrimp Boil committee, sponsors are critical to the success of Shrimp Boil and add to the grassroots spirit that has been a hallmark of the fundraiser.
“We are excited that we already have our first Kingfish sponsor who has donated $10,000,” said Cochran. “Oates Industries is a great example of the community support we depend on. And Houston Community College has already ensured that we will have 1,000 pounds of shrimp to make sure everyone leaves satisfied!”
Cochran is familiar with the impact of breast cancer having had both friends and family diagnosed with the disease. Her close friend Judy Pareya is a survivor who has been a longtime member of the committee. Noting Cochran’s passion and successful fundraising for several organizations, Pareya suggested the native of Deer Park and longtime resident of La Porte should take on the new responsibility.
“The Rose is a fantastic organization and I’m thrilled to be playing a part in helping to raise funds for the women they serve,” Cochran said. “I don’t think anyone should die of breast cancer. Early detection is key, and that’s what The Rose is all about.”
Dorothy Gibbons, CEO and Co-Founder of The Rose with Dr. Dixie Melillo, notes that without the gifts of time, resources, and energy from Shrimp Boil committee members, local businesses, and event day volunteers The Rose could not care for the almost 10,000 uninsured women they see each year.
“We started The Rose to meet the needs of the community,” Gibbons said. “While The Rose and the community have grown – we now cover 24 counties with three mobile units — we
depend on and are grateful for the local support to make that outreach possible.”
To donate an item or become a sponsor contact Special Events at 281.464.5165 or
[email protected]. Online tickets are now on sale for $20/adults and
$10/children by clicking here. Volunteer sign up is available online here.
