On the eve of Thanksgiving, St. Vincent de Paul hosted its 15th Annual Turkey Carving Contest, a festive event that brings together local leaders for a fun and meaningful cause. Among the participants this year were Bishop Michael Duca, Mayor Sharon Weston Broome, District Attorney Hillar Moore, Shawn Folks of Unified Jewish Congregation of Baton Rouge, Councilwoman Caryolyn Coleman, Councilman Darryl Hurst, Coroner Beau Clark, MD, Baton Rouge Chief of Police Thomas Morse, Jr., Central Chief of Police Roger Corcoran, Zachary Chief of Police Darryl Lawrence, Louisiana Housing Corporation’s Jarvis Lewis, Hall of Fame retired LSU Gymnastics Coach DD Breaux, and Community Volunteer Coletta Barrett, RN. Representatives of Capital Area United Way, W-Consulting Group and East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff also participated in the carving.
We are immensely grateful to these community leaders who generously shared their time and talents, helping to capture the true essence of the holiday season. The Turkey Carving Contest was a humorous way to kick off the holiday, while also raising awareness about the critical issues of poverty and homelessness. The turkeys carved during the event were essential to the Thanksgiving meals served to thousands at our St. Vincent de Paul Dining Room, the Raising Cane’s River Center, the McKinley Alumni Center, and St. Gerard Church.
While the event was certainly fun, there was also some serious competition involved. Contestants were judged in several categories, including their enjoyment of the task, the presentation of their turkey, and how efficiently they carved the meat off the bones.
Every participant is a winner for their commitment to helping others, but based on the judges' scores, the top three finishers were: 1st place: Councilman Darryl Hurst, 2nd place: District Attorney Hillar Moore and 3rd place: Coroner Dr. Beau Clark, MD.
We are so thankful for the continued support of our community leaders, volunteers, and all who make this event -- and our Thanksgiving meals -- possible.