Wednesday Why: For Beauty and Beasts of the Southern Wild

Since the 1930s, at least 1900 square miles of our beautiful coastal home has been lost to the sea. What took nature 7000 years to build, man has nearly destroyed in less than one hundred. Let’s work together to turn the tide again and create a healthy, sustainable, and beautiful Gulf Coast for all Americans.

Interested in participating in the photo project?   Answer the question, “Why Should We Save Coastal Louisiana?” in any way you feel!  Send your submission to photoproject@bayougrace.org and you may be featured in an upcoming “Wednesday Why”.  Together we can tell the nation why we must save coastal Louisiana.

Beasts of the Southern Wild at a theater near us!

We’re thrilled to announce that the beautiful film Beasts of the Southern Wild will be playing in Houma beginning this weekend.  Showtimes and ticket information for the movie can be found here.  Filmed in the 5 bayous, this film is a must see for anyone and everyone who loves coastal Louisiana.  There will also be a special question and answer session with some of the cast and crew after the evening Sunday showings on Sunday, July 29 after 5:10 and 7:45 PM showings at the AMC Palace Theater in Houma.

Beasts of the Southern Wild was filmed right here in Terrebonne Parish.  The lead actress is homegrown Quvenzhane Wallis (who was 6 at the time of filming) who was called “a force of nature” by Roger Ebert.  It is one of the best reviewed movies of the year and has already won top prizes at the Sundance Film Festival and at Cannes.

Wednesday Why: Because We’re All in This Together

Merci Beaucoup to Betty and all our friends who are part of the All Saints’ Episcopal volunteer team for joining us as we work for hope and sustainability through coastal restoration and protection.

From the Bayous to the Windy City for a Great Cause

In early June, Bayou Grace’s Volunteer Coordinator, Diane Huhn and Executive Director, Rebecca Templeton together with Chef Extraordinaire, Kevin Henry, journeyed from the bayous to the Windy City.  The trio hit the road to join their friends at All Saints Episcopal Church in Chicago for the 4^th annual Gumbo Stomp fundraising event.

Kevin, Diane, and Rebecca were all smiles as they headed out to Chicago Gumbo Stomp.

Freshly caught Louisiana shrimp were the main ingredient in Chef Kevin’s delicious jambalaya.

The fundraising/awareness event featured live music from Chicago’s own Midway Ramblers Cajun Band, delicious authentic jambalaya prepared on the spot by Chef Kevin and the Gumbo Stomp cooks, lots of Cajun dancing, and a live auction.

Larry and Joey Sylvester and Norm Linde brown onions for the jambalaya

Through the success of the Gumbo Stomp event, an $8,000 donation was made to Bayou Grace, which will support Bayou Grace and its volunteer program. Bayou Grace is thankful for the generous support that All Saints’ Episcopal Gumbo Stomp Team extended to our organization.  We look forward the All Saints volunteer team traveling down the bayou in October.  Rumor is, they’re looking forward to getting their hands dirty and working to save our wetlands.

If you or your organization would like to host a similar fundraising/awareness event, Bayou Grace would love to join you in making it a success.  Contact Rebecca at Bayou Grace at 985-594-5350 or email bayougrace@bayougrace.org if you’re interested.