The 2026 Rabbit Cook-Off Beneficiary
St. Landry Parish native Nick Brown has been selected as the beneficiary for The Gumbo Foundation’s Rabbit Cook-Off on April 11, 2026 at Willie’s in Washington, LA.
Nick is married to Christina and is Stepfather to two children, Haley & Luke. He is the son of Angela LeBlanc Brown and Jude Brown, and a graduate of Opelousas Catholic. Nick worked at Ardoin’s Grocery while attending trade school and has spent years participating and volunteering at local squirrel, rabbit, and gumbo cook-offs, as well as donating time to the local youth baseball and softball program in Washington.
Nick is now facing liver cirrhosis and is under the care of Dr. Natalie Bzoewej at Ochsner–New Orleans as he awaits a life saving liver transplant. Now, the community he has poured so much into is coming together to support him.
Please join us us as we come together as a community to support Nick as he has supported others in the community.
As always, much love, many thanks, and God Bless!
Cook-Off Registration
GUMBO COOK-OFF OFFICIAL RULES
Rule #1
All teams must be registered by 10:00 AM, the day of the Cook-Off. Samples will be collected for judging at 1:30PM.
Rule #2
Only 1 entry per entry fee is allowed. All items must be cooked on site.
Rule #3
Each dish submitted for judging must contain rabbit only, as the primary meat, in a traditional gravy preparation. Other ingredients may be used such as onions, seasonings, sausage, smoked meats, etc.
Rule #4
Two pint containers will be provided for samples to be judged. Each must be filled ¾ with juice and meat, as intended for judging. Samples MUST be given in the containers provided by judges only! No exceptions. Samples given in any other containers/bowls will not be judged.
Rule #5
Samples will be called for at 1:15 PM for judging and must be turned in by 1:30 PM. Winner will be announced during the winner ceremony at 4:00 PM.
Rule #6
Each entry will be judged on: Appearance, Flavor, Meat (seasoning & tenderness), and Overall.
Rule #7
Awards will be given for First Place, Second Place, Third Place, & People's Choice and the Battle for the Paddle award will be presented to the best overall gumbo.
Rule #8
Cooking teams must provide all necessary cooking utensils, tables, pots, burner, fuel, and any other items needed to complete the dish. Ice Chests are allowed only for items necessary for cooking. A small, roof-only tent (10 x 10) is recommended. No trailers or food trucks
Rule #9
Teams are permitted to cook more than required for judging and offer public sampling for People’s Choice judging and/or donations. Public samples must NOT be offered, prior to dish submission for official judging. Teams are to provide containers and utensils for public sampling. Any donations collected are to be turned in to the sales team, where tickets and merchandise are sold.
Have questions or need more info?
Call Jason at (337)331-2837, Crystal at (337)308-1173, or Tim at (337)658-1108, or email gumbofoundation@outlook.com.
