HAMMOND, La. - Many Southeastern Louisiana University student organizations have found that nothing warms the heart more than giving the gift of joy to a young child. The Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC) is one of those groups.
Every holiday season, Southland Conference schools participate in "Christmas in the Southland", a conference-wide initiative for community service. Southeastern SAAC is chose to donate to the campus-wide event, "Toys from the Heart"; which provides Christmas gifts to underprivileged children in the local community.Â
The participating organizations expect to collect enough toys for 400 children from community programs such as Head Start and the Successful Transitions Program.Â
SAAC has been working tirelessly to raise money to purchase the toys to donate. One of the most successful fundraising events has become a tradition on Southeastern's campus: the Gumbo Cook-Off.Â
On Saturday, November 16th, SAAC sponsored the 7th Annual Gumbo Cook-Off, which took place during tailgating prior to the football team's 34-21 Southland Conference victory over Sam Houston State.
In the event, thirteen teams competed to raise the most money and serve the best gumbo. In total, $1073.82 was raised to benefit the "Toys from the Heart".
The Southeastern Former Football Players Association won the "Fan's Choice Award" for raising the most money. The team was able to collect $389.91.
The judges panel, which included Southland Conference Commissioner Tom Burnett, Southland Network Sideline Reporter Erin Cofiell, Hammond Mayor Mason Foster, SGA President Greg Crovetto, and Chef Daniel from Tope La Restaurant and Catering, chose the Tangipahoa Sheriff's Department to receive the "Judges' Choice Award."Â
The winners were announced during the football game and received Honorary Game Day Gumbo Cook-Off Champion gumbo paddles.
SAAC has already purchased and wrapped the toys, and will be delivering them today.Â
