Gumbo sampling, entertainment to benefit Episcopal Place

Mountain Brook residents are preparing to host the eighth annual Episcopal Place Gumbo Gala to benefit the residents of Episcopal Place.

The Episcopal Place Gumbo Gala will be held on Saturday, April 20 at Sloss Furnaces Historic National Landmark. Up to 40 professional and backyard cook teams, including ones from St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and Business Electronics ,will compete for 14 awards.

Lucy Buffett, the sister of singer Jimmy Buffett and Alabama seafood advocate, will join prominent area chefs and food experts in judging the gumbo contest.

 “Gumbo Gala has become one of the largest gumbo competitions among the Gulf states,” said Merrimon Epps, Mountain Brook resident and chairman of the 2013 event planning committee. “We are really excited about some new elements being introduced to this year’s event. The sponsorship by Alabama Gulf Seafood has encouraged us to look around and involve other Alabama businesses and products that relate to gumbo.”

Proceeds from the event will be used to provide supportive services to the 148 low-income seniors and younger disabled adults who live in Episcopal Place’s affordable housing community. Supportive services like van transportation, subsidized meals and housekeeping, resident activities and health and exercise programs help residents manage the challenges of growing older on limited incomes.  For more about Episcopal Place, visit episcopalplace.org

Tickets for the event are $10 in advance and $15 at the gate. Children 12 and under will be admitted for free. Tickets may be purchased online at gumbogala.com or by calling Kris Mueller at Episcopal Place at 939-0085, ext. 12