Shrimp, Crawfish, and Gratitude
Each fall, CORE hosts one of its favorite traditions: the Annual Shrimp & Crawfish Boil. This isn’t a fundraiser or an appeal. It’s a no-ask evening set aside purely to say thank you and celebrate the generous people whose faith and giving make everything we do possible.
On October 16, our donors and patrons joined staff, Second Milers, and alumni for an absolutely shrimp-tastic meal. The tables were alive with laughter, conversation, and the unmistakable aroma of shrimp, crawfish, and good Southern cooking. It was the perfect opportunity for our supporters to meet one another, visit with our recovery community, and see firsthand what their generosity is building here.
Much credit for this year’s success goes to CORE’s own Tami McKinney. A month before the event, she retreated to her strategic underground HR office to begin planning. After many hours immersed in details, she finally emerged from her bunker with a master plan that guaranteed the most cray-mazing Cajun boil this side of the Mississippi.
On the big day, a team of CORE people brought her plan to life, transforming our auditorium into the most bayou-friendly place in Branson. Second Milers, volunteers, and alumni hung banners, set up tables, and helped our talented chefs prepare the feast. Bracy Sams oversaw the shrimp and crawfish boil, while Christos Papanikas and Adam Yorty handled a delicious stuffed pork loin. Abby Boone made sure the dessert table stayed flawless all night.
The night had all the makings of a great party, but the heart of it was in our supporters. They are, quite simply, the best. They recognize that addiction is not a choice but often the result of pain and confusion that once felt impossible to escape. They also know that with the right help and support, CORE’s clients can rebuild their lives, rediscover purpose, and become the best versions of themselves. Our supporters take genuine joy in helping clients do exactly that.
It is no exaggeration to say that our donors help make miracles happen here every day. They stand behind every person restored to health, every parent reunited with a child, and every individual who finds faith in God. Their generosity turns hope into reality.
We also want to recognize our amazing event sponsors, whose generosity helped make the Annual Shrimp & Crawfish Boil such a success: Dr. John and Mrs. Tina Stickman; Jan and DeYon Blase; Jim Ed and Callie Summers; Alltrista; MissouriAmish.com; Mr. Ed’s Old Downtown Texaco; and Table Rock Community Bank. With their help, CORE served up both shell-icious food and great fellowship in true Cajun style.
As the tables filled and plates were passed, CEO Cary McKee took the stage to remind everyone what the night was truly about: gratitude, pure and simple. It was about the wonderful people who make CORE’s mission possible, not through obligation, but through love.
To everyone who attended the Boil, and to every donor, volunteer, alumnus, and client who stands behind this ministry, we say Thank You! Your generosity keeps the flame of hope burning bright. You make recovery possible. You make CORE what it is.
