{"id":3117,"date":"2025-10-29T20:02:28","date_gmt":"2025-10-29T20:02:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/core-usa.org\/?p=3117"},"modified":"2025-10-29T20:02:29","modified_gmt":"2025-10-29T20:02:29","slug":"shrimp-crawfish-and-gratitude","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/core-usa.org\/index.php\/2025\/10\/29\/shrimp-crawfish-and-gratitude\/","title":{"rendered":"Shrimp, Crawfish, and Gratitude"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong><br><strong><br><strong>Shrimp, Crawfish, and Gratitude<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"656\" src=\"https:\/\/core-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Shrimp-Fin-9-1024x656.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3119\" style=\"width:376px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/core-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Shrimp-Fin-9-1024x656.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/core-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Shrimp-Fin-9-300x192.jpg 300w, https:\/\/core-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Shrimp-Fin-9-1536x983.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/core-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Shrimp-Fin-9-2048x1311.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Each fall, CORE hosts one of its favorite traditions: the <em>Annual Shrimp &amp; Crawfish Boil<\/em>. This isn\u2019t a fundraiser or an appeal. It\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On October 16, our donors and patrons joined staff, Second Milers, and alumni for an absolutely <em>shrimp-tastic<\/em> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"793\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/core-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Shrimp-Fin-1-793x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3120\" style=\"width:169px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/core-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Shrimp-Fin-1-793x1024.jpg 793w, https:\/\/core-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Shrimp-Fin-1-232x300.jpg 232w, https:\/\/core-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Shrimp-Fin-1-1189x1536.jpg 1189w, https:\/\/core-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Shrimp-Fin-1-1585x2048.jpg 1585w, https:\/\/core-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Shrimp-Fin-1.jpg 1884w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 793px) 100vw, 793px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Much credit for this year\u2019s success goes to CORE\u2019s 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 <em>cray-mazing<\/em> Cajun boil this side of the Mississippi.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"665\" src=\"https:\/\/core-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Shrimp-Fin-12-1024x665.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3122\" style=\"width:311px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/core-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Shrimp-Fin-12-1024x665.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/core-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Shrimp-Fin-12-300x195.jpg 300w, https:\/\/core-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Shrimp-Fin-12-1536x998.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/core-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Shrimp-Fin-12.jpg 1618w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"613\" src=\"https:\/\/core-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Shrimp-Fin-3-1024x613.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3124\" style=\"width:281px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/core-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Shrimp-Fin-3-1024x613.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/core-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Shrimp-Fin-3-300x180.jpg 300w, https:\/\/core-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Shrimp-Fin-3-1536x920.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/core-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Shrimp-Fin-3-2048x1227.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"609\" src=\"https:\/\/core-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Shrimp-Fin-2-1024x609.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3125\" style=\"width:278px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/core-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Shrimp-Fin-2-1024x609.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/core-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Shrimp-Fin-2-300x179.jpg 300w, https:\/\/core-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Shrimp-Fin-2.jpg 1534w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"946\" src=\"https:\/\/core-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Shrimp-Fin-8-1024x946.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3127\" style=\"width:177px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/core-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Shrimp-Fin-8-1024x946.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/core-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Shrimp-Fin-8-300x277.jpg 300w, https:\/\/core-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Shrimp-Fin-8-1536x1419.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/core-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Shrimp-Fin-8.jpg 1558w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>We also want to recognize our amazing event sponsors, whose generosity helped make the <em>Annual Shrimp &amp; Crawfish Boil<\/em> such a success: Dr. John and Mrs. Tina Stickman; Jan and DeYon Blase; Jim Ed and Callie Summers; Alltrista; MissouriAmish.com; Mr. Ed\u2019s Old Downtown Texaco; and Table Rock Community Bank. With their help, CORE served up both <em>shell-icious<\/em> food and great fellowship in true Cajun style.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"949\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/core-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Shrimp-Fin-5-949x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3128\" style=\"width:140px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/core-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Shrimp-Fin-5-949x1024.jpg 949w, https:\/\/core-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Shrimp-Fin-5-278x300.jpg 278w, https:\/\/core-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Shrimp-Fin-5.jpg 1082w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 949px) 100vw, 949px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"901\" src=\"https:\/\/core-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Shrimp-Fin-11-1024x901.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3129\" style=\"width:232px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/core-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Shrimp-Fin-11-1024x901.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/core-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Shrimp-Fin-11-300x264.jpg 300w, https:\/\/core-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Shrimp-Fin-11.jpg 1347w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>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\u2019s mission possible, not through obligation, but through love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To everyone who attended the Boil, and to every donor, volunteer, alumnus, and client who stands behind this ministry, we say <em>Thank You<\/em>! Your generosity keeps the flame of hope burning bright. You make recovery possible. You make CORE what it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"653\" src=\"https:\/\/core-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/39-1024x653.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3131\" srcset=\"https:\/\/core-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/39-1024x653.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/core-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/39-300x191.jpg 300w, https:\/\/core-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/39-1536x980.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/core-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/39-2048x1307.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Shrimp, Crawfish, and Gratitude Each fall, CORE hosts one of its favorite traditions: the Annual Shrimp &amp; Crawfish Boil. This isn\u2019t a fundraiser or an appeal. It\u2019s 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&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3117","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/core-usa.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3117","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/core-usa.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/core-usa.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/core-usa.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/core-usa.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3117"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/core-usa.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3117\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3132,"href":"https:\/\/core-usa.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3117\/revisions\/3132"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/core-usa.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3117"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/core-usa.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3117"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/core-usa.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3117"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}