Ragin Cajun sells out twice

Biggest fundraiser of the year puts focus on capital campaign, cultural programs

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By AMANDA KIMBLE
TheFlashToday.com

ERATH COUNTY (February 9, 2017) – For the first time in the event’s history, Ragin Cajun is a sold-out event. In fact, the annual fundraiser benefitting the Cross Timbers Fine Arts Council (CTFAC) sold out twice, outgrowing one venue them moving to a larger facility to sell out again.

“Never in 15 years had we sold out,” CTFAC Executive Director Julie Crouch said. “We are absolutely full with a waiting list for tables. We hate to turn anyone away, but we are at capacity.”

Ragin Cajun will be held from 6 until 9 p.m. on Saturday, March 25 at City Hall at City Limits featuring a crawfish boil and Zydeco music.

The event is about a lot more than good music and good food, it raises funds for a number of CTFAC initiatives that support the mission of making cultural activities and events accessible to all citizens in the Cross Timbers area.

At Ragin Cajun 2016, celebrity waiters Chad and Lisa Jackson secured underwriters for the Arts Accessible Clubhouse, which connects special needs children with instruction Cathy Knoll for music and art projects.

In its inaugural years, the project was underwritten by Erath County United Way, but Crouch said the Jacksons were able to secure a two-year commitment from Stephenville Evening Lions Club.

Masterpieces constructed by past clubhouse students have included a patchwork painting paying tribute to Van Gogh’s Starry Night, which remains on display in the Stephenville Public Library, and a salute to French artists Henri Matisse.

The next work of art will begin to come together in May.

Ragin Cajun is widely known as an event that where attendees “Laissez les bons temps rouler,” or let the good times roll, and Crouch credits celebrity waiters, volunteers and the nonprofit organization’s board of directors with the event’s success.

For years the wait staff donned costumes and flamboyant personalities for cash tips to benefit the council, with the biggest owner walking away with the coveted award and bragging rights, but seeking supporters to underwrite events and fund capital expenses is now a part of the effort.

Waiters are currently working to gather items for the Ragin Cajun silent auction, and Crouch encourages businesses, organizations and individuals to consider donating to their efforts.

This year’s waiters include the teams of Amanda Arrambide and Mac McKinnon, Carmen Parson and Justin Greenhaw, Kari and Jim Ed Haile, Laura and Jacob Henson, Kay Herrington and Rick Gann, Brianna and Brad Hodges, Amber and Craig Parks, Jennifer and Darrell Salyards, Gerrit Schouten and Bradley Horry, Mary Winslow and Kellie Hohertz, Mandi and Joseph Stokes, Renee and Randy Thompson, Sohie and Lowell Wilson, Blazi Weippert and Emily Ulrich and Daron and Hillary Trussell.

“This generous community comes together for our one fundraiser of the year, and with capital campaigns and other things going on, this year’s Ragin Cajun has become our most important fundraiser yet,” Crouch said.

CTFAC serves an eight-county area and Crouch said one of the most rewarding experiences is presenting Ballet Austin’s Peter and the Wolfe to 2,500 children from across the council’s eight-county area, including public, private and homeschooled students.

Counties served include Erath, Bosque, Comanche, Eastland, Hamilton, Hood, Palo Pinto and Somervell.

Other events bringing the CTFAC mission to life include a classical concert held in conjunction with the Piatigorsky Foundation. Gregor Piatigorsky, the renowned Russian cellist for whom the organization is named, believed that music is not a luxury for an elite few, but a necessity of life for all.

As a part of the concert, a more than 300-year-old Stradivarius cello flies from New York and into the DFW Airport and driven to Stephenville to be viewed by local residents.

Another unique opportunity to experience energetic ragtime piano will be presented at First United Methodist Church in Stephenville on April 24. Pianist Richard Dowling will perform “The Complete Piano Works of Scott Joplin,” a famed African-American composer of class ragtime music.

The Scott Joplin centennial celebration is underwritten by Marion Cole and makes a stop in Stephenville during the tour, which includes a kickoff at New York City’s Carnegie Hall.

“These are things that many of our residents would never experience without the generous support the arts council receives through donations, honorary gifts, participation in events and fundraisers and through our wonderful underwriters,” Crouch said.   

Crouch said Marion and her late husband, Cleve Cole, laid foundation for Ragin’ Cajun a number of years ago and the community has made it a growing success. She also said community members with ties to Louisiana say the same sort of celebrations enliven parish halls with good food, music, dancing and merriment for the entire family.

For more information on contributing to capital campaigns, underwriting special projects and events, becoming a CTFAC member call 254-965-6190. Find information on events on the arts council’s website or Facebook page.


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