United Way of Southeast Louisiana, in partnership with the Royal Sonesta New Orleans, is proud to present the 24th Annual “GOT GUMBO?” Cook-Off on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
SPONSORS
A Gumbo Celebration for United Way
While the competition promises fun, the cause is serious. Proceeds benefit United Way of Southeast Louisiana’s work to improve the health, education, and financial stability of everyone in our seven-parish region: Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, and Washington Parishes.
A Gumbo Celebration for United Way
A beloved culinary competition where local chefs and restaurants showcase their best gumbos and desserts, judged by celebrity guest judges. With spirited rivalry, rich culinary traditions, and strong community support, the event brings people together to raise critical funds in support of United Way of Southeast Louisiana’s mission to eradicate poverty in Southeast Louisiana.
PRESENTED BY
Enterprise Mobility
ReCLAIM ENERGY
INDIVIDUAL TICKETS
early bird General Admission - $45*
General Admission - $55
Ticket Includes
- Admission for one guest
- General Admission includes unlimited gumbo tastings from participating restaurants, plus the opportunity to vote for the People’s Choice gumbo, dessert, and decor.
early bird VIP Admission - $85*
VIP Admission - $100
This year’s VIP Experience offers a more immersive start to the evening. VIP guests will enjoy a full hour of early access, including exclusive time with culinary legend, Chef Isaac Toups, meet-and-greet with our celebrity judges, and priority entry into the Grand Ballroom before General Admission begins.
Additional VIP perks include:
- Exclusive tasting of gumbo and presentation by Chef Isaac Toups
- Complimentary welcome cocktail
- Access to an exclusive VIP Lounge with reserved seating and a private cash bar
- First access to the Gumbo of Goodies
- Unlimited gumbo tastings from 13 participating chefs
- Voting for the People’s Choice awards for Best Gumbo, Best Dessert, and Best Décor
GOT GUMBO? COOK-OFF JUDGES
Elizabeth Ellison-Frost
Community Relations Manager
Chalmette Refining
Garrett Hartley
Super Bowl Champion
Managing Partner, ReClaim Energy
Heidi Kiesling
Community Engagement Director
Pan-American Life Insurance Group
Ian McNulty
Writer
The Times-Picayune / The New Orleans Advocate and NOLA.com
James Clesi
Owner
Clesi's Seafood Restaurant and Catering
Jeff Heard
Owner
Heard Dat Kitchen
Ron Stone
Corporate Relations Regional Lead GOA & Midstream
Shell USA
PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS
SPONSORSHIPS
For sponsorship levels that include printed marketing materials, sponsorship commitments and final artwork must be received by Friday, February 27, 2026, to ensure inclusion.
Gumbo for Good Champion - SOLD OUT
$7,500 (Limited to 1)
Recognition & Visibility
“Presented By” naming recognition with prominent placement on all event materials (print and digital):
Event website
Email announcements
Blog post mention
Two social media posts
Company logo on event slides as Presenting Sponsor
Company logo featured on event website linking to company homepage
Company logo included on signage at each participating restaurant booth
Company logo on all voting materials
Acknowledgement from the stage at program open and close
Exclusive Experiences & Access
“Presented By”naming recognition with prominent placement on all event materials (print and digital):
Four (4) VIP Tickets and sixteen (16) General Admission tickets with two (2) reserved tables near the stage
One (1) Representative seated on the Celebrity Judging Panel
Opportunity to include a branded promotional item for each VIP guest
Invitation for one (1) representative to appear as a guest on United Is the Way Radio with UWSELA President & CEO Michael Williamson
Impact Ingredient Sponsor - SOLD OUT
$5,000 (Limited to 1)
Recognition & Visibility
Company logo included in digital promotional materials:
Event website
Email announcements
Social media thank-you post
Company logo featured on event PowerPoint
Company logo featured on event website linking to company homepage
Acknowledgement from the podium at program open and close
Event Access
- Two (2) VIP tickets and eight (8) general admission tickets with one (1) reserved table in premium location
Goodness & Giving Sponsor
$3,500 (Limited to 1)
Recognition & Visibility
Company name listed on event website
Company logo featured on event PowerPoint
Recognition in social media thank-you post
Event Access
Ten (10) general admission tickets with one (1) reserved table
Flavor of Hope Sponsor
$1,750
Recognition & Visibility
Company name listed on event website
Company name on event PowerPoint
Event Access
- Five (5) general admission tickets
ACTIVATION SPONSORSHIPS
For sponsorship levels that include printed marketing materials, sponsorship commitments and final artwork must be received by Friday, February 27, 2026, to ensure inclusion.
GOOD SPIRITS BAR SPONSOR - sold out
$1,500 (Limited to 1)
Recognition & Visibility
Branded signage at the bar
Company logo featured on themed drink menu
Option to create a signature cocktail
Recognition from the stage during event announcements
Event Access
Two (2) VIP tickets
Two (2) general admission tickets
GUMBO FOR GOOD VIP LOUNGE SPONSOR - sold out
$1,500 (Limited to 1)
Recognition & Visibility
Company logo on all VIP area signage
Sponsor mention during VIP opening announcement
Opportunity to include a branded promotional item for each VIP guest
Event Access
Two (2) VIP tickets
Two (2) general admission tickets
GOOD TIMES PHOTO SPONSOR - SOLD OUT
$1,500 (Limited to 1)
Recognition & Visibility
Logo on all photo booth digital photo outputs
Branding on photo frame
Sponsor included in social media photo album post
Event Access
Two (2) VIP tickets
Two (2) general admission tickets
For questions about tickets, sponsorship opportunities, or competing in the cook-off, please contact Jamie Clark at jamiec@unitedwaysela.org.
INDIVIDUAL TICKETS
Ticket Includes
- Admission for one guest
- General Admission includes unlimited gumbo tastings from participating restaurants, plus the opportunity to vote for the People’s Choice gumbo, dessert, and decor.
*Parking and drinks are not included.
Early bird pricing ends March 24, 2026.
Ticket Includes
- Admission for one guest
- General Admission includes unlimited gumbo tastings from participating restaurants, plus the opportunity to vote for the People’s Choice gumbo, dessert, and decor.
*Parking and drinks are not included.
This year’s VIP Experience offers a more immersive start to the evening. VIP guests will enjoy a full hour of early access, including exclusive time with culinary legend, Chef Isaac Toups, meet-and-greet with our celebrity judges, and priority entry into the Grand Ballroom before General Admission begins.
Additional VIP perks include:
- Exclusive tasting of gumbo and presentation by Chef Isaac Toups
- Complimentary welcome cocktail
- Access to an exclusive VIP Lounge with reserved seating and a private cash bar
- First access to the Gumbo of Goodies
- Unlimited gumbo tastings from 13 participating chefs
- Voting for the People’s Choice awards for Best Gumbo, Best Dessert, and Best Décor
This year’s VIP Experience offers a more immersive start to the evening. VIP guests will enjoy a full hour of early access, including exclusive time with culinary legend, Chef Isaac Toups, meet-and-greet with our celebrity judges, and priority entry into the Grand Ballroom before General Admission begins.
Additional VIP perks include:
- Exclusive tasting of gumbo and presentation by Chef Isaac Toups
- Complimentary welcome cocktail
- Access to an exclusive VIP Lounge with reserved seating and a private cash bar
- First access to the Gumbo of Goodies
- Unlimited gumbo tastings from 13 participating chefs
- Voting for the People’s Choice awards for Best Gumbo, Best Dessert, and Best Décor
SPONSORSHIPS
Recognition & Visibility
“Presented By” naming recognition with prominent placement on all event materials (print and digital):
Event website
Email announcements
Blog post mention
Two social media posts
Company logo on event slides as Presenting Sponsor
Company logo featured on event website linking to company homepage
Company logo included on signage at each participating restaurant booth
Company logo on all voting materials
Acknowledgement from the stage at program open and close
Exclusive Experiences & Access
“Presented By”naming recognition with prominent placement on all event materials (print and digital):
Four (4) VIP Tickets and sixteen (16) General Admission tickets with two (2) reserved tables near the stage
One (1) Representative seated on the Celebrity Judging Panel
Opportunity to include a branded promotional item for each VIP guest
Invitation for one (1) representative to appear as a guest on United Is the Way Radio with UWSELA President & CEO Michael Williamson
Recognition & Visibility
Company logo included in digital promotional materials:
Event website
Email announcements
Social media thank-you post
Company logo featured on event PowerPoint
Company logo featured on event website linking to company homepage
Acknowledgement from the podium at program open and close
Event Access
- Two (2) VIP tickets and eight (8) general admission tickets with one (1) reserved table in premium location
Recognition & Visibility
Company name listed on event website
Company logo featured on event PowerPoint
Recognition in social media thank-you post
Event Access
Ten (10) general admission tickets with one (1) reserved table
Recognition & Visibility
Company name listed on event website
Company name on event PowerPoint
Event Access
- Five (5) general admission tickets
ACTIVATION SPONSORSHIPS
Recognition & Visibility
Branded signage at the bar
Company logo featured on themed drink menu
Option to create a signature cocktail
Recognition from the stage during event announcements
Event Access
Two (2) VIP tickets
Two (2) general admission tickets
Recognition & Visibility
Company logo on all VIP area signage
Sponsor mention during VIP opening announcement
Opportunity to include a branded promotional item for each VIP guest
Event Access
Two (2) VIP tickets
Two (2) general admission tickets
Recognition & Visibility
Logo on all photo booth digital photo outputs
Branding on photo frame
Sponsor included in social media photo album post
Event Access
Two (2) VIP tickets
Two (2) general admission tickets
For sponsorship levels that include printed marketing materials, sponsorship commitments and final artwork must be received by Friday, February 27, 2026, to ensure inclusion.
For questions about tickets, sponsorship opportunities, or competing in the cook-off, please contact Jamie Clark at jamiec@unitedwaysela.org.
PAST ''GOT GUMBO?'' COOK-OFFS
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INDIVIDUAL TICKETS
early bird General Admission - $45*
General Admission - $55
Admission to the event at 6 p.m. and all-you-can-eat gumbo
*Early bird pricing limited to 200 tickets and ends March 24, 2026.
early bird VIP Admission - $85*
VIP Admission - $100
Admission to the event at 5 p.m. Reserved seating, table service, and early access to our chefs’ best gumbos so you don’t miss out on the crowd favorites.
Parking and drinks are not included.
*Early bird pricing ends February 10, 2026.
SPONSORSHIPS
Gumbo for Good Champion
$7,500 (Limited to 1)
Recognition & Visibility
“Presented By” naming recognition with prominent placement on all event materials (print and digital):
Event website
Email announcements
Blog post mention
Two social media posts
Company logo on event slides as Presenting Sponsor
Company logo featured on event website linking to company homepage
Company logo included on signage at each participating restaurant booth
Company logo on all voting materials
Acknowledgement from the stage at program open and close
Exclusive Experiences & Access
“Presented By”naming recognition with prominent placement on all event materials (print and digital):
Four (4) VIP Tickets and sixteen (16) General Admission tickets with two (2) reserved tables near the stage
One (1) Representative seated on the Celebrity Judging Panel
Opportunity to include a branded promotional item for each VIP guest
Invitation for one (1) representative to appear as a guest on United Is the Way Radio with UWSELA President & CEO Michael Williamson
Impact Ingredient Sponsor
$5,000 (Limited to 1)
Recognition & Visibility
Company logo included in digital promotional materials:
Event website
Email announcements
Social media thank-you post
Company logo featured on event PowerPoint
Company logo featured on event website linking to company homepage
Acknowledgement from the podium at program open and close
Event Access
- Two (2) VIP tickets and eight (8) general admission tickets with one (1) reserved table in premium location
Goodness & Giving Sponsor
$3,000 (Limited to 2)
Recognition & Visibility
Company name listed on event website
Company logo featured on event PowerPoint
Recognition in social media thank-you post
Event Access
Ten (10) general admission tickets with one (1) reserved table
Flavor of Hope Sponsor
$1,750 (Limited to 1)
Recognition & Visibility
Company name listed on event website
Company name on event PowerPoint
Event Access
- Five (5) general admission tickets
Gumbo for Good Champion
$7,500 (Limited to 1)
- “Presented By” naming recognition with prominent placement on all event materials (print and digital):
- Event website
- Email announcements
- Blog post mention
- Two social media posts
- For Example: United Way’s 24th Annual “Got Gumbo?” Cook-Off presented by <YOUR NAME HERE> and The Royal Sonesta New Orleans
- Company logo on event slides as Presenting Sponsor
- Company logo featured on event website linking to company homepage
- Company logo included on signage at each participating restaurant booth
- Company logo on all voting materials
- Acknowledgement from the stage at program open and close
- Four (4) VIP Tickets and sixteen (16) General Admission tickets with two (2) reserved tables near the stage
- One (1) Representative seated on the Celebrity Judging Panel
- Opportunity to include a branded promotional item for each VIP guest
- Invitation for one (1) representative to appear as a guest on United Is the Way Radio with UWSELA President & CEO Michael Williamson
“Impact Ingredient Sponsor” – $5,000 (Limited to 1)
Recognition & Visibility
Company logo included in digital promotional materials:
Event website
Email announcements
Social media thank-you post
Company logo featured on event PowerPoint
Company logo featured on event website linking to company homepage
Acknowledgement from the podium at program open and close
Event Access
- Two (2) VIP tickets and eight (8) general admission tickets with one (1) reserved table in premium location
SPONSORSHIPS
“Gumbo for Good Champion” – $7,500 (Limited to 1)
Recognition & Visibility
“Presented By” naming recognition with prominent placement on all event materials (print and digital):
Event website
Email announcements
Blog post mention
Two social media posts
For Example: United Way’s 24th Annual “Got Gumbo?” Cook-Off presented by <YOUR NAME HERE> and The Royal Sonesta New Orleans
Company logo on event slides as Presenting Sponsor
Company logo featured on event website linking to company homepage
- Company logo included on signage at each participating restaurant booth
- Company logo on all voting materials
- Acknowledgement from the stage at program open and close
Exclusive Experiences & Access
- Four (4) VIP Tickets and sixteen (16) General Admission tickets with two (2) reserved tables near the stage
- One (1) Representative seated on the Celebrity Judging Panel
- Opportunity to include a branded promotional item for each VIP guest
- Invitation for one (1) representative to appear as a guest on United Is the Way Radio with UWSELA President & CEO Michael Williamson