United Way of St. Charles announced the cancellation of the 2020 Battle for the Paddle at its August board of directors meeting.
“It’s unfortunate that we can’t have Battle for the Paddle this year – not only because it’s just plain fun – but because it’s a big part of promoting our campaign,” John Dias, Executive Director for United Way of St. Charles, said. “We worry that at a time where needs are up, our fundraising may be down.”
After carefully monitoring developments related to COVID-19 over the last several months, the Battle for the Paddle committee and United Way board of directors unanimously voted to cancel this year’s event.
“For the safety and health of those in our community, the best decision for all is to cancel this year’s United Way Battle for the Paddle Cook-Off,” United Way Board President and Valero St. Charles VP and General Manager Jerry Stumbo said. “Our community is strong, and we know the support for United Way is on-going.”
Battle for the Paddle, the world’s largest jambalaya and gumbo cook-off, is held annually on the first Thursday in October and serves as the official kick-off for the United Way of St. Charles fundraising campaign.
The 2020 Battle for the Paddle cancellation marks the first time the event has been cancelled in its 19-year history.
The date for the 2021 Battle for the Paddle has been set as Thursday, October 7, 2021.
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