Team Gleason’s ‘Fin Feather Fur Food Festival’ at Blackham April 25, 2024

Team Gleason's "Fin Feather Fur Food Festival" ALS fundraiser cook-off competition is coming to Blackham Coliseum in April of 2024!

What Is ALS?

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord.

ALS leads to the degeneration and death of motor neurons, which are essential for controlling voluntary muscle movement.

As the motor neurons deteriorate, they stop sending signals to the muscles, causing the muscles to weaken, atrophy, and become stiff.

In about 5% to 10% of cases, ALS is familial, meaning it is inherited from one's parents, however majority of ALS cases are random and occur without a known family history.

Currently there is no cure for ALS, but there are treatments available that can help control symptoms, prevent unnecessary complications, and make living with the disease easier.

The "no cure for ALS" is where Team Gleason steps in.

Team Gleason's 'Gleason Foundation'

Steve Gleason is most famously remembered for blocking a punt against the Atlanta Falcons on September 25, 2006, during the Saints' first game back in the Superdome after Hurricane Katrina.

This play has become symbolic of New Orleans' resilience and recovery in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

In January 2011, Steve Gleason was diagnosed with ALS.

Following his diagnosis, Gleason has become an advocate for people living with ALS and has tirelessly worked to raise awareness and money for research into the disease.

From teamgleason.org -

"The ALS community faces daunting challenges. Team Gleason was founded to provide critical equipment, technology, long-term innovative care services, and life adventures for ALS patients.

Since 2011, we have provided over $20 million in services while partnering with technology giants and innovators to create enhanced technology to support added independence for those living with ALS."

Team Gleason will once again be holding their annual cook-off fundraiser in Lafayette for 2024.

The 3rd Annual Fin Feather Fur Food Festival benefiting Team Gleason Foundation is happening Thursday April 25 at Blackham Coliseum from 4 pm until 8 pm.

Teams will compete for Winner Status in the Fin, Feather, and Fur or Dessert division.

From teamgleason.org -

"Awards will be presented to each team winning their respective division.

Judging will be conducted by a panel of Professional Chefs, all from local Lafayette restaurants, and judged strictly by team number and dish by division.

Attendees will vote for their favorite dish to choose the 'People’s Choice' winner, and a 'Team Showmanship' winner will be selected by a panel of impartial judges."

Free admission to pALS plus 2 guests. Please email for pALS tickets at katherine.ohagan@teamgleason.org.

To get your team signed up to compete, get tickets, and inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please head over to teamgleason.org.