The Independent Motorcycle Riders of Natchitoches, sponsors of the Meat Pie Festival, presented the Boys and Girls Club with a check for $10,000 at its Celebrity Chef Dinner Tuesday night, Oct. 26.

“We’re all about keeping kids off the streets,” said Tena Rachal. “The Boys and Girls Club does just that.”

The backyard of the Prud-homme Roquier House was packed with guests as they sampled tomato bisque, shrimp and grits, desserts and more.

Featured waiters Billy Jo Harrington, Trini Triggs and Leonard Sarpy served guests drinks, collected tips and entertained the crowd with song and dance. Justin Metoyer provided music through the evening.

A former Boys and Girls Club member, Brandon Rachal, was unable to speak at the event. Peggy Braxton spoke on his behalf. Rachal is a basketball player at Natchitoches Central High School who just signed to play ball at LSU.

“I saw Brandon grow up,” said Peggy. “If you ever wonder where your money goes or who’s benefitting from it, he’s a great example. We’re proud to know he’s one of the kids the Boys and Girls Club gave a positive place to be.”

Celebrity chefs included: Cane River Kitchenware, Mariner, Merci Beaucoup, The Landing, Front Street Marketplace, Culinary Students D’Marcus Dumars, Southern Quality Catering, Almost Home, Huddle House, Lasyone’s, Eagle Distributing, Grayson’s and French Market Express. Host couples included: Edward and Jennifer Colbert, David and Angela Guillet, Cody and Carrie Beth Hough, Victor and Deloris Jones, Bryan and Cissy Picou and John and Susie Winston.