Malia Riggs
Elmore Autauga News
Top Photo: Cheddar Chasers.
Mac and cheese enthusiasts of the River Region gathered from far and wide for the second annual Cookin’ on the Coosa Macdown: Mac & Cheese Cook-off, hosted by the Family Sunshine Center Junior Board, just in time to highlight October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
“What this fundraiser means for us is to be able to raise funds to help survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking and provide those services that allow them to heal from the crimes that have really been committed against them,” Executive Director of the Family Sunshine Center Tay Knight said.
The showdown, presented by Barrie and Laura Harmon at the Wetumpka Farmers Market last Saturday, showcased multiple different types of mac and cheese from seafood mac and cheese to buffalo chicken mac.
Contestants consisted of local restaurants or chefs, while others were the creations of cheesy enthusiasts who wanted to participate in the cheese-tastic action.
The event is now an annual fundraiser for the Family Sunshine Center, which services seven counties in the River Region. Their mission is to foster hope and healing for survivors of family violence, sexual assault and human trafficking through the provision of crisis intervention, safe shelter, counseling, advocacy and supportive service.
“I think people get this whole mindset that domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking are things that happen to other people. and we don’t think about the fact that it could be happening to our neighbors. But it’s happening, I can guarantee you, and it’s happening right here today even. There are people that are being impacted by it right here. The numbers are heartbreaking especially when you talk about sexual assault and you look at how many – one in five women have been impacted by sexual assault,” Family Sunshine Center Communications Specialist Katherine Rodman said.
Rodman also noted that it’s a community effort to not only help educate, but to also support survivors that have been impacted, where she stated this is not as uncommon as you think it is.
“All the services we provide are designed with that safety, crisis response, and intervention in mind, and then helping to understand what the person’s been through, what they’ve endured, and then how to help them heal and move forward from that,” Knight said.
Knight noted to their 24/7 crisis support line, 334-263-0218. Knight stated that this number is manned by real people at all times, and the only time you’ll hear a recording is if all lines are currently busy.
“That is really the first step in kind of seeking out any of the services that we have available, and it may even be a referral to another community agency or community partner if we’re not the right place for them,” Knight said.
For more information and resources to help combat domestic violence, visit the Family Sunshine Center’s website at, https://familysunshine.org/get-help/
The winners of the Cookin’ on the Coosa Macdown: Mac & Cheese Cook-off
Professional Division:
1st Place: Taco Mama – Mama’s BBQ Mac & Cheese
2nd Place: Taste at the Fain – Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese
Amateur Division:
1st Place: Cheddar Chasers – Dirty South Mac
2nd Place: Three Noodlers – Fried Mac & Cheese Balls
Fan Favorites (voted by YOU, the attendees!):
Professional: Taco Mama
Amateur: Three Noodlers
Junior Chef: Mac & Daddy
