History

This cook-off began in 1997 with the intention of creating a family oriented 2-day event in the downtown district. Yaga's Café was the primary sponsor from 1997-2002. In 2002 a non-profit group was formed (Yaga's Children's Fund 501-(c)(3) non-profit) to take the event to the next level. Through the years the cook off has grown each year. It is now the premier Spring event on the Strand. In 2002, 23 teams participated with an attendance of over 3,000 people across 3 city blocks. Two live bands performed featuring original Texas music - The Line Up and Clay Farmer and the reception of the public and the Strand area merchants was tremendous. Overall, Yaga's Children's Fund was able to raise $20,000 towards the 2002 charity organizations - Big Brothers and Big Sisters of the Gulf Coast and the Galveston County Children's Fund.

In 2005 the cook off nearly doubled 85 team spaces and 15,000 visitors sampled the best wild game anywhere. The event raised in excess of $90,000 for local children's charities. We also provided GISD with a portable defribulator in memory of Ashlyn Shoemaker. The fund holds high standards for itself. Throughout its history for every dollar in sponsorships we receive we have paid to charity $1.20. Also, the fund continues to hold its expense ratio below 11% which allows for an 89% payout to charity.

Vision

It is the goal of the board of directors to double the cook off competitors every year with 100 teams entered by 2009 and to expand the cook off to a three-day event. The Yaga's Children's Fund Board also expects to secure Texas entertainment for the event. In doing so we hope to draw 20,000 spectators to Pier 21 located in the downtown district, as well as fill 500 hotel rooms.