The Competition Challenged Families To Take On Exotic BBQ Challenge Before Serving Hundreds of San Antonio Residents
(Story by: Executive Director Burrell Parmer/WORLD LOLEI Inc.) ⏤ Continuing to give back to the community, Chef Milas E. Williams, WORLD LOLEI Incorporation, San Antonio Rising Stars, Inc., and other respected community partners and organizations, hosted the 11th Annual Community Junior Chef Competition “BBQ Edition” at Mission County Park, July 18.
The grassroots community event featured the Loving and Martinez families who demonstrated their BBQ Skills.
This year’s competition used exotic proteins not used in previous year’s: Watusi and Chinese Black Deer.
In preparation for the competition, competitors had to remain at the park overnight to ensure their proteins were prepared properly.
Judging the competition were Master Chef David Gates, Master Chef Keirsten Beasley, Executive Chef JJ Powell, Executive Chef Richard Warren-Pichon, Chef Victoria Taylor, and Elizabeth Huckaby. Additionally, two attendees were selected as special judges.
For Corey Loving, whose family was crowned champions, this was the first time he and his family have participated in a cooking competition.
“It feels great to win,” said Loving. “Preparing the Watusi and Chinese Black Deer in the smoker was a unique experience.”
Flooding Nearly Disrupts Competition
According to Larry Zimmerman, of Primo Meats and Team Loving’s pitmaster, the family trained the week prior at the Ox Ranch in preparation for the competition.
“They were a great family to work with,” said Zimmerman. “The two little sisters were small, but they did their fair share. It was a pleasure to be part of the winning team.”
Juan Martinez said the competition was very tough.
“It was a little different to have to remain awake throughout the night,” said Martinez. “Smoking the meat was very different than what I expected as I am used to smoking brisket.”
Both teams lauded Williams and his group for an outstanding job and hope they continue the competition for many years to come.
Normally, the competition is youth against youth, according to Williams, who was evacuated from the Ox Ranch in Uvalde, Texas, by private helicopter due to the recent flash floodings.
“I did not want to the competition to be disrupted as I and others were stranded at the Ox Ranch in waist-deep water,” said Williams. “By the grace of God, I was able to fly out of there with the proteins for the families to smoke and other supplies the day before.”
After the judging and presentation of trophies and medals, 300 attendees were treated to BBQ chicken and sausage meals to include bags of fruits and vegetables.
Children Receive Shoes and Backpacks
The support of the community did not end with the Junior Chef Competition. The next morning, 200 children, and their parents, journey to Footlocker inside North Star Mall for the 5th Annual Back 2 School Shoe Giveaway.
This charitable event not only provided children with new pairs of shoes to start the school year, but also a new backpack.
According to Williams, the shoe giveaway started during the COVID-19 pandemic to assist parents in lessening the stress of school shopping and continues to help children fight off low self-esteem and prevent bullying.
“There has never been a time like now to illustrate true generosity to our community,” said Williams. “The Shoe Giveaway and Community Junior Chef Competition could not have been possible without the support of our numerous sponsors and supporters.”
Organizations Continue Youth-Focused Mission
The mission of WORLD LOLEI, Inc., is to help humanity in all endeavors that are within its powers. In particular, to feed the hungry and encourage the youth to aspire and demonstrate their greatness.
San Antonio Rising Stars exists to provide a safe and secure environment that promotes a healthy atmosphere that is conducive to the well-being of our youth.
