Story By: Executive Director Burrell Parmer/WORLD LOLEI Inc. – Continuing to give back to the community, WORLD LOLEI Incorporation, and other respected community agencies, hosted the 8th Annual Community Junior Chef Competition “Family Chopped Edition” at the Family Service Neighborhood Place.
The grassroots community event featured two family teams who demonstrated their culinary skills: Team Perry and Team Daniels.
The families were judged and critiqued on flavor/texture, originality/complexity, presentation, professionalism, and culinary skills in a kitchen setting.
Judging the competition were U.S. Army Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Lambert, owner of UPS Store 5234, city legendary rap artist C-Stud Vill, CEO and founder of Big Mama’s House Bennie Price, Bexar County Precinct 4 Constable Kat Brown, and Director of Community Feeding Project Jamie Gonzalez.
This year’s competition featured unique proteins of bison and zebra for preparation for the main entrée along with gazpacho prepared with watermelon.
Congratulations to Team Daniels of Texas City, Texas, who bested Team Perry. The families were awarded a trophy, a gift backpack and a Sony PS5.
According to Adrian Daniels, father of four, he and his family have never participated in a cooking competition.
“We loved participating in this great event,” said Daniels. “Being here felt great as we had the opportunity to interact with many people. Preparing bison and zebra was a unique experience.”
Normally, the competition is youth against youth, according to Executive Chef Milas Williams, founder/CEO of WORLD LOLEI, Inc. “This year’s competition was the Family Chopped Edition to show that unity and communication within our families still exist,” said Williams. “Dads have an important role as head of the household and mothers hold that nurturing role instrumental in making a healthy family unit.”
Additionally, the best against the best to determine who will be San Antonio’s Community Master Chef was settled with Executive Chef Latoya Thomas, the incumbent, besting Executive Chef Moymenia Lewis.
“Team Daniels did a fantastic job,” said Thomas, who has been part of the competition for the past three years. “They listened, communicated, and worked cohesively as a team.”
According to one of the judges, it was an amazing day watching the great energy between both families.
“The teams were very creative with the first entrée of using watermelon as a soup,” said Gonzalez. “The main dish was challenging for the teams but to see each family work with exotic meats, and still have a common favor that many chefs are familiar with, takes a lot of work. I was very impressed.”
On July 23, the organizations hosted the 3rd Annual Back 2 School Shoe Giveaway at Champs located within South Park Mall.This charitable event provided 50 children with a new pair of shoes to start the school year on the right foot.
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. “Thanks to organizations like Fred Brock Post No. 828 for becoming a sponsor of our weekend activities which support those who are being affected during these troubling times.”
Janet Bowie, of San Antonio, grandmother of two, was appreciative of the thoughtfulness of WORLD LOLEI, Inc., and its partners. “Having organizations like WORLD LOLEI really help many parents who are struggling to prepare their children for the school year,” said Bowie. “It is awesome for non-profits to come together and help their communities. To have that compassion to provide some assistance is commendable.”
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.
Chef Milas Williams Continues To Pave The Way for Todays Youth
Milas Williams past paves a way for today’s youth.
On Saturday July 15th Executive Chef Milas E Williams attended and was the guest of honor at a street sign unveiling ceremony hosted by VIDA San Antonio, one of the newest subdivisions on San Antonio’s South Side. Milas Lane was dedicated to Exe. Chef Williams as a lasting testament to his outstanding and charitable work in the community. The event was attended by friends and family. San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg submitted a congratulatory video that was well received. Flanked by his twin daughters, Exe. Chef Willians unveiled the sign accompanied by rousing applause.
“Milas is the living example of fighting to find your purpose and living it fully. He is showing kids they have options; they have choices. His talent as a chef is established, his impact changing the lives of young men and women is beyond measure.” – Gretchen Howell Senior Vice President SouthStar Communities
Prior to the street sign unveiling, Chef Williams was honored by the Bexar County Commissioners Court with a proclamation again, attending to his work in the community of Bexar County. This event took place on July 11, 2023.
Milas Lane
Father, Chef, Entrepreneur and Philanthropist.
Chef Milas Williams was incarcerated at the age of 19. He served 15 years of a 25 year sentence for aggravated robbery. Williams discovered his culinary skills while serving time in the penitentiary. Upon release, Williams attended St. Phillips College where he graduated with a degree in Culinary Arts, Level II Chef. After parole Williams dedicated his life to uplifting the youth to stop the cycle of violence and crime he and his brother experienced as youth on the east side of San Antonio. In 2014 Williams Co-founded the nonprofit World LOLEI Inc and in the process created the Junior Chef Competition, Annual Thanksgiving Dinner, Christmas Giveaway, Back 2 School 2 Shoes and has partnered with the Bexar County Juvenile Probation Division for a 4 week culinary course. In addition to the latest proclamation and street signage, Williams is the recipient of the 2021 Alamo Area Council of Government’s “Citizen of The Year” award.
“Some people may not understand this but, I don’t take credit for any of this, I just wanna keep doing what GOD wants me to do. Right now, it seems our kids need help. There are not enough after school programs, not enough engagement by the community. I’m hoping my programs can help fill in some of the gaps”
