Gumbo Gang

by Bonnie Rushing

Over 20 years ago Gibbens and Joann Robichaux, longtime parishioners of St. Joseph Co-Cathedral, began what has become a local tradition. The couple enlisted the help of others at the Thibodaux church in order to carry out their plan for a Lenten Gumbo Luncheon. The proceeds from the luncheon are designated to the local Good Samaritan Food Bank.

Now known as the “Gumbo Gang” the Robichauxs along with nearly 50 others volunteer their time and talent to the Lenten Gumbo Luncheon each Friday during Lent. Having donated over $168,000 to the Good Samaritan Food Bank and having served over 60,000 bowls of gumbo over the years, the group is gearing up for another year of service. Beginning on Friday, February 19, the cathedral will once again serve homemade gumbo, potato salad and dessert.

The record in the past has been serving nearly 700 meals in one day. The “Gumbo Gang” is prepared this year as they are every year with volunteers throughout their church parish, other church parishes, as well as people from other denominations. “It’s a ministry and it’s fun. Everyone loves being a part of it. It’s a lot of work, but it’s all for the greater glory,” said Joann Robichaux.

Volunteers contribute countless hours of their time and talent for the Lenten Gumbo Luncheon in many ways including cooking the gumbo from scratch, making homemade potato salad and desserts, serving the meals, decorating and cleaning up.

The secret to their gumbo is dedication and patience. On Thursday mornings, about seven men gather to begin making the roux. It takes countless other volunteers to clean and chop onions, okra, bell peppers, celery and shallots that will be added when the time is right. On Friday mornings volunteers begin arriving at 6 a.m. to ensure that everything will be ready when the doors open at 11 a.m.

Nearly 70 percent of the lunches sold are orders placed by local schools and offices that are picked up. If you are able to sit and enjoy your meal at the church, you are in for a treat. Gibbens Robichaux explains, “My wife, Joann, a master at decorating started making table arrangements with themes each Friday and continues to do it 20 years later.” Not only do volunteers decorate 20 tables for those who are dining in to enjoy, they staff the tables at lunchtime as well.

Selling for only $6 per plate, this home cooking is hard to beat. It’s easy to see why the “Gumbo Gang” has sold out before 1 p.m. in past, so get there early to take part in this Thibodaux tradition.