Hurricane Katrina survivors make return trip to their city of refuge
New Orleans, LA (April 10, 2012) – A New Orleans family that evacuated to Louisville, Ky. after Hurricane Katrina in 2005 returns to the Kentucky-Indiana area to give thanks and serve up some Jambalaya! From April 19 to 29, 2012, the Preau family [pronounced pro] will debut their new product, Cook Me Somethin’ Mister Jambalaya Mix, at Sam’s Club in Clarksville, Ind. during a 2-week exclusive showcase.
In 2005, Kristen Preau, now President of Cook Me Somethin’ Mister, was working for the University of New Orleans (UNO) athletics department. During the Hurricane, Kristen and her family sought refuge in Louisville, Ky where family and friends supported them. With volunteer support from Jeffersonville, Ind.-based charity, Ribs for Kids, Kristen created a unique New Orleans-style fundraiser where she cooked and served up her Dad’s jambalaya recipe at parties and college tailgates across the country. They called the fundraiser, “Get New Orleans Cookin’ Again”, which raised nearly $100,000 to support displaced UNO athletes and staff.
From that experience, the Preaus transformed their family recipe into a convenient rice mix now packaged as Cook Me Somethin’ Mister Jambalaya Mix, specially blended by Chef Paul Prudhomme’s Magic Seasoning Blends. The Preau family recipe-turned-business success will be sold for a limited time at the Clarksville, Ind. Sam’s Club from April 19 to 29, 2012.
“Sam’s Club is thrilled to welcome Kristen and the Preau family back to southern Indiana,” said Todd Davis, Club Manager at Sam’s Club Clarksville. “Featuring Cook Me Somethin’ Mister and Ribs for Kids as a Sam’s Club showcase tells a heartwarming story, while bringing a delicious new local product to our members and the communities we serve.”
Sam’s Club members are invited to taste samples of this new Jambalaya Mix at Sam’s Club on 1301 Veterans Pkwy in Clarksville. During the 2-week showcase, meet Kristen, also known as “Jambalaya Girl”, her father Paul Preau, and representatives from Ribs for Kids serving up the Jambalaya. Just in time for Derby parties, Cook Me Somethin’ Mister is an ideal party dish available in two sizes – 20 oz. Party Size (feeds 10) and 8 oz. Lil’ Party Size (feeds 4). As we say back in New Orleans, “Yum Yum, Come Get You Some!”
WHAT: Cook Me Somethin’ Mister Jambalya Mix Showcase Event
WHEN: April 19 to 29, 2012; Mon – Fri: 10 am – 8:30 pm; Sat. 9 am – 8:30 pm; Sun. 10 am – 6 pm;
WHERE: Sam’s Club, 1301 Veterans Pkwy., Clarksville, IN 47129; SamsClub.com
