The Hammond Blues and BBQ Challenge, Inc. is made up of a board of directors that’s sole purpose is to organize and put on a world class BBQ & Blues event each year where the proceeds of the event go to a different Non-Profit organization. This year’s recipient has yet to be determined and we will communicate that lucky organization to you soon. Past recipients of the proceeds of this event are listed below:
2004 $10,500 Hammond Chamber of Commerce
2005 $15,175 T.A.R.C. Serving People with Disabilities & their Families
2006 $25,500 Ginger Ford Habitat for Humanity
2007 $30,153 T.A.R.C. Serving People with Disabilities & their Families
2008 ??????
The following is a brief overview of our board and its directors:
George Baxter III - Co-Chair
Deek DeBlieux – Co-Chair
Deek and his wife Leisa own and operate The Red White & Brew in Downtown Hammond. This locally owned business is the largest supplier of fine wine, premium liquor, imported and domestic beers & ales and gourmet food items in Tangipahoa Parish. The Red White & Brew has been a corporate sponsor of the Smokin’ Blues & BBQ Challenge since its inception four years ago. The Red White & Brew just recently celebrated its 10th anniversary in Hammond.
Deek is also a Area Manager of Service Operations for the Black & Decker Corporation where he has been employed for 20 years. Deek recently was awarded Black & Decker’s highest award in 2005, The Alonzo Decker Community Service Award, for his efforts in bringing the BBQ Challenge to Hammond as well as serving as president of The Krewe of Aliases; the local Mardi-Gras Krewe.
Joel Domangue - Co-Chair
Joel, a native of Bayou Lafourche and a ten year resident of Loranger is a former fire Chief and 20+ year veteran of the fire apparatus industry. He is employed at Ferrara Fire Apparatus where he serves as the Apparatus Sales & Product Manager.
Joel is married to Landa Guidry Domangue who works at First Guaranty Bank in Hammond in Human Resources and they have one 18 year old son, Kyle who is a senior at Loranger High School who will graduate in May and attend LSU Law school.
Joel has owned and operated a full service casual catering company for 25 years and attened the Culinary Arts Institute of Louisiana and is a certified Chef. His shy, quiet and reserved personality is his trademark and those traits make him the odd member of our very diverse and unique committee. YEA... RIGHT!.
Vincent Mercante - Co-Chair
Vincent and Nancy Mercante have owned and operated VNM Supply, LLC (appliance parts and HVAC Supply co.) in Hammond for the past 20 years. Vincent and Nancy have been married for 21 years and have 3 children: a daughter, Amy who is 18 and twins, Bryan and Christopher who are 11.
Vincent has been active with TARC for the past 10 years. A regular on the TARC Radiothon and founder of TARC’s annual BBQ fund raiser, serving over 600 dinners.
Vincent , along with his competition team, VNM “Getting’ Piggy With It” cook for community events during the year as well as competing for the past 10 years on the KCBS circuit. In the past he has placed in the chicken, pork and sauce categories, most recently taking 2nd place in brisket at the 2006 Smokin’ Blues & BBQ competition.
Eric Phares - Co-Chair
Eric owns and opperates City Glass in Hammond. He is married to Georgette who is a speech therapist with Tangipahoa School system. Eric is a founding member of the Krewe of Aliases and is a member of the City Club of Hammond. Eric and members of the board fed more than 1,000 Police, National Guard and other agents of the State and Federal Government while they were stationed in Hammond during the relief efforts after Hurricane Katrina.
Eric, along with his wife Georgette and their three girls, Erica, Emily and Elise, are active traveling the BBQ circuit learning all they can to ensure the Hammond Blues and BBQ is the best event in the area.
Cindy Watts - Co-Chair
A New Orleans native, Cindy migrated to Hammond in the 1980's. Married to John Watts and they are the proud parents of three children, Caroline and twins Catherine & Jon Patrick. Cindy and her husband are real estate investors and are the owners River Parishes Trucking, an aggregate supplier. Cindy has been a paralegal for her husband's law firm for 15 years. Cindy and her husband enjoy traveling, and attending BBQ events across the South, as well as Montego Bay, Jamaica. Cindy is a member of the board of directors of the Krewe of Aliases.