A Community Feast for A Cause: The 2025 BDJ Crawfish Boil Success

The Ben D. Johnson Educational Center’s Crawfish Boil & Block Party was a celebration to remember! On March 29, 2025, our community came together for an afternoon of delicious food, live music, and meaningful connections—all in support of our mission to empower young people through education and workforce training.

Thanks to the generosity of our incredible donors, sponsors, and volunteers, we were able to raise over $3,000 for our Legacy Workforce Development Program. Every ticket purchased, every sponsorship secured, and every volunteer hour contributed played a vital role in making this event a success. Funds raised from the Crawfish Boil directly support the young adults enrolled in our programs, helping them overcome barriers to employment, gain valuable job skills, and build brighter futures. Events like this remind us why we do what we do—and that we’re not doing it alone. An extra special thank you to our sponsors: Bank of Montgomery, The City of Natchitoches, Dr. Marcus Jones, First Baptist Church, Natchitoches Police Department, Phil and Mary Lou Brown, St. Mary’s Catholic School, and Winnfield Memorial. We also want to show appreciation for the donations from Flying Heart, Legacy Cafe, Super1, and Walmart.

Guests enjoyed steaming hot crawfish, lively entertainment, and a welcoming atmosphere that highlighted the strength of our community. From local businesses stepping up as sponsors to volunteers ensuring everything ran smoothly, this event was a true testament to the power of collective support.

If you missed the event but still want to support our work, consider making a donation or becoming a BDJ GEMS (Give Every Month) member.

Stay connected with us for future events and opportunities to get involved. We can’t wait to celebrate with you again next year! To view more images from the event, check out our social media!