Craig Stoker says that it’s best to trust the process if someone says they have a crawfish guy.
Preparing for his second year helming Meals on Wheels of Odessa’s annual Mudbug fundraiser as the nonprofit’s executive director, Stoker knows the 2024 crawfish season is already in crisis as extreme weather in Louisiana has threatened the supply.
But Johnny Kidd of Oil Works, Inc., along with some of his friends, will be bringing in crawfish for the event, Stoker said, jokingly calling it a “cannonball run” style trip where speed is of the essence.
“He swears up and down he’s got a guy, so I’m not worried,” Stoker said, referring to the 1981 film starring Burt Reynolds.
Celebrating its 24th year, the annual Mudbug is the largest fundraiser for Meals on Wheels of Odessa. The event is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. April 9, at the Ector County Coliseum’s Barn G for VIPs and 6 p.m. for general admission.
Meals on Wheels of Odessa is teaming up with Sewell Ford as its presenting sponsor.
In addition to crawfish, fried catfish, shrimp, hushpuppies and other foods will be on the menu and prepared by Big Daddy’s Grill and Bar.
A DJ will provide live entertainment, Stoker said, and a raffle will include items such as Louis Vuitton luggage, tickets to see the Texas Rangers, a gun and a $1,000 gift card.
In 2023, Stoker said the fundraiser brought in more than $155,000. He is hoping to reach $200,000 this year. Meals on Wheels serves more than 800 residents across Ector County through 36 routes by volunteers and volunteer drivers.
The City of Odessa also cut the Community Development Block Grant funds the nonprofit received in 2023, issuing only $15,000 of the requested $77,233.
Stoker is hoping people will turn out in large numbers not just to help raise funds but also to help eat large amounts of food.
“The money we raise through our event is what keeps us going in our day-to-day operations,” he said.
If you go
- What: 24th annual Meals on Wheels of Odessa Mudbug.
- When: April 9. VIP entry begins at 5 p.m., and general admission begins at 6 p.m.
- Where: Ector County Coliseum, Barn G, 4201 Andrews Highway.
- Cost: General admission tickets are $50. Sponsorships are also available. Tickets can be purchased online at tinyurl.com/2u2uz49s. Money raised will benefit Meals on Wheels of Odessa.
- Call: 432-333-6451 for more information.
