NATCHEZ — Even before the pots started simmering, Terry Trovato predicted Team Callon would be a force to be reckoned with in the annual United Way Jambalaya Cook-off.

And after the tasting and judging was done, it became fact that Trovato’s confidence wasn’t false as Team Callon captured first place in the competition.

There is a certain amount of pride that comes with being named the top team, but the real pay off is raising money and awareness for the United Way of the Greater Miss-Lou.

“This is great fun,” said Trovato, Team Callon captain. “It’s a great time for the community and a great cause to be involved with.”

The cooking competition is the kick off to the annual community investment fundraising drive that raises money to be distributed to 16 local agencies.

Most of the 13 teams began cooking by 6 a.m. and the coveted and sometimes secret recipes were ready for hungry lunch crowds to converge on the Natchez Convention Center by 11.

Team Concordia Bank and Trust served chicken, sausage and pork jambalaya prepared to Monterey branch manager Tommy Millican.

Millican has been the Concordia Bank and Trust team cook for five years. Millican began cooking before 7 a.m., but he said he put in many hours of work before the stove was even turned on.

“I probably spent a good six or seven hours last night chopping and getting things prepped before I could even cook,” Millican said. “Time and patience, that is the key to good jambalaya.”

Marketing Director for Concordia Bank and team member Sharon Huff said the bank became involved with the cook-off the first year it was introduced because of the mission of United Way.

“It is a good organization that touches so many different lives,” Huff said.

Loree McCall, a member of Team Britton and Koontz Bank, said her team involves itself in many community actively such as the cook-off as a way to give back.

“Our families, friends and customers are in this community, and United Way is a big part of the community,” McCall said.

The event was a “Tailgatin’ college football” themed event meant to build enthusiasm for the day and for United Way fundraising. Teams were awarded for their spirit.

And from the looks of the elaborate décor, teams were hoping for the spirit award as much as the cooking award.

Team Natchez Convention Center used an entire corner of the room to display their purple and gold pride. They even utilized a video screen to play highlights from LSU football.

“A lot of people have just come by and watched the video,” team member Lane Pugh said. “It has been a hit.”

The food was a hit, too, as approximately 750 people partook in the fare.

Belinda Garrity stopped in during her lunch break to enjoy a plate of jambalaya and salad from Dunleith.

“I tried one other one but it was too spicy,” she said. “This one was just right.”

Co-worker Dottie Gaudet said she has enjoyed the event each year and plans to continuing coming to the cook-off.

“Supporting the United Way is the reason we come,” she said. “And the food, too.”

And in the true spirit of the event, all the leftover jambalaya and desserts were donated the The Stewpot.