By Christian Coffman

The Natchez Democrat

NATCHEZ — The 21st annual Natchez Junior Auxiliary Shrimp Boil is set for Saturday on the bluff.

The shrimp boil is JA’s largest fundraiser of the year and proceeds go toward JA’s mission of helping underserved area.

JA vice president and treasurer Chassity Cannon said every dollar spent at the event would go to help less fortunate children

“For everything that you spend, 100 percent of those funds goes to helping under privileged children in the Adams County and Concordia Parish communities,” Cannon said.

The Natchez Junior Auxiliary dates back to 1950 with 12 members of the charter chapter as members. Ladies would pick up underserved children and bring them to a small dependency at Auburn where they fed children breakfast and lunch and taught them about hygiene and self-esteem.

Later, the small dependency of Auburn was expanded into what is now known as the Canteen. The Junior Auxiliary began using the Canteen for many projects and meetings, from baby showers to business meetings.

Saturday’s event will include live music from Taylor Spring and baked goods for sale.

The JA will also be selling $5 tickets to Belk’s charity sale, scheduled for 6 to 10 a.m. April 29.

“Every year Belk puts on a private event that supports the different charities that help different communities by putting sales on discounted brands,” Cannon said. “When you make the first purchase you get $5 off, so it’s like getting your ticket for free.”

The JA will also have a donation jar at the shrimp boil to raise money for a seizure alert service dog for McLaurin Elementary students and siblings Jaida and Dante Woods, who both suffer from seizures.

“JA is heavily involved in the public school system,” Cannon said. “I thought it would be a good time to support them.”

The event is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 each and can be purchased from any JA member or at Anruss Salon or Uptown Grocery.