For more than 25 years, the annual Wild Game Cookout, held in partnership with the Dream Day Foundation, has brought the Baton Rouge community together to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital patients and their families.

Hosted at Sandy’s Daiquiris since its start, the event began as a simple act of generosity when venue owner Sandy Duhon offered her space (now owned by Sandy’s daughter Dara Stuart) to give back. The mission became deeply personal when her granddaughter, Harper, was diagnosed with cancer. Today, Harper is in remission and thriving – a powerful reminder of the impact this event continues to have.

“I got involved with the Wild Game Cookout about 20 years ago, helping wherever I was needed,” said Greg Jarreau, Maintenance Supervisor and Colonial’s Baton Rouge facility. “Three years ago, when one of the founding members stepped back, I took on a larger role in organizing the event. That’s when we formed a board focused on growing participation and increasing fundraising.”

Those efforts have paid off. When Greg first joined, the event raised about $35,000 annually. Over the past three years, fundraising has surged – bringing in more than $100,000 each year, with 2026 marking a record-breaking $160,000 raised for St. Jude.

For Greg, the cookout is one of his proudest accomplishments.

“None of this would be possible without the incredible support of volunteers, the community, and event sponsors,” he said.

Colonial is proud to support the communities where we work and live. Learn more about our community commitments here.

Pictured with Baton Rouge Maintenance Supervisor Greg Jarreau (from left) are Harper and Amelia, former cancer patients who were supported through the event.