New Energy Future Program News

Anthony Bourdain, Other Renowned Chefs Lend Support

Like many others seeing the images of oil-covered birds and dead turtles washing ashore in the Gulf, Leslie Rennie from Beloit, WI felt helpless.  Gumbo for the Gulf, a unique fundraiser launched by Environment America, gave her an easy way to make a difference.

“It was a great opportunity to invite friends and neighbors to a gathering to support others and have fun in the process,” said Rennie. 

To offer concerned citizens like Rennie a way to respond to the more than two-month old disaster in the Gulf, Environment America has launched an effort called Gumbo for the Gulf.  Concerned citizens in 28 states have signed up to host over 150 houseparty fundraisers, which started in mid-June, to benefit Environment America’s effort to address the BP oil catastrophe and help prevent future ones.  Over the 4th of July weekend, there will be events in Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, Texas, and Washington. 

Renowned New Orleans chefs Susan Spicer and John Besh spiced up the effort by lending gumbo recipes to the party hosts. Chef and author Anthony Bourdain will soon record a video to promote the effort.  The cast of the TBS show Dinner and a Movie made a public service announcement promoting the effort.  

"Let's do right by New Orleans this time around. There's no more uniquely American city," said Bourdain regarding Environment America’s Gumbo for Gulf effort.

Environment America is working to permanently protect America’s shores from new oil drilling. Environment America will use the funds to: raise awareness about the oil disaster, hold BP accountable for every cent of the clean up and prevent this from ever happening again.  Environment America will also work with local groups to bring food to the affected communities in the Gulf.  Recently, Environment America, the Gulf Restoration Network and Louisiana Environmental Action Network announced their intent to file suit against BP under the Clean Water Act. Environment America also criticized the recent Department of Interior decision to grant a new drilling permit to Bandon Oil and Gas for a well fifty miles off the coast of Louisiana in shallow water approximately 120 feet deep.  

“With the Gulf spill now the biggest environmental disaster in U.S. history, Gumbo for the Gulf presents an opportunity for citizens across the country to show their solidarity with the people of the Gulf region, raise awareness about the disaster and raise funds to help Gulf families and to support Environment America,” said Heather Emmert, Gulf States Field Organizer for Environment America.  “The Gumbo for the Gulf parties offer a way for anyone to lend support through dollars and political action.”

Gumbo for the Gulf houseparty organizers asked attendees to sign petitions to President Obama as well as make a contribution to support the group’s efforts to protect the coasts.  At the events, attendees also viewed a Gulf disaster video by actress Amy Smart and hosts uploaded pictures of their events to http://www.flickr.com/groups/gumboforthegulf.

Citizens can contribute to the effort without holding a party by visiting the organization’s webpage.