For years Doug Rutledge, Jack Montgomery, and I hosted Fish Frys and over the years the attendance size outgrew our casual space.  Then, when sadly Jack passed away, Doug and I decided to host the Fish Fry in his honor and use any proceeds raised at the event to support a local nonprofit.  After the first year of supporting other area nonprofits, we turned our attention to raising funds for Hope Village.  My nephew John has been a Villager here at Hope for 22 years and I served on the Board of Directors for many years as well, so the mission and impact of Hope Village was near and dear to my heart.

In 2000 Doug & I hosted our first Fish Fry benefiting Hope Village, it was attended by over 100 folks and raised about $4,000.  As the event grew more gentlemen joined the cooking team.  Steve Smith has been a constant supporter since day one, ensuring that everyone leaves with dessert!  In 2015 Joey Saladino joined the crew and his cooking rigs were invaluable in allowing us to cook for the growing number of attendees.  In the following years Mickey and Nick Gaido joined us to supply the shrimp, Ed Hartman bought oysters to add to the mix, and for the past 3 years Mark Sonnier has provided gumbo.

When we started hosting the Fish Fry to benefit Hope Village, the goal was for all proceeds raised at the event to help with Capital Improvements on the property.  Over the years funds raised have helped repair buildings, build the resale shop, and help with the fundraising for the Education Building.  We have always hoped that by raising these funds we can make an impact on facility repairs and improvements, without impacting the operational budget of Hope.

Fish Fry has been a joy for my wife Cathy and I to host over the years.  As I look back on the legacy of the event it is stunning that in the 25 years since we started hosting it for Hope the event has raised over $1,233,160 dollars!  Sadly, over the years I have lost many of my original crew, most recently Doug Rutledge in June of 2024, so now we honor the memories of Jack Montgomery, Matt Benton, Chip Allen, Steve Baughman, Michael Ogden, Lloyd Pepper, and Doug each year at the Fry.  But, Cathy and I are both hopeful that when it is my turn to go someone else will pick up the reigns and continue this important event.  As all food and preparation is provided to Hope free of charge, this is truly a labor of love.  All proceeds go directly to Hope and make a critical impact in their capital projects budget annually.  We have never charged admission for this event, so it is a testament to the generosity of the friends, family and community members that attend the event as to how much we have been able to raise over the years.

We are excited to welcome everyone to join us on Saturday, March 7, 2026 from 12:00 Noon – 2:30 PM.  As this is a come and go event, we hope everyone comes hungry and eager to support Hope.

*If you are interested in learning more about Fish Fry please contact Beth Borck at beth@hope-village.com or 281-400-2017

pe Village, the goal was for all proceeds raised at the event to help with Capital Improvements on the prerty.  Over the years funds raised have help