By Marilyn Miller

Despite having a conflict with another big event in Minden on Thursday, March 20, 2025, the 37^th annual UCAP “Hungerfest and Dessert Auction” brought in more than $10,500 for the helping hands organization’s coffers.

The United Christian Assistance Program (UCAP) has been serving the needs of Minden’s disadvantaged citizens for 40 years, since a team of volunteers led by Mrs. Gladys Hair adopted the acronym, the program, and its mission:  Providing area residents with emergency assistance services, including clothing, household items, food and utility or rent assistance. Help to stranded transients is also available.

Thursday’s event at the Minden First Methodist Church featured the return of auctioneer, Dr. Richard Campbell, and his sidekick, Tracy Campbell. Their efforts, the giving hearts of dessert makers, and the pocketbooks of a large and willing crowd contributed to the success of the evening. Monies raised will help meet the program’s $70,000 yearly budget.

Greg & Charlotte Jones forked out $500 for Jennifer Campbell’s “Ding Dong Cake.” The couple also took home one of Jewellyn Hawkins’ baked hams for $230. Nelda Davis was the high bidder for the second ham at $240. A lemon pie baked by Jodie Martin brought $200, while a Joan Almond cake went for $300. John Earnhardt took home many cakes, one a blueberry concoction made by Charlotte Martin (for $310). Tim and Kelly Kennedy forked over $410 for a luscious-looking cake. If it tastes as good as it looks…

Table sponsors in 2025 were Robert Moorehead, Friends of UCAP, Hoyt Bellamy, Lakeview Methodist Church. Robert Moorehead’s table accounted for many of the dessert sales.

“Hungerfest” workers this year included Janet Ash, Norma Bullock, Jerry Ketchell, Linda Simmons, Linda Rogers, Margie Wallace, Marsha Watts, Karen Yates, Sandra Moorehead, Melanie Parks, Charlotte Edwards, and Madison Fread. Many hands helped in making the “Hungerfest” soup this year, since longtime soup-maker Mary Seney has been sidelined with health issues. Tommy Davis and Janet Ash were the leading soup makers.

This year’s auction featured music by Tim Kennedy and Leah Lummus.

UCAP Director Charlotte Jones welcomed the crowd and introduced special guests, including Minden Mayor Nick Cox, Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker, and Webster Parish Tax Assessor Denise Edwards; and UCAP’s officers and workers. “We have 20 churches presently supporting us,” Jones said. “There are no salaries…everybody’s a volunteer. And that works really well.”

This year’s UCAP officers are Tommy Davis, president; Mary Seney, secretary; Kevin McCann, treasurer; Dan Shidiskis, board member; and director Charlotte Jones.