Go inside the Gentlemen's Cooking Classic with Maggie Martin

New Caddo Parish Sheriff Henry Whitehorn,  Shreveport Fire Chief Clarence Reese Jr. and other high profilers exchanged suits or uniforms for  chef's hats and aprons as they prepared  their dishes served on a hot summer's day for Southern University-Shreveport Foundation's Gentlemen's Cooking  Classic at Convention Center. The popular benefit raises scholarship funds for Southern-Shreveport students.

Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux was not a designated "chef," but along with wife Elizabeth worked the crowd, shook hands with diners, chatted with chefs and sampled their contributions.

"This is a good night and is raising money for these kids, so they can stay in school," sadi Foundation Chief Wendell Piper, as he looked around the center while fans drifted  into Classic 22. "(Many) of these students have no money." New Southern-Shreveport Chancellor Dr. Aubra J.  Gantt and new state Sen. Sam Jenkins were among those he spotted in the crowd.

The theme: "Cooking With a Purpose, Meeting Needs," said Foundation Executive Director Frank Williams. Emily Owens was administrative assistant and event coordinator.

Not only did Reese chop and stir all night, but he didn't even have ingredients until he stopped by a market at 8 p.m. the night before to buy groceries, said Reese's Executive Assistant Chaunell Hutcherson, as she helped the boss man his booth. Also standing by in Reese's booth: Calvin Baker Jr., Shreveport Fire Department Chief of Operations.

Among other chef's for an evening and chef's at heart, according to the press release:

Whitehorn took first place in 2023 for his brisket and returned with it this year. "It takes a long time to cook - and patience. I started cooking yesterday morning," said the sheriff.  "I use a big smoker and wood and fire." (Although Whitehorn was "sheriff-elect" at the classic, he officially took the oath of office a few days later.)

1. Caddo Tax Assessor-elect Dr. Regina Webb.

2. Shreveport City Marshal James Jefferson's Shrimp and Grits were created from his wife Cassandra's family recipe."The key is the sauce, with seasonings, secret ingredients," said James, posing for a photo as a crowd swarmed the booth.

3. Tootie Morrison, whose new "Earnestly Tootie's" has grown as a  popular eatery on Cross Lake, near Ford Park. Her shrimp and yummy grits are relished eats for those dining in or taking out. When we stop by dinner there, we also order the lemonade and hamburgers. At the classic, Tootie dished up her specialty "Henry Lee."

4. State Rep. Steven Jackson: "Beer Can Chicken," which he prepared in his back yard. Accompaniments:  baked beans, and collard greens.

5. Shreveport Police Chef Wayne Smith, and wife Marilyn  Smith and her sister Sonja Kirksey-Pruitt served hot hit beignets.

This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Go inside the Gentlemen's Cooking Classic with Maggie Martin