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St. Vincent de Paul of Baton Rouge Hosts Spirited Thanksgiving Turkey Carving Competition

Participants: Chad Parker- EBR Sheriff Office, Winona Connor -LHC, Chief Thomas Morse-EBR Police Chief, Bishop of Diocese of BR- Michael Duca, Hillar Moore- EBR District Attorney, Sid Edwards-EBR Mayor, Rabbi Sarah Smiley- Unified Jewish Congregation , Jeff Bergeron- WBR Sheriff, Sunnie Johnson Lain- President and CEO SVDP.
Participants: Chad Parker- EBR Sheriff's Office, Winona Connor -LHC, Chief Thomas Morse-EBR Police Chief, Bishop of Diocese of BR- Michael Duca, Hillar Moore- EBR District Attorney, Sid Edwards-EBR Mayor, Rabbi Sarah Smiley- Unified Jewish Congregation, Jeff Bergeron- WBR Sheriff, Sunnie Johnson Lain- President and CEO SVDP.

Laughter, friendly rivalry, and the irresistible aroma of Thanksgiving filled the air as St. Vincent de Paul of Baton Rouge hosted its annual Thanksgiving Turkey Carving Competition, bringing together community leaders for a fun and meaningful holiday tradition.


Participants from across the Baton Rouge area stepped up to the carving table, showcasing skill, enthusiasm, and plenty of good-natured competition. This year’s lineup included:


  • Chad Parker, East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office

  • Winona Connor, LHC

  • Chief Thomas Morse, East Baton Rouge Police Department

  • Bishop Michael Duca, Diocese of Baton Rouge

  • Hillar Moore, East Baton Rouge District Attorney

  • Mayor Sid Edwards, City of Central

  • Rabbi Sarah Smiley, Unified Jewish Congregation

  • Jeff Bergeron, West Baton Rouge Sheriff


St. Vincent de Paul expressed heartfelt gratitude to each participant for bringing not only their carving talents but also their time, energy, and holiday spirit to support the organization’s mission of service.


2025 St. Vincent de Paul annual Thanksgiving Turkey Carving Competition winners: 1st place winner Chief Thomas Morse, 2nd place winner Bishop Michael Duca, and 3rd place winner Rabbi Sarah Smiley.
2025 St. Vincent de Paul annual Thanksgiving Turkey Carving Competition winners: 1st place winner Chief Thomas Morse, 2nd place winner Bishop Michael Duca, and 3rd place winner Rabbi Sarah Smiley.

The judges had their work cut out for them, but after a lively showdown, the winners emerged:


  • 1st Place: Chief Thomas Morse

  • 2nd Place: Bishop Michael Duca

  • 3rd Place: Rabbi Sarah Smiley


Their carving skills were sharp, their spirits high, and their commitment to the community unmistakable.



As St. Vincent de Paul prepares thousands of meals for local individuals and families this Thanksgiving, events like this remind everyone what the holiday is truly about: service, unity, and shared joy.


St. Vincent de Paul of Baton Rouge serves our neighbors in need by providing daily meals, shelter, clothing, emergency assistance, and compassionate support. Through its many programs, the organization offers hope, dignity, and practical help to individuals and families facing hardship in our community.

 
 
 
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