Pro Fighters for Kids

AP Photo/John Locher

Abbeville, Lake Charles, New Iberia, Lafayette, Opelousas, Carencro The Boys & Girls Club of Acadiana (bgcacadiana.com) received a $500,000 donation from UFC Fighter Conor McGregor to enhance summer camps. Inspired by the Good Fight Foundation founded by Carencro native/MMA champ Dustin Poirier (he launched the international non-profit by auctioning off his fight gear for Carencro’s underserved youth), the two lightweights face off July 10 for a fundraising rematch at UFC 264 (T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas).

Keeping Kids Strong
Youngsville/Broussard A new science-based children’s development center, KidStrong, is coming to the Youngsville/Broussard area. Using a science-based curriculum, KidStrong empowers kids to be the heroes of their own story by building independence and self-worth (kidstrong.com).

Lafayette
Kidnapped Giraffe
The search is on for Gracie the giraffe. The beloved 9-foot-tall statue was last seen outside Dr. Leslie Jacobs Pediatric Dentistry on Rue Fontaine. “If you see her grazing on leaves, please give her floss and a toothbrush and call our office immediately,” states an office Facebook post. Anyone who sees the “kidnapped giraffe” should call the office (337-500-1500). There’s a reward for Gracie’s safe return.

Light My Fire!
Lafayette Vestal, the live-fire fine dining haven by Chef Ryan Trahan (2018 King of Louisiana Seafood), opened in April (555 Jefferson St,) near the second location of Chef Dale Evans’ new music-themed Luna Bar & Grill (533 Jefferson St.). After a delayed debut in 2020, Vestal’s wood-burning hearth is finally fired up, attracting mesmerized diners drawn to the leaping flames and 40-ounce tomahawk steaks. Vestal’s Pillow Talk and Drunk in Love cocktails feed fantasies near a raw bar abuzz with oyster lovers sipping Parish Envie (vestalrestaurant.com).