Tracie Orsi-Godier of Ragin’ Cajun in Belmar has been a fixture in the Belmar community for the past 21 years. She was there during the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, serving countless meals in Belmar. Orsi-Godier put together “Stone Soup” during that difficult time, putting others first, while putting her business aside until the town had settled and people were fed. I remember talking to her about it afterward and there was no hint of self pity in her voice—only concern for those she knew needed help. Now it’s our turn to offer that same help.
Orsi-Godier was diagnosed with cancer this past year. She was missed at Ragin’ Cajun, where she is a permanent fixture, usually running around with plates of hot jambalaya and gumbo while chatting with her patrons who are treated more like family. The shock of this news felt unreal at the time and still does now, but Tracie is Tracie, which means she’s going strong. As one of her friends put it, “It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog – Tracie, Kick A@$ We Love You!”
Over the past few months, since being diagnosed with stage 4 bladder cancer, Orsi-Godier has been undergoing treatment at the Cancer Treatment Center of America in Philadelphia. Unfortunately, the cost of the amazing work that her doctors are doing will substantially exceed her insurance coverage. So, what does a community do to help out a woman who’s always there to help them? Throw a big party in her honor? Why, yes, that’s exactly what it does.
On Sunday, November 2, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Orsi-Godier supporters are invited to the Creole Girl Gala at the Headliner Night Club in Neptune. Team Tracie will enjoy great food from local restaurants including Ragin’ Cajun, 10th Avenue Burrito, JB Couture Cupcakes, Brandl, Jack’s Tavern, WindMill, and Jersey Shore BBQ. And in true Orsi-Godier style, attendees will enjoy the sounds of local bands including Ragin’ Cajun regulars Billy Hector along with After the Reign, Rogues on the Run with special guest Bernard Purdie, Randy and the Royalles, The Booglerizers, Stringbean, Predator Dub Assassins, and other special guests.
The event is open to ages 21 and up. Tickets are available for $20 and can be purchased at various locations including Ragin’ Cajun, 1102 Route 35, Belmar.
If you’re looking to give back to a person who has not only treated your belly to great cuisine, but also goes out of her way to help others, join us on November 2. It will be a night to help a person we’ll never forget!
Learn more about the Creole Girl Gala – A Benefit to Support Trace Orsi-Godier at www.facebook.com/CreoleGirlGala or contact Kristin at Kristinsims74@yahoo.com. You can also follow Tracie’s journey at www.cancerfreequest.com.
In Tracie’s own words, “Let Go. Let Love.”
Melissa Beveridge is a freelance journalist and editor, focusing on great food, healthy living, and wellness. Her passion for eating and living well embodies her writing. A lover of all things Jersey, she is also an avid traveler, always looking to discover those hidden culinary gems everywhere she goes. Her musings can be found on her blog mbeewell.wordpress.com.
