On April 19, 2025, the heart of Texas beat with pride, purpose, and pounds of crawfish as The Moffitt Legacy Foundation hosted the annual Peel for a Purpose Crawfish Festival. This star-spangled celebration, dedicated to supporting our active-duty military, veterans, and their families through a powerful partnership with Boots for Troops, was hosted at the Sam Houston Race Park.
With red, white, and blue woven into every detail of the day, the festival welcomed 3,236 attendees who came together with one mission: to enjoy a memorable day while giving back to those who serve. The result? An incredible $235,511 raised, directly benefiting Boots for Troops and funding 300 personalized care packages for deployed service members.
Crawfish, Cookoffs & Community
The air was filled with mouthwatering spices and sizzling anticipation as teams from all over competed in a high-energy Crawfish Boil-Off, sanctioned by the Southern Crawfish Cookoff Association (SCCA). Awards were handed out to the top crawfish chefs in Texas, but the real winners were the attendees, who devoured more than 10,000 pounds of crawfish throughout the day in the all-you-can-eat experience.
Vendors of all kinds lined the festival grounds, offering everything from Texas-made goods to military-themed merchandise, while food trucks and beverage stations kept the crowd energized and refreshed.
Family Fun & Festive Patriotism
The event was designed with all ages in mind. Kids had a blast in the designated play area, which featured a variety of bounce houses and a rock wall, and a jaw-dropping Easter Egg Drop—with none other than the Easter Bunny flying in via helicopter to deliver smiles and surprises. The skies opened with applause as the chopper began to drop hundreds of filled plastic Easter eggs, leaving children (and adults!) in awe of the magical moment.
As American flags waved and boots hit the ground, the spirit of community and patriotism was impossible to miss. Two exclusive VIP areas, one hosted by The Moffitt Legacy Foundation and the other by Boots for Troops, offered a premium experience for supporters and special guests, including military families and donors.
A Mission with Heart: Boots for Troops
At the heart of the event was the shared mission of Boots for Troops, an organization rooted in love for our country and our troops. Founded with the goal to uplift and empower the overall morale and mental well-being of active-duty military, veterans, and their spouses, Boots for Troops is best known for its customized care package program—each one including a hand-picked pair of boots chosen specifically for the service member receiving it.
But their mission has grown far beyond the boots. Today, they also offer:
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Travel Assistance Program, helping service members reunite with loved ones
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Honor Our Heroes Program, recognizing exceptional service and sacrifice
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Jimmy Rogers Military Spouse Scholarship, investing in the futures of military spouses
Through these initiatives, Boots for Troops is not just supporting the military—they’re empowering them.
Music That Moved the Crowd
As the sun set over a day full of festivities, the night came alive with the sounds of Bryce Leatherwood, Wayne Toups, Kevin Fowler, and headliners Eli Young Band, who delivered unforgettable performances to a sea of waving flags and singing fans.
Backstage meet-and-greets with Kevin Fowler and Eli Young Band gave fans the chance to connect with their musical heroes—many of whom are proud supporters of the armed forces themselves.
Volunteers & Unwavering Support
Over 75 volunteers donated their time and energy to make the event seamless, safe, and spectacular. From guiding guests to managing vendor logistics and serving crawfish, their efforts were the backbone of the festival.
A silent and live auction featured a variety of exciting items—from signed memorabilia to luxury experiences—all generously donated and bid on with passion and purpose, further boosting the impact of the event’s fundraising.
A Lasting Legacy
Peel for a Purpose wasn’t just a festival—it was a movement of gratitude. A day where people from all walks of life came together to show support for the brave men and women who defend our
freedoms. The partnership between The Moffitt Legacy Foundation and Boots for Troops proved that when Texas-sized hearts meet a shared cause, the results are powerful.
As flags flew high and music echoed into the night, one thing was clear: this community is united in its love for country, crawfish, and our courageous troops.
Plans are already underway for next year’s festival, and if April 19, 2025 was any indication, it’s only going to get bigger, bolder, and even more impactful.
Until then, keep your boots laced, your flags flying, and your hearts full. Thank you to everyone who made Peel for a Purpose a day to remember.
