THE BEGINNING OF UNITED N BLUE

What began as a simple idea became something much bigger.

In the summer of 2016, tragedy in Baton Rouge hit close to home.

On July 17, three law enforcement officers — Montrell Jackson, Matthew Gerald, and Brad Garafola — were killed in an ambush while serving their community. Three other officers were wounded. The loss was a devastating reminder of the risks first responders accept each day and of the families and communities forever changed when a life is lost in the line of duty.

For Zack Grady and a group of like-minded community members on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, watching another community experience such tremendous loss sparked a desire to do something. They wanted to turn gratitude into action and give people here at home a way to stand with first responders and their families.

The first idea was simple: a shrimp spaghetti drawdown. But as word spread, the response grew far beyond what anyone had imagined. What started as a small fundraiser quickly became a major community event, ultimately moving into the Grand Ballroom at the Golden Nugget in Biloxi.

That first gathering made one thing clear: when it comes to standing behind those who serve, state lines don't matter.

The support pouring in from the Mississippi Gulf Coast showed that a tragedy in one community could be felt far beyond its borders. People came together to honor service, remember sacrifice, and send a message to first responders and their families: you are not alone.

That outpouring became the foundation of United N Blue. What began with one idea and one event has grown into an ongoing mission of remembrance, recognition, support, and service — carried forward today by our board, partners, volunteers, and the communities we serve.