Every spring, something special happens right here in Texas City. Thousands of people gather at Mainland City Centre to enjoy great food, live music, and community connection—all for a cause that truly matters: supporting our veterans. For the past five years, Jerome Karam and our team here at JMK5 Holdings has had the honor of donating the space to host the Bigass Crawfish Bash, one of the most high-energy, heart-driven events you’ll find anywhere in the Gulf Coast.
Why This Event Matters to Us
When we first opened the doors of the newly revitalized Mainland City Centre—formerly the Mall of the Mainland—we wanted it to be more than a place to shop or grab dinner. We wanted it to become a gathering space. A destination. A platform for good.
The BigA\ass Crawfish Bash fits that mission perfectly. It’s more than a crawfish festival (though 65,000 pounds of crawfish is definitely impressive). It’s a massive effort to support veterans, particularly those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Organizations like Camp Hope, which provide interim housing and recovery programs for veterans, receive vital funding because of this event.
We’re proud to have played a part in that success.
5 Years of Growth, Community, and Purpose
For five consecutive years, we’ve donated thousands of square feet at Mainland City Centre so the Bash could continue to grow. Today, it’s one of the largest veteran-support fundraisers in the region.
Here’s what the event has grown into:
- Over 60 cook-off teams serving up legendary crawfish
- Live music performances throughout the day
- A Veteran VIP Tent that honors our heroes with food and fellowship
- A dedicated kid zone for families
- A massive crowd of attendees—veterans, volunteers, families, and friends—all coming together for one purpose
In 2017, the Bash even broke a Guinness World Record for most crawfish served in eight hours. And in 2023, the event raised over $97,000 for veteran-focused nonprofits. Total donations over the years? More than $500,000.
But beyond the numbers, it’s the sense of unity and purpose that truly defines the Bash. Walking through the event each year and seeing the mix of joy, gratitude, and community pride is a feeling that can’t be put into words.
From Mall of the Mainland to Mainland City Centre
If you’ve followed our journey, you know Mainland City Centre used to be the Mall of the Mainland. When we acquired the property, our vision was to breathe new life into the space. We didn’t just want to fill storefronts—we wanted to create a place where the community could come together for shared experiences and meaningful causes.
Hosting the Bigass Crawfish Bash is a perfect example of that vision in action.
It’s not just about event space—it’s about opening our doors to things that matter.
We’ve worked hard over the years to ensure the Centre serves multiple roles. It’s a place where small businesses can thrive, where families can enjoy a day out, and where nonprofit efforts like the Bash can reach their full potential. We’ve added entertainment spaces, health services, and community amenities—and we’re not done yet.
A Veteran-Focused Mission We Stand Behind
Veterans face some of the most significant challenges in our communities. Many return home with emotional wounds that go far deeper than most of us can understand. PTSD, anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation are all too common. That’s where organizations like Camp Hope step in—and why events like the Bigass Crawfish Bash are so critical.
The Bash doesn’t just raise funds. It raises awareness. It creates safe, welcoming environments where veterans feel supported and celebrated. Through outreach, onsite resources, and programs funded by the event, we’re able to make a real difference in their lives.
I’m grateful to be able to help give these heroes the recognition and resources they deserve—not just once a year, but in ways that ripple through the community long after the last crawfish is served.
Making Room for What Matters
People sometimes ask why we continue to donate such a large portion of Mainland City Centre each year for this event. The answer is simple: because it’s the right thing to do.
We’ve built JMK5 Holdings on a philosophy of doing well by doing good. When you invest in the community—not just financially, but with time, energy, and space—you see long-term returns that go beyond the balance sheet. You see pride restored. You see people come together. You see lives change.
And that makes every square foot worth it.
What Makes This Event So Special
Beyond the obvious—great food, great music, and great people—what really sets the Bigass Crawfish Bash apart is the energy. From the moment you walk through the gates, you feel something different. You feel connected. Everyone is there for the right reasons.
One of the most moving parts of the day is visiting the Veteran VIP Tent. It’s quiet in its own way—filled with stories, camaraderie, and deep gratitude. Veterans and their families can take a break from the crowds, enjoy some food and conversation, and be honored in a way that’s both simple and powerful.
For us, supporting that tent and everything it represents is non-negotiable. It’s one of the best things we do all year.
Why Philanthropy Is Built Into Our Business
From the very beginning, our goal with JMK5 Holdings wasn’t just to acquire real estate—it was to create opportunities. That applies to businesses, residents, visitors, and community groups alike.
Supporting events like the Bigass Crawfish Bash is just one piece of a much bigger puzzle. We’ve also worked with educational initiatives, youth programs, local chambers of commerce, and numerous nonprofits. Whether it’s hosting health fairs, job expos, or cultural festivals, we believe real estate can and should play a role in lifting up communities.
And when those partnerships directly benefit veterans? That’s when we know we’re doing something truly meaningful.
Gratitude and Purpose
At the end of the day, this partnership, is all about gratitude. Gratitude for the men and women who’ve served. Gratitude for the volunteers and teams who make the Bash possible. And gratitude for the community that shows up, year after year, to give back and have fun doing it.
We’re honored to be part of that legacy. And we look forward to many more years of service, support, and crawfish.
If you’ve never been to the Bigass Crawfish Bash, I encourage you to mark your calendar next spring. You won’t just be attending a great event—you’ll be part of something that’s making a real difference for veterans and our entire community.
And if you’ve been with us before? We’ll see you there again soon.
