Chili Cook Off Heats Up Fundraising Efforts for Local Non-Profit

Hands of Hope Food Pantry successfully hosted its annual Chili Cook Off and Silent Auction on Saturday, November 16, at the First Baptist Church of Portland. The event attracted a large crowd and raised a total of $5,771, showcasing the community’s support for the pantry’s mission.

Key Takeaways

• Total Funds Raised: $5,771
• Silent Auction Contribution: $3,705
• Number of Chili Entries: 20
• Grand Prize Winner: Karen Cole
• People’s Choice Winners: Andy Yant (1st), Amy Davenport (2nd), Sandra Guffey (3rd)

The event was not only a fundraiser but also a chance for community members to come together in a fun and engaging environment. Julie Yant, President of the Board, emphasized the importance of community interaction, stating that the event was a success due to the collaboration of pantry volunteers, board members, and local residents.

Event Highlights

The Chili Cook Off featured 20 entries, with a panel of judges that included:

1. Kim Meadows – Assistant Principal, Portland High School
2. Mark Rice – Owner, Big Poppa Corn
3. Mike Callis – Mayor of Portland

The judges sampled the chili without knowing the names of the participants, ensuring an unbiased evaluation. The competition was fierce, but ultimately, Karen Cole, the Director of Hands of Hope, took home the Judges Choice Grand Prize. In a generous gesture, she donated her $100 prize back to the pantry, further supporting its mission.

In addition to the Judges Choice award, the event included a People’s Choice contest where attendees voted for their favorite chili by making monetary donations. The winners of the People’s Choice contest were:

• 1st Place: Andy Yant
• 2nd Place: Amy Davenport
• 3rd Place: Sandra Guffey

Community Impact

Hands of Hope Food Pantry operates as a free grocery store, assisting 150 to 180 families each week. The funds raised during the Chili Cook Off will help sustain the pantry’s operations and support its mission to provide food assistance to those in need.

Yant expressed gratitude for the overwhelming community support, noting that the event’s success was a testament to the collaborative spirit of the volunteers and attendees. The decision to move the event to the First Baptist Church gym allowed for a larger turnout and more silent auction items, contributing to the overall success of the fundraiser.

Conclusion

The annual Chili Cook Off and Silent Auction not only raised significant funds for Hands of Hope Food Pantry but also fostered a sense of community among attendees. As the pantry continues to serve families in need, events like this play a crucial role in ensuring its sustainability and outreach efforts.

Sources

• Non-profit raises funds with chili cook off – Main Street Media of Tennessee, Main Street Media of Tennessee.
• Non-profit raises funds with chili cook off – Main Street Media of Tennessee, Main Street Media of Tennessee.