WinterFest's Chili Challenge for Charity takes the chill off weekend fun, raises funds for local non-profit
(Talk of the Town photos by Jennifer Zartman Romano)
The cold weather really brought out the chili-craving appetites for the Fire & Ice WinterFest's Chili Challenge for Charity cookoff. Held in The Center at the corner of Market and Chauncey Streets Sunday afternoon, the event featured four competing recipes as well as a few extra recipes to make sure no one went home hungry. A large, steady crowd visited the event, above.
Competitors rallied support for their various charitable causes, hoping to make votes equate to a sizeable donation for the non-profit entity of their choice. The Bob and Linda Hoffman were there to raise funds for the Whitley County Humane Shelter. Kelley Sheiss aimed to raise funds to buy diapers for BABE of Whitley County. Kurt Hosler hope to raise funds for the Whitley County Council on Aging. James and Mahri Romano were hoping they might direct a donation to Faith Christian Academy, specifically to help the middle school students travel to the Henry Ford Museum in Michigan this spring.
In the end, when the votes were tallied, the Hoffmans took home the People's Choice award and half the profits from the event -- amounting to $350, which they agreed to match -- making a $700 donation to the Whitley County Humane Shelter. Additionally, the Hoffmans were recipients of the Whitley Arts Partnership's "Best Dressed Booth" award. At right, from left, Becky Walter of the Whitley County Arts Partnership presents the Best Dressed Booth award to Bob Hoffman.
Columbia City Mayor Ryan Daniel also selected a favorite chili for his award. The Mayor's Choice award went to James and Mahri Romano's recipe. At right, from left, is Mahri Romano, Mayor Ryan Daniel and James Romano.
This year's event was sponsored by Midwest America Federal Credit Union, The Investment Center at Crossroads Bank and Buchanan Automotive.