Children’s chili cook-off set for end of Jan.

Published 12:04 am Saturday, January 17, 2015

The gut wrenching stories that accompany the children who find themselves at the Warren County Children’s Shelter could make a grown man cry, but thanks to a caring staff and a committed community, these children receive the love and care to move on in life.
The Sixth Annual Chili for Children Cook-Off is scheduled for Jan. 31, with proceeds from the event benefitting the shelter.
“The people in our community respond. I’ve never known a community that is so generous,” the program director for the children’s shelter Cindy McCarley said.
“Last year, $11,000 was raised from the cook-off,” Deloris Evans said.
Evans is the station manager for The Radio People and the primary contact for the fundraiser, which is sponsored by Lady Luck Casino.
The cost to enter the cook-off is $35 for individuals and $50 for corporations. Entry fees cover four team members, and $5 for each additional team member.
The chili cook-off has grown each year, Evans said.
“The first year there were six to 10 teams that participated, and last year we had 30 teams. We are hoping for 30 or more teams this year,” she said.
The first place winning recipe will receive $150 and a trophy, second $75 and a trophy and third a trophy.
“There will also be an award for the best decorated booth and a People’s Choice Award,” Evans said.
Set up will begin at 7 a.m. at the grassy area beside Lady Luck Casino arena, and judging will begin at noon.
Entrants are asked to prepare at least five gallons of chili because there will be lots of people who will want to taste all of the wonderful chili recipes, Evans said.
Admission is $5 and free for children under 10 and includes sample cups, entertainment by the Patrick Smith Band and children’s activities.
“The Vicksburg Car Cruisers will be on-site with some of their vehicles, and we will also have a raffle,” Evans said.
Raffle tickets for an IPad Air 2 are $5 and will be available at the casino, 1350 Warrenton Road, the radio station, 900 Belmont St. and at the event. A 47” flat screen TV will also be raffled, and tickets are $2 available the day of the event.
“The drawings will be at 2:30 p.m., and you do not have to be present to win,” Evans said.
For a complete list of rules and entry forms, call 636-2340 or visit www.facebook.com/chili4children.

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About Terri Cowart Frazier

Terri Frazier was born in Cleveland. Shortly afterward, the family moved to Vicksburg. She is a part-time reporter at The Vicksburg Post and is the editor of the Vicksburg Living Magazine, which has been awarded First Place by the Mississippi Press Association. She has also been the recipient of a First Place award in the MPA’s Better Newspaper Contest’s editorial division for the “Best Feature Story.”

Terri graduated from Warren Central High School and Mississippi State University where she received a bachelor’s degree in communications with an emphasis in public relations.

Prior to coming to work at The Post a little more than 10 years ago, she did some freelancing at the Jackson Free Press. But for most of her life, she enjoyed being a full-time stay at home mom.

Terri is a member of the Crawford Street United Methodist Church. She is a lifetime member of the Vicksburg Junior Auxiliary and is a past member of the Sampler Antique Club and Town and Country Garden Club. She is married to Dr. Walter Frazier.

“From staying informed with local governmental issues to hearing the stories of its people, a hometown newspaper is vital to a community. I have felt privileged to be part of a dedicated team at The Post throughout my tenure and hope that with theirs and with local support, I will be able to continue to grow and hone in on my skills as I help share the stories in Vicksburg. When asked what I like most about my job, my answer is always ‘the people.’

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