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.