Vicksburg Kiwanis annual chili fundraiser brought in approximately $10,000 this year.

The fundraiser, held at the YMCA Friday, was sponsored by Vicksburg Kiwanis, Vicksburg High School Key Club and Porter’s Chapel Academy Key Club.

Vicksburg Kiwanis Chili Chairman Dan Ratliff said the event took a lot of teamwork.

“We sell between 1200 and 1500 plates,” he said. “The key club sponsors allow them to come help out.”

Ryan Collins, a sophomore at Porter’s Chapel, said the tickets cost $8 each.

“You sell your required tickets and you get to take the day off from school and come help with the fundraiser,” Collins said.

Collins said he spent most of the day taking turns stirring pots of chili.

Daylor Jewitt, a senior at Vicksburg High, said the chili smelled great and he had fun.

“We’re raising money for the Kiwanis club,” he said. “It all goes to a good cause.”

The money raised is used to award scholarships to members of the two Key Clubs.

Jewitt said he spent the day packaging plates and carrying them out to the car to be delivered.

“I do Key Club because I like to help people,” Jewitt said. “I like to see the smiles on their faces.”

Ratliff, a first year Kiwanian said he is already looking forward to next year’s chili fundraiser.

“It’s a great organization that supports a great cause,” he said.