A great crowd turned out on Friday to enjoy chili and delicious baked goods at Habitat for Humanity’s Sixth Annual Chili Cook-off and Bake Sale, which was held at the 303 Building on the square. “The Courthouse Gang” from the DeKalb County Officials won the “Best Chili” award, and “Monster Mash” from the DeKalb County Board of Education followed in second place. In the decorating contest, the “Red Hot Chili Papers” from The Smithville Review won first place honors.
According to Tom Janney, President of the local Habitat Board of Directors, the event raised approximately $3,500.00, which will be used toward the building of the third Habitat house in DeKalb County. “This was possibly the best turnout we have had for the Chili Cook-off,” said Janney. “We appreciate all the chili teams for their hard work and dedication to this event and to everyone who brought the delicious baked goods. This is a great community event and a great help to Habitat,” Janney added.
Twelve teams participated in the event, including the “Sligo Canvas Shop Chili Toppers” from Sligo Canvas Shop, “Liberty Bell Peppers” from Liberty State Bank, “BTU Chili – Best Tasting Utility Chili” from Middle Tennessee Natural Gas, the “Red Hot Chili Papers” from The Smithville Review, “The Courthouse Gang” from the DeKalb County Officials, “Monster Mash” from the DeKalb County Board of Education; “Hot Checks Chili” from DeKalb Community Bank; “Edgar Evins Chili Peppers” from Edgar Evins State Park; “The Bean Counters” from Tom Janney, CPA and Associates; “The Risk Takers” from Jackie Smith State Farm Insurance, The Inn at Evins Mill, and Allen’s Chapel Methodist Church.
Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County is a locally run affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing organization. Habitat for Humanity builds and renovates houses in partnership with volunteers and families in need, regardless of their ethnic or religious background. The houses then are sold to those in need at no profit and with no interest charged. To contact Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County, please call 215-8181.