October 15, 2019
By: Tecia Puckett Pryor, Development Committee of Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County
Who makes the best chili in DeKalb County? Find out on Friday, October 18th when Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County hosts its 16th annual Chili Cook-off and Bake Sale.
Chili will be served from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on the DeKalb Courthouse Lawn. In case of bad weather, the event will be moved to the DeKalb County Complex. For a cash donation, eat all the chili you want and vote for your favorite chili and the best decorated booth. Ceramic chili mugs with the event’s logo are available for $20.00. Delicious baked goods prepared by members of local churches will also be for sale. Take out is also available.
“We are looking forward to another great day of good food and fellowship at the Chili Cook-off,” said Alex Woodward, president of Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County. “The proceeds from the Chili Cook-off will be used towards building in DeKalb County, so we hope everyone will come out and eat lots of chili for a great cause!”
There are 13 teams competing in the Chili Cook-off this year: Adoration Home Health, “25th Anniversary Chili” from Evins Mill, “Hot Checks Chili” from Wilson Bank and Trust; “The Courthouse Gang” from the DeKalb County Officials; “Boo Boo Crew” from the DeKalb County Health Department; “Tennessee Tradition” from DeKalb UT Extension; “First Choice Chili” from First Bank; “Indian Summer Chili” from Indian Creek Baptist Church; “Good Neighbors” from Jackie Smith State Farm; “MTNG-Take A Chance Chili?” from Middle Tennessee Natural Gas; “Powerhouse Chili” from Smithville Electric System; “Pick It or Ticket” from Smithville Police Department, and Smithville Rotary Club.
Last year, “The Courthouse Gang” from the DeKalb County Officials took Top Chili Honors, with the newcomer team from the Smithville Police Department placing second. Third place chili honors went to “Just Good Chili” from The Inn at Evins Mill. The Best Decorated Booth Award went to “Powerhouse Chili” from Smithville Electric System, with “DC Health Dept. Heartburn Defenders” from the DeKalb County Health Department coming in second place and “MTNG Clubhouse Chili” from Middle Tennessee Natural Gas placing third. The Golden Spoon Award went to “The Courthouse Gang” from the DeKalb County Officials, who raised an additional $225.00 for Habitat in cash donations at their booth. Rounding out the ten participating teams were “The Bean Counters” from Janney & Associates; “Hot Checks Chili” from Wilson Bank and Trust; “First Bank’s First Chili” from First Bank; and “Loan Rangers” from Liberty State Bank.
The 2018 event raised $4,400 for Habitat. A “Golden Spoon” award again be given for the team that collects the most extra cash for Habitat at their booth.
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.
For more information on the Chili Cook-off and Bake Sale, contact Tecia Puckett Pryor at 615-597-7370. To contact Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County, call 615-215-8181 or find them on Facebook @HFHDeKalb TN.