It’s time to get the big roasters out for the next Chili Challenge to benefit local and area hospice patients.
The 16th annual event, which includes tasting and judging, is set for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21 at the American Legion, 1011 Kansas, Great Bend.
All proceeds are earmarked for Golden Belt Home Health & Hospice (GBHH&H) patients. The Bikers of Central Kansas (BOCK) and the American Legion Riders are co-sponsoring the event, which is open to the public.
Admission is $7 and desserts will be available for $1 each.
Pre-registration is required by Feb. 16, with a limit of 17 entrants; there is no entry fee.
Chefs should each bring a large roaster full of chili that is heated and ready to serve, if at all possible, BOCK President Danny Riggs said.
“Families who need hospice need our help,” Riggs said. “When my mother was sick with colon cancer we used hospice services. They really helped our family cope with our emotions and her death.
“Unfortunately,” Riggs added, “there are so many people that need hospice care. We just want to give back to hospice because they helped us so much. We are hoping for a big community turnout to support this very worthy cause.”
The best chili cook will win $100, and second and third places will receive plaques. The traveling trophy will be presented for the best presentation.
Donita Wolf, GBHH&H director, said she and her staff, as well as the families they serve appreciate BOCK’s efforts every year.
“It is difficult to explain how gratifying it is to have this type of ongoing support,” Wolf said. “Hospice patients and their families face extremely difficult situations and are comforted by community support.”
For more information about the Chili Challenge or to register, contract Lori Grauer Riggs, 620-639-2927, or Rae Ann Brack, 620-792-3934.
GBHH&H, a non-profit agency, is part of the St. Rose Health Center family. It has served central Kansans since 1979.
St. Rose specializes in primary care, and prevention and wellness. Services include Urgent Care, St. Rose Family Medicine, Great Bend Internists, imaging, infusion clinic, WellnessWorks, one-day surgical procedures and a comprehensive Specialty Clinic. It is co-owned by Hays Medical Center and Centura Health.