Things are starting to simmer for the 15th annual Golden Belt Home Health & Hospice Chili Cook-off to raise money for local and area hospice patients. The event is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 22 at the American Legion, 1011 Kansas, Great Bend.
The Bikers of Central Kansas (BOCK) sponsors the event.
Admission is $6 and desserts will be available for $1 each; all proceeds go directly to hospice patients. Tasting and judging are set for 5 to 6:30 p.m.
There is no entry fee for the cooks and pre-registration is open until the limit of 17 entries is reached; about 10 have registered so far. Chili cooks should bring a roaster-full of chili that is heated and ready to serve, if at all possible, BOCK President Danny Riggs said.
“We hope local and area residents can mark this popular event on their calendars,” Riggs said. “Golden Belt Home Health & Hospice does great things for families and we encourage everyone to show their support.
“I used their services for my mother and continue to help whenever I can,” Riggs added. “The hospice staff and nurses make things easier when a family is going through a difficult time.”
The best chili will win $100, and second and third places will receive plaques. The traveling trophy will be presented for the best presentation.
GBHH&H Director Donita Wolf announced that Sharon Smolik donated a homemade afghan to the cause; Smolik’s mother, Hilda Meisner, made it. Tickets for a chance at the afghan cost $5 each or three for $10.
“Sharon said she appreciates the care we gave her mother and wanted to help,” Wolf said. “This was such a nice gesture.
“I can’t tell you how gratifying it is to have this type of support every year,” Wolf added. “Our hospice patients and their families are facing extremely difficult situations and they are so thankful for support from BOCK and other community members.”
For more information about the chili cook-off or to register, contact Riggs by calling 620-786-1225 or any other BOCK member.
GBHH&H, a non-profit agency, is part of the St. Rose Ambulatory & Surgery Center family. It has served central Kansans since 1979.
St. Rose is part of Centura Health, which connects individuals and families across western Kansas and Colorado with more than 6,000 physicians, 15 hospitals, seven senior-living communities, physician practices and clinics, and home-care and hospice services.